Postcard: Ayah, the Maidservant
Object
Postcard
Object number
2022.84
Physical Description
Postcard - on the front is a South Asia women wearing a white sari with red edging and a white short-sleeved blouse. She is barefoot on a sandy area and in front of here is a European child in green attire, shoes and long socks. Behind them is a skyline of the local area with two churches visible.
Reverse has green printed information to fill in the post card.
Reverse has green printed information to fill in the post card.
Material
Card
Dimension
Width: 86mm
Exhibition Label
From 'Indian and Chinese Nannies in Hackney: The Home for Ayahs and Amahs'
Postcard sets of ‘native servants’, like these, were widely shared across the world. Ayahs came from all parts of India and sometimes the postcards would be used to study customs and societies through their clothing, accessories and other details.
Some presented ayahs as either very sexual or very ugly, suggesting that at times British women felt threatened or disgusted by them.
Ayahs from Madras, also called ‘Madrassi ayahs’, shown in the postcard here, were considered to be the most sophisticated and highly sought after.
Postcard sets of ‘native servants’, like these, were widely shared across the world. Ayahs came from all parts of India and sometimes the postcards would be used to study customs and societies through their clothing, accessories and other details.
Some presented ayahs as either very sexual or very ugly, suggesting that at times British women felt threatened or disgusted by them.
Ayahs from Madras, also called ‘Madrassi ayahs’, shown in the postcard here, were considered to be the most sophisticated and highly sought after.
On display?
No
Inscription
Front
Ayah, the Maidservant
Back
POST CARD
THIS SPACE MAY BE USED FOR INLAND CORRESPONDANCE ONLY.
THE ADDRESS TO BE WRITTEN HERE.
PRINTED IN ENGLAND.
Ayah, the Maidservant
Back
POST CARD
THIS SPACE MAY BE USED FOR INLAND CORRESPONDANCE ONLY.
THE ADDRESS TO BE WRITTEN HERE.
PRINTED IN ENGLAND.
