Untitled

More Information

Photographic portraiture was still a novelty in Bamako, the capital of the West African country of Mali, when Seydou Keïta operated a bustling photography studio there in the 1950s and 1960s. As a commercial portrait photographer, Keïta’s images were intended to enhance as well as document his subjects. This woman’s billowing gown and flamboyant jewelry, which may have been borrowed for the occasion, reflect her desire to be seen as elegant and cosmopolitan. Keïta related that this reclining position was popular only among his female clients; its hint of sensuality was deemed inappropriate for Malian men.

Keywords

Patterned
Female
Black and White
Africa
Gelatin Silver