PORTFOLIO
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FIG. 5 (right): Rudolf or
Helene Oldenburg,
Tanzmasken; Bamum (Masked
Dancer; Bamum), 1907–1913.
Silver gelatin print, 11.5 x 16.5 cm.
Weltmuseum Wien, Fotosammlung, inv. VF
17490.
FIGS. 3a and b (left and below
left): Rudolf Oldenburg,
Sierra Leone Mädchen in
Beschneidungstracht; Conakry
(Sierra Leone Girl in Circumcision
Garb; Conakry), 1902–1903.
Silver gelatin prints, 11 x 15.8 cm.
Weltmuseum Wien, Fotosammlung, invd. VF
15947, VF 15948.
The attire of this girl consists of a cotton
halter top, a wrapped skirt, and sashes of
white cotton cloth tied around her body.
This clothing identifi es her as a Susu, who
inhabited an area around the border between
Guinea and Sierra Leone. It seems Oldenburg
had little empathy for the victims of female
circumcision, since it appears he was more
intent upon revealing his subject’s bosom
than revealing her plight.
FIG. 4 (below): Rudolf Oldenburg,
Conakry – Mayalan. Costume des
jeunes Filles aprés la circoncision
(Conakry – Mayalan. Young Girl’s
Post-Circumcision Outfi t), 1903.
Photo postcard.
Weltmuseum Wien, Fotosammlung, inv. VP
563.
The same girl is seen on two Oldenburg
photos (fi gs. 3a and b). Her fi rst name is
given here, consistent with the inclusion
of the fi rst names of girls seen on other
postcards photographed prior to and after
their initiation into the Sande society. Though
not credited, Oldenburg was probably the
photographer for these as well.13