Congo, from the Races of Mankind series (T181) issued by Abdul Cigarettes 1881

This small print, Congo, from the Races of Mankind series, was produced by Abdul Cigarettes. The subject wears a striking headdress, a marker of status and identity, adorned with feathers and beads. This elaborate adornment echoes across cultures and centuries. Think of ancient Egyptian pharaohs, whose headdresses symbolized divine power. Or consider the feathered serpent deity Quetzalcoatl in Mesoamerican art, whose plumes represent life and fertility. Here, the feathers resonate with a primal connection to nature, signaling virility and strength. The necklace, too, speaks of status, yet also evokes associations of adornment and display linked to colonialist tropes. These objects trigger complex emotions. As we gaze, we confront not just the image of a person but a network of symbols, deeply embedded in our collective consciousness, a powerful force engaging viewers on a deep, subconscious level. The headdress has been a recurring motif, symbolizing power, divinity, and identity. Its presence here reminds us of the cyclical, non-linear progression of symbols, as they resurface, evolve, and take on new meanings throughout history.