South Africa - Cape Malays

Wall Art and Photo Gifts from Mary Evans Picture Library

South Africa - Cape Malays

Women and children of a Cape Malay Family, South Africa

Mary Evans Picture Library makes available wonderful images created for people to enjoy over the centuries

Media ID 4407129

© Mary Evans Picture Library 2015 - https://copyrighthub.org/s0/hub1/creation/maryevans/MaryEvansPictureID/10285390

Asians Cape Immigrants Malay Southern Malays

EDITORS COMMENTS
This evocative photograph captures the daily life of a Cape Malay family in a small South African town during the early 1900s. The women, dressed in traditional attire, are seen here preparing food in their humble home. The eldest child, wearing a red fez hat, helps his mother with the cooking, while his younger sister, cradling a baby, looks on. The Cape Malay community, also known as the "Cape Malays," are descendants of Asian immigrants who arrived in South Africa from the Malay Archipelago, Indonesia, and Malaysia, starting in the late 17th century. They were brought to the Cape as laborers, slaves, and indentured servants by the Dutch East India Company. The historical significance of this image lies in its portrayal of the rich cultural heritage that the Cape Malay community has brought to South Africa. The women's traditional clothing, with its bright colors and intricate patterns, reflects the blending of Asian and African influences. The fez hats, a symbol of Malay identity, were adopted by the community in the late 19th century. The photograph also provides a glimpse into the daily life of a community that has faced significant challenges throughout South Africa's complex history. Despite facing discrimination and marginalization, the Cape Malay community has managed to preserve its unique cultural identity and contribute to the rich tapestry of South African society. This photograph, taken in 1905, is a poignant reminder of the historical significance of the Cape Malays in South African history and the resilience of a community that has endured and thrived against the odds.

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