The picture looks like an early 20thC studio photo, possibly an actor in "role" or a tourist souvenier. These often catch people out as sometimes they are quite convincing. Two of those below are of Mr. R. Burton explorer and orientalist, and Mr Grundy an early tourist, ie in 1855. The third is explained by its caption.
In the UK "wallah" or "waller" is a vernacular term for just about any male person regardless of race. Like much of our slang it is of Army origin, deriving from local languages in the Eastern part of the Empire. Other examples, "bundook" for rifle,"chitty" for a document, and "burkoo" derived from bhulgar for a meal of prepared grain....usualy porridge oats.
Sorry to digress, but I think the existance of early tourist photo's are increasingly relevant to us collectors, especialy when they become references.
|