Portrait of Mexican Woman in Sarape Tintype, 19th Century

Tintype showing Mexican woman's seated portrait. Circa 19th century. Measures 2.5" x 3.5". Image shows a seated Mexican woman wrapped in traditional Aztec patterned sarape blanket. Her expression is stoic and her gaze intense. Her hair is pulled back with a ringlet peaking from her left, a common hairstyle in the mid 1800s. Tintypes, original photographic images printed on thin sheets of metal coated with a dark lacquer or enamel, were invented in 1855 and popularized through the 1870s when they were replaced by new technology in albumen prints. This photo was taken within only a couple decades of Mexico receiving their independence. In 1811, women made up a third of the identified labor force and were oftentimes single and head of the household, even through their major contributions to Mexican society, they were still not recognized in the 1811 census. Photography was one of the few ways to recognize a woman's personhood at a time they were unfairly represented. Top corners of photo clipped. Overall very good condition.