20 | Erb Bunnag's Photographs of Early 20th-Century Siam

HERstory: Southeast Asia

In this episode, we are going to meet Erb Bunnag, a woman whose photographs give us a rare and important glimpse into the early 20th-century Siamese royal court. Chao Chom (royal consort) Erb Bunnag is a rather unique historical figure. I’m happy to report that there ARE sources of information about her, although they’re mostly academic. "Erb's insightful photos of Bangkok women suggest the ease of an aristocrat long acknowledged in Siamese society and politics. At a time when European colonizers considered annexing Siam, Thais accepted and imitated the culture and tastes of the outside world, especially command of the English language, writing, dance-drama, and other avocations.” (Snodgrass, 2019: 30)

Also check out Fidellithy Tan's The History of Colonisation for chronological introduction to the history of European imperialism and colonialism from a history student's perspective.

The theme music is Goddess of War by Unicorn Heads. This episode includes clips from The King and I's Shall We Dance, André Rieu Live in Bangkok, Float by Geographer, and Animaux Obscenes by Dan Bodan.

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