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Swahili Collection

"Exploring the Rich Heritage of Swahili: A Glimpse into African Native People" Step back in time with these captivating images from 1897

Background imageSwahili Collection: 'La rue commercante de Pangani; Afrique Australe, 1914. Creator: Unknown

'La rue commercante de Pangani; Afrique Australe, 1914. Creator: Unknown
'La rue commercante de Pangani; Afrique Australe, 1914. From "Grande Geographie Bong Illustree", 1914

Background imageSwahili Collection: 'Types de Souahelis; Afrique Australe, 1914. Creator: Unknown

'Types de Souahelis; Afrique Australe, 1914. Creator: Unknown
'Types de Souahelis; Afrique Australe, 1914. From "Grande Geographie Bong Illustree", 1914

Background imageSwahili Collection: A Beauty Parlor on Zanzibar, Africa - Swahili women take care of their hair, c1930s

A Beauty Parlor on Zanzibar, Africa - Swahili women take care of their hair, c1930s
A Beauty Parlor in the Island of Zanzibar, Africa - the Swahili Women Take Great Pains with Their Hair, c1930s. From " Tour of the World". [Keystone View Company, Meadville, Pa

Background imageSwahili Collection: Swahili woman (gelatin silver print)

Swahili woman (gelatin silver print)
622765 Swahili woman (gelatin silver print) by Pereira, R. V. (fl. early 1900s); 20.7x15.2 cm; Private Collection; (add.info)

Background imageSwahili Collection: Swahili woman (gelatin silver print)

Swahili woman (gelatin silver print)
622766 Swahili woman (gelatin silver print) by Pereira, R. V. (fl. early 1900s); 20.5x15.7 cm; Private Collection; (add.info.: The Swahili people are a Bantu ethnic group from East Africa)

Background imageSwahili Collection: Chair (Kiti Cha Enzi), Kenya, 19th century. Creator: Unknown

Chair (Kiti Cha Enzi), Kenya, 19th century. Creator: Unknown
Chair (Kiti Cha Enzi), Kenya, 19th century

Background imageSwahili Collection: Swahili Women with a Fetish, Zanzibar (colour litho)

Swahili Women with a Fetish, Zanzibar (colour litho)
2799240 Swahili Women with a Fetish, Zanzibar (colour litho) by English School, (20th century); Private Collection; (add.info.: Swahili Women with a Fetish, Zanzibar)

Background imageSwahili Collection: Swahili women, Zanzibar island, Tanzania, East Africa

Swahili women, Zanzibar island, Tanzania, East Africa
Two Swahili women of Zanzibar island, Tanzania (then part of the British Empire), East Africa. One is helping the other with her hair. Date: 1922

Background imageSwahili Collection: Swahili women dressing each others hair, East Africa

Swahili women dressing each others hair, East Africa
Swahili women of East Africa (then part of the British Empire), dressing each others hair. Date: 1922

Background imageSwahili Collection: Swahili women and children, East Africa

Swahili women and children, East Africa
Two young Swahili women and children of East Africa (then part of the British Empire). Date: 1922

Background imageSwahili Collection: Swahili woman, Zanzibar peninsula, Tanzania, East Africa

Swahili woman, Zanzibar peninsula, Tanzania, East Africa
Young Swahili woman of the Zanzibar peninsula, Tanzania (then part of the British Empire), East Africa. A convert from Islam to Christianity. Date: 1922

Background imageSwahili Collection: Peoples of Africa (colour litho)

Peoples of Africa (colour litho)
3630311 Peoples of Africa (colour litho) by German School, (19th century); Private Collection; (add.info.: Peoples of Africa)

Background imageSwahili Collection: African Races (colour litho)

African Races (colour litho)
5233436 African Races (colour litho) by European School, (19th century); Private Collection; (add.info.: African Races.); Look and Learn / Elgar Collection

Background imageSwahili Collection: Swahili women with a fetish, Zanzibar

Swahili women with a fetish, Zanzibar. A print from Customs of the World, Volume II Hutchinson and Co, Paternoster Row, London

Background imageSwahili Collection: African Native People, lithograph, published in 1897

African Native People, lithograph, published in 1897
African Native People: 1 - 2) Mpongwe people from Gabun; 3) Arab from Morocco; 4) Arab from the southern Tunisia; 5) Fellah; 6 - 7) Copts; 8) Koto from Niger; 9) Fang people; 10) Berber (Dachelaner)

Background imageSwahili Collection: Swahili People of Tanzania

Swahili People of Tanzania
Group of Swahili people - a Bantu ethnic group and culture found in East Africa. This group come from Tanzania (formerly German East Africa). Date: circa 1910s

Background imageSwahili Collection: GAFR2A-00023

GAFR2A-00023
Cattle farm of the Dinka, a Swahili-speaking people in Africa, 1800s. Hand-colored woodcut of a 19th-century illustration

Background imageSwahili Collection: Zanzibar - Swahili Girl in a spotty hat and outfit

Zanzibar - Swahili Girl in a spotty hat and outfit Date: 1911

Background imageSwahili Collection: Picture No. 10895838

Picture No. 10895838
Sykes / White-throated / Samango Monkey - Gede Ruins (abandoned Swahili town) (Cercopithecus albogularis) Date:

Background imageSwahili Collection: Kenya - Traditional style thatched house on waterfront Lamu, Kenya

Kenya - Traditional style thatched house on waterfront Lamu, Kenya
MAB-117 Kenya - Traditional style thatched house on waterfront Lamu, Kenya Mark Boulton contact details: prints@ardea.com tel: +44 (0) 20 8318 1401

Background imageSwahili Collection: Africa. Kenya. Ruins at Gedi, an ancient Swahili city near Mombasa

Africa. Kenya. Ruins at Gedi, an ancient Swahili city near Mombasa


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"Exploring the Rich Heritage of Swahili: A Glimpse into African Native People" Step back in time with these captivating images from 1897, showcasing the vibrant culture and people of Swahili. This lithograph titled "Capture of a Slave Dow on the East Coast of Africa" transports us to an era when Swahili was a bustling hub of trade and commerce. Intriguingly, we also get a glimpse into the lives women through gelatin silver prints. The first image portrays a poised Swahili woman, her traditional attire reflecting her cultural pride. Another print captures two women dressing each other's hair, highlighting their strong bond and sense of community. The enchanting chair known as "Kiti Cha Enzi, " originating from 19th century Kenya, stands as a testament to the exquisite craftsmanship found within this region. Its intricate design showcases both beauty and functionality—a true reflection artistry. Moving towards Zanzibar island in Tanzania, we encounter more facets life. A color lithograph reveals fascinating rituals as it depicts "Swahili Women with a Fetish. " These spiritual practices were deeply rooted in their beliefs and customs. As we delve deeper into this diverse society, another photograph introduces us to mothers adorned with colorful garments alongside their children—an endearing portrayal that reflects familial love amidst daily life struggles. Lastly, we witness yet another striking image capturing the essence of a modern-day Swahili woman on the Zanzibar peninsula. Her gracefulness echoes centuries-old traditions while embracing contemporary influences—a true representation of how cultures evolve over time. These remarkable lithographs provide glimpses into not only the rich history but also celebrate the resilience and beauty embodied by the people who call themselves Swahilis. Let us honor their legacy by cherishing these snapshots that capture moments frozen in time—moments that remind us of the vibrant tapestry that is Africa.