The nobles and holy men before 1895

This photograph, titled 'The nobles and holy men' was created by Frederick Saint John Gore. Although the date is unknown, we can assume that it was made during his lifetime, between 1857 and 1903. Photographs like this offer a glimpse into the colonial gaze of the late 19th century. In capturing this gathering, Gore frames his subjects within existing power structures, reinforcing Western perceptions of the 'exotic' and 'other.' We see a group of men, identified as nobles and holy men, their postures and attire marking them as distinct from the Western viewer. What does it mean to witness a moment through the lens of someone whose perspective is inherently shaped by colonial biases? What stories remain untold, obscured by this singular viewpoint? This photograph invites us to critically reflect on the power dynamics inherent in the act of representation and the enduring legacies of colonialism.