Portret van Awarahena 1883 - 1884

"Portret van Awarahena" is a portrait photograph of a young indigenous girl from Suriname, taken by Dutch photographer Friedrich Carel Hisgen between 1883 and 1884. This portrait, now part of the Rijksmuseum collection, is a striking example of 19th-century anthropological photography, focusing on capturing the physical characteristics of different ethnic groups. The image's composition, with the subject facing the viewer directly, emphasizes Awarahena's features and creates a sense of intimacy. This photograph, while aesthetically simple, holds historical significance, offering a glimpse into the lives of indigenous populations in Suriname during the colonial era.