Schinz, Musicians and Bajadere Dancers from Pondicherry, India, 1845, Print

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Antique print titled 'Bajaderen von Pondichery, Bajadères de Pondichery'. This print depicts musicians from Pondicherry, India. Europeans referred to exotic … Read more Antique print titled 'Bajaderen von Pondichery, Bajadères de Pondichery'. This print depicts musicians from Pondicherry, India. Europeans referred to exotic Indian dancers as Bajaderes (French bayadère, from Port. bailadeira – female dancer, nomen agentis from bailar – to dance, from late Latin ballare). Unlike in the native Indian culture, no strict distinction was made between Devadasis (worshippers, temple dancers who were only allowed to perform at church services) and Nautch dancers (who danced for evening, secular entertainment). Bayaderes perform in groups of up to twelve girls at private festivities, accompanied by musicians. Their performances resemble pantomimes and deal with themes from the area of ??love life and the human emotional world. Dancers' clothing and shawls were also called 'Bajaderes' in Europe. Originates from 'Naturgeschichte und Abbildungen des Menschen der verschiedenen Rassen und Stamme nach den neuesten Entdeckungen und vorzuglichsten Originalien.', by Heinrich Rudolf Schinz. Artists and Engravers: Heinrich Rudolf Schinz (1777-1861) was a Swiss physician and naturalist. Schinz was born at Zurich and studied medicine at Würzburg and Jena, returning to Zurich in 1798 to practice. In 1804 he became a teacher at the medical institute, and in 1833 he became extraordinary professor of natural history at the university of Zurich. See less