Twee portretten van een vrouw uit Quiçama before 1886

José Augusto da Cunha Moraes created these two portraits of a woman from Quiçama in the late 19th or early 20th century. The portraits offer a glimpse into the visual codes of the time, particularly within colonial contexts. Created during a period of increased European interest in Africa, the photograph reflects both a desire to document and classify different cultures. The woman's adornments -- her jewelry and hairstyle -- carry cultural significance. Moraes created this image during a time of evolving institutional practices of anthropological study. The image provides a visual record, but it also reflects the power dynamics inherent in colonial encounters. It invites us to question the role of photography in shaping perceptions of African identity and culture. Through careful historical research, including examining colonial archives and anthropological studies, we can better understand the complex social and institutional contexts in which this image was made and viewed.