Photo courtesy of Smithsonian's Arthur M. Sackler Gallery
Colin Murray for Bourne & Shepherd, ca. 1880s Albumen print, 22.2 x 29.2 cm Collection of Gloria Katz and Willard Huyck, 2011.02.02.0004
In the 19th century, photographs circulated exoticized images of yogis across the globe. The horizontal body markings on the bald "yogi" seated at right is studio make-up that bears no relationship to any Hindu tradition; the painted jungle backdrop, potted plants, and grass mats are equally props assembled to satisfy a transnational fascination with views of foreign lands and people.
