Bayadere, from National Dances (N225, Type 2) issued by Kinney Bros. 1889

This small chromolithograph of a 'Bayadere' dancer, was produced by Kinney Brothers Tobacco Company as part of a series of collectible cards included in cigarette packs. The card reflects the late 19th-century Western fascination with exoticism, depicting a romanticized and Orientalist vision of Indian dancers. These images often exoticized and misrepresented non-Western cultures, catering to a Western audience's desires and fantasies. The dancers, or 'bayadères,' were portrayed as sensual and mysterious figures, reinforcing stereotypes that were far removed from the complex realities of their lives and traditions. Although these cards were ostensibly created for mass consumption and entertainment, they also served to perpetuate and solidify colonial power dynamics through the visual consumption of the 'other.' This image offers a glimpse into the cultural biases of the time, inviting us to reflect on how these historical representations continue to influence our understanding of cultural identity today.