Portret van een onbekende Lepcha vrouw uit Sikkim before 1868

This black and white portrait photograph, taken by Benjamin Simpson before 1868, depicts an unnamed Lepcha woman from Sikkim. The image is a classic example of 19th-century photographic portraiture focusing on the subject's face and clothing. The woman appears to be wearing traditional garments and is looking downwards, perhaps reflecting the socio-cultural norms of the time. This photograph provides a glimpse into the lives of indigenous communities in Sikkim, capturing their everyday lives and traditional attire. The image's historical significance lies in its documentation of Lepcha culture during the 19th century, a time of significant social and political change in the region.