Rare & Interesting c. 1870s Photograph - Zulu Man & Woman Pictured Outside

A rare and interesting albumen photograph c. 1870s depicting a Zulu man wearing the isicoco head-ring and (apparently) his wife. The photograph is particularly unusual for the time in that it is taken outside, rather than in the photographer’s studio, which gives it a natural look uncommon in most studies of the period, as is the emphasis on the female figure rather than the man. The man nonetheless is carrying his weapons – a shield, spear and knobkerrie – and wearing a headdress of feathers clipped into a ball. Image size is 14 x 11 cms, mounted on a page from an old album. Very clear, unfaded image with few marks.