Caricatured Burmese figure, 1/8 Rupee, from the series Coins of All Nations (N72, variation 2) for Duke brand cigarettes 1889

This color lithograph of a Burmese figure from W. Duke, Sons & Co., showcases a figure holding a tray of fruit, alongside a coin bearing a peacock. The peacock, prominently displayed on the coin, is a symbol with ancient roots. In many cultures, including those of Asia, it represents royalty, beauty, and immortality. Its resplendent plumage has captivated artists and cultures for millennia, from the peacock feathers adorning Hindu deities to their presence in European heraldry. However, in this context, the peacock transforms into a signifier of colonial interest. Here, its symbolic weight shifts, becoming a marker of exoticism. The way the figure is portrayed reflects a broader cultural phenomenon: the colonial gaze. This brings to mind similar instances, across time and cultures, where the 'exotic other' is represented through a lens of caricature. It's a poignant reminder of how symbols evolve, adapting to new cultural and historical contexts, carrying within them the imprints of power dynamics and collective memory.