A Xhosa (possibly Gonaqua) chieftan’s wife with an infant on her back 1777

This watercolor painting by Robert Jacob Gordon, created in 1777, depicts a Xhosa woman with an infant on her back. The woman is adorned in traditional Xhosa clothing and jewelry, including a beaded necklace and a decorative headpiece. Gordon, a British military officer and explorer, documented the indigenous people of Southern Africa through his detailed drawings and watercolors. This piece offers a glimpse into the daily lives and attire of Xhosa women in the 18th century, providing valuable insights into their culture and traditions.