Vrouwen op straat in Tlemcen, Algerije before 1893

This photograph by Jules Gervais-Courtellemont captures women in Tlemcen, Algeria. The women are shrouded in white fabric, an enduring symbol deeply woven into the cultural and religious identity of the region. These shrouds evoke the draped figures of antiquity. Consider the veiled statues of goddesses in ancient Greece. This symbol transcends time, reappearing in different guises across centuries. The shroud as a symbol of modesty and protection, but also of mystery and hidden identity. The collective memory of such iconic figures, passed down through generations, subtly shapes our perception. The viewer is drawn into the photograph's emotional undercurrents, sensing the powerful forces of tradition. This photograph highlights the cyclical nature of symbols, which resurface, evolve, and take on new meanings across history.