Portret van een onbekende Naga man uit Cachar before 1868

This photograph of an unknown Naga man from Cachar was taken by Benjamin Simpson, likely in the late 19th century. It exists as part of a curated album, hinting at the institutional context of its creation and reception. Simpson worked in British India during a time of intense colonial expansion and scientific exploration. Photography played a crucial role in documenting and classifying the diverse populations encountered by the British. This image, with its focus on the man's physical features and adornments, reflects the ethnographic interests of the period. The label "Hill Naga, Maragoung Tribe" reveals the urge to categorize and understand different groups within the Naga community. These images circulated within scientific and administrative circles, reinforcing the power dynamics of the colonial era. They were used both to understand and to govern the people of India. To fully understand this photograph, we can delve into the archives of the British Library and other colonial institutions. By exploring travel writing, administrative reports, and anthropological studies, we can better grasp the complex interplay between art, science, and empire.