'Pilger aus Sambas (Borneo)'. Photographer: Christiaan Snouck Hurgronje

Content

Genre/Subject Matter:

This full-length portrait shows seven men, described as pilgrims from the Sultanate of Sambas, in modern day Indonesia on the island of Borneo.

Six of the men squat face forward, looking towards the camera. The man standing behind them, left of centre is described as the wakeel (representative) of the sheikh.

From right to left the men wear: a white thawb and patterned turban; a white outer robe over a dark shirt, a ring on the little finger of his right hand, and a dark, patterned turban; a light-coloured outer robe over a button-up shirt, a patterned turban and rings on the little finger of each hand; a light-coloured button-up thawb , and a mid-coloured turban; a dark coloured waistcoat with embroidered lapels, a white shirt, mid-coloured trousers, rings on the little finger of each hand and a light-coloured turban; white thawb , mid-coloured trousers and dark-coloured turban. The standing man wears a white outer robe over a dark-coloured, striped waistcoast and a white thawb with a light-coloured turban.

The men are photographed in a courtyard-like space with plants – some in wide wooden pots – foliage and a window, fronted by bars, visible in the background.

The negative has had hand-work applied, causing it to take on a soft-shaded paint-like quality in places.

Inscriptions:

Printed above image, in ink:

XXVIII

Printed beneath image, in ink:

‘Pilger aus Sambas (Borneo) hinter den Pilgern steht der Wakil Elected representative or attorney, acting in legal matters such as contracting marriage, inheritance, or business; a high-ranking legal official; could also refer to a custodian or administrator. (Bevollmächtigte) des Schēchs.’

A circular 'British Museum' blind stamp is located in the lower left corner.

Extent and format

1 collotype print

It is part of

‘Bilder-Atlas zu Mekka’, by Christiaan Snouck Hurgronje

138 images

Ref: 1781.b.6

Physical characteristics

Dimensions:

187 x 240 mm

Format:

1 collotype print

Condition:

The print is in good condition.

Foliation:

‘XXVIII’

Written in

German in Latin script

Type

Photograph

Access & Reference

Original held at

British Library: India Office The department of the British Government to which the Government of India reported between 1858 and 1947. The successor to the Court of Directors. Records and Private Papers Documents collected in a private capacity.

Access conditions

Unrestricted

Archive reference

1781.b.6/63

History of this record

Date(s)

1888 (CE, Gregorian)

Subjects

Portrait photography

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Cite this record in your research

'Pilger aus Sambas (Borneo)'. Photographer: Christiaan Snouck Hurgronje, British Library: India Office Records and Private Papers, 1781.b.6/63, in Qatar Digital Library <https://www.qdl.qa/archive/81055/vdc_100023619120.0x000033> [accessed 18 February 2025]

Link to this record

https://www.qdl.qa/en/archive/81055/vdc_100023619120.0x000033

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