Drie Newar mannen uit Nepal zittend op de grond before 1868

This is "Drie Newar mannen uit Nepal zittend op de grond," a photograph taken by Benjamin Simpson, though we don't know precisely when. In this captivating image, three Newar men from Nepal are seated on the ground, surrounded by everyday objects. While photography itself was relatively new at this time, the woven baskets and vessels seen here represent a much older kind of labor. Notice the textures and forms achieved through handcraft, indicative of specific skilled traditions passed down through generations. Consider how the labor-intensive creation of these items contrasts with the relatively quick capture of this photographic image. What value is placed on traditional craftsmanship versus industrialized processes, and who benefits from these modes of production? Ultimately, this photograph invites us to contemplate the cultural and economic implications embedded in both its subject matter and the means of its creation.