Guinea Gallery

The Man Who Bid Half-A-Guinea At Tattersall's', by H. M. Bat

A humorous illustration showing a man who has caused havoc at the races. Bateman (1887-1970) was a popular artist and regularly contributed to the Sketch, the Tatler and the Bystander. His efficient, bold style depicting social faux-pas was ground breaking for its time and his work is a brilliant reflection of the period.

© Estate of H M Bateman/ILN/Mary Evans Picture Library

Papua New Guinea - Elema people - Eharo Masks

Elema people (of the Papuan Gulf in southeast New Guinea) practicing an elaborate cycle of masked rituals. These monumental Eharo masks were created primarily for amusement. To the Elema, eharo were "maea morava eharu" ("things of gladness"), and were danced as a prelude to more sacred rituals. Eharo represented supernatural beings (as well as comedic figures), such as lecherous old men and were made and worn by young men from neighbouring villages (at the request of the village hosting the ceremony). As they entered the village, they were pelted with shredded coconut by the women to neutralize their seductive powers! Now rendered harmless, the eharo danced surrounded by large groups of women to the amusement of the assembled crowd. Date: circa 1920s

© Mary Evans / Grenville Collins Postcard Collection

Animals at a French Zoo - Spotted Cavy

Animals at a French Zoo - Spotted Cavy - Two Cavies asleep in cape.. Part of Box 209 Boswell collection - Old and New French Zoo. The cavy family (Caviidae) is a family of rodents native to South America, including the domestic guinea pig, wild cavies, and the capybara, among other animals. They are found across the continent, in open areas from moist savanna to thorn forests or scrub desert. This rodent family has fewer members than most other rodent families, with 18 species in six genera. Date: circa 1900

© The Boswell Collection, Bexley Heritage Trust / Mary Evans