Zulu, from Types of Nationalities (N240) issued by Kinney Bros. 1890

This is a trade card titled "Zulu," from the "Types of Nationalities" series, printed by Kinney Brothers Tobacco Company in the late 19th century. It presents a portrait of a Zulu man, labeled as a 'witch doctor,' smoking a pipe, with a derogatory poem below. The image is an example of the pseudo-scientific racism prevalent during the height of European colonialism. The ‘Types of Nationalities’ series was part of a broader cultural project to classify and rank different peoples, justifying imperial domination. The poem reinforces racist stereotypes, portraying the Zulu man as savage. Such images served as propaganda for Western expansion, dehumanizing colonized people and normalizing exploitation. Understanding this card requires examining the historical context of its production, including the rise of scientific racism and the economic interests of companies like Kinney Brothers. Examining historical archives, company records, and anthropological studies can further illuminate the social and institutional forces behind such imagery. By understanding the historical context, we can unpack the power dynamics embedded within this seemingly innocuous trade card.