Portret van Johan Ali-Wa-Ja 1883 - 1884

This black and white photograph, "Portret van Johan Ali-Wa-Ja" by Friedrich Carel Hisgen, is a portrait of Johan Ali-Wa-Ja, a member of the native population of Suriname. Taken between 1883 and 1884, the portrait showcases a young, bare-chested man with a solemn expression and a direct gaze. It is now part of the collection at the Rijksmuseum, offering a glimpse into the diverse ethnicities of the Dutch colonial era. The photograph's straightforward composition and detailed depiction of the subject highlight the artist's interest in anthropological observation and documentation.