Geborduurd zadel uit Tunesië tentoongesteld op de Great Exhibition of the Works of Industry of All Nations van 1851 in Londen 1851

Hugh Owen created this photograph of a Tunisian embroidered saddle for the Great Exhibition of 1851 in London. The exhibition, a celebration of industrial progress, took place against a backdrop of British colonial expansion and complex cultural exchange. This photograph provides insight into how non-Western cultures were perceived and presented within a Victorian context. The saddle itself, crafted with intricate embroidery, speaks to the artistry and craftsmanship present in Tunisian culture. Meanwhile, its display at the Great Exhibition highlights the dynamics of power and representation inherent in colonial encounters. Consider how the saddle was extracted from its original cultural context and presented as an object of curiosity or exoticism for a Western audience. This act of display reflects the societal hierarchies and imperial ambitions that shaped the era. It raises questions about the voices that are amplified and those that are silenced in historical narratives. It also invites us to reflect on the emotional impact of cultural appropriation and misrepresentation, and on the importance of acknowledging the full complexity of historical exchanges.