After Karl Martin, Suriname Indigenous People & Tribal Objects, Lithographs, 1888, Set of 3

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Suriname indigenous people & tribal objects ethnographic lithographs 1888 this rare and highly evocative three-plate ethnographic set was published in … Read more Suriname indigenous people & tribal objects ethnographic lithographs 1888 this rare and highly evocative three-plate ethnographic set was published in 1888 as part of karl martin’s important scientific work bericht über eine reise nach niederländisch west-indien, issued by the renowned academic publisher e. J. Brill in leiden. Karl martin, professor of geology at the university of leiden, documented not only the geological structure of the dutch west indies and dutch guiana, but also produced one of the most important late 19th-century visual records of indigenous life, material culture, and ceremonial traditions in suriname. The first plate depicts three indigenous surinamese individuals shown in full figure, presented with ceremonial weaponry and traditional adornments. Their posture, facial features, necklaces, and garments are rendered with striking realism, reflecting the ethnographic focus of the expedition. The scene provides a rare visual record of traditional identity, status, and tribal roles during the colonial period. More research needed but they are most likely from the following tribes: trio (tiriyó) – interior rainforest, upper tapanahoni & sipaliwini wayana – southern border region with french guiana kali'na (carib) – coastal and lower river areas lokono (arawak) – coastal and riverine settlements the second plate presents a series of finely detailed portrait studies showing individual head adornments, necklaces, and body ornamentation. These close studies emphasize the diversity of ceremonial dress and personal decoration. The careful attention to hairstyle, facial expression, and jewelry reflects the scientific aim of documenting cultural identity rather than producing decorative fantasy. The third plate illustrates a remarkable selection of indigenous tribal objects and ritual artifacts, including paddles, ornaments, carved containers, vessels, baskets, tools, musical instruments, and ceremonial implements. Each object is carefully isolated and numbered for academic reference. This plate provides a rare and comprehensive visual inventory of surinamese material culture at the height of 19th-century colonial-era exploration. Executed in finely detailed lithography with subtle hand tinting in warm sepia and golden tones, these plates balance scientific documentation with strong visual appeal. Together, they form a complete and highly desirable ethnographic ensemble representing people, identity, and objects within one cohesive historical context. Historically, this set belongs to the most important dutch visual documentation of suriname during the late 19th century. It reflects the era in which european scientific expeditions sought to catalogue human cultures alongside geography, geology, and natural history. Today, original ethnographic plates from martin’s suriname work are scarce and increasingly sought after by collectors of dutch colonial history, indigenous studies, museum-grade ethnography, and caribbean–guiana exploration material. This three-sheet set displays beautifully as a powerful gallery grouping and also pairs exceptionally well with martin’s suriname landscapes, tafra island view, and abc islands geological maps as part of a cohesive dutch west indies and guiana exploration wall series. Condition report all three original lithographs are in very good antique condition. Even overall age toning consistent with late 19th-century paper. Minor scattered foxing, mainly confined to the outer margins. Images remain clean and well preserved with strong clarity. No losses, no restorations, and no structural damage. Original plate margins intact. Framing tips this set frames beautifully as a matching triptych in dark walnut, black lacquer, or antique gold frames with soft ivory or warm sand-tone museum mats. For a contemporary interior, the sheets can be floated in deep shadow-box frames to reveal the full paper edges. Especially effective in libraries, museum-style interiors, studies, and curated exploration-themed wall displays. Technique: lithograph maker: karl martin, leiden, 1888 seo keyword block suriname ethnographic print indigenous suriname lithograph dutch guiana anthropology suriname tribal artifacts colonial ethnography print karl martin leiden e j brill leiden 19th century suriname indigenous caribbean guiana suriname ceremonial objects tribal portrait lithograph museum ethnographic wall art dutch colonial exploration print See less