A. C. Gomes Photo Gallery
A. C. Gomes established a photo studio in Zanzibar perhaps as early as 1868.
He had a brief partnership with J. B. Coutinho in the 1890s. His son P. F. Gomes continued the family business in Zanzibar
for many years, he died in 1932. Over those years both have left us with some marvelous
images.
Click on the small arrows beside the top row of thumbnails to see all 9
examples.
Eastern Telegraph Building
During the monsoon winds, in the Zanzibar Channel, sailing vessels of all types could reach impressive speeds. This photo was later made into a stamp. One must wonder how exactly this photo was taken. For many years Stone Town was almost surrounded by tidal creeks. People still found ways to get around, at high or low tide.
Early Dhow sails were pieced together and to stay strong were in almost constant state of repair. Music and dance have always been part of Zanzibar culture. This Barge of State was used occasionally to take the Sultan out to visit ships in the Harbor. He would also send it out to ferry in important visitors wishing to see him. The guns in front of the Jail indicate that this photo was taken just after World War 1. From this unassuming location numerous underwater cables were linked. This was an important piece of the early global telegraphic network that allowed quick communication between Europe and the rest of the world. A large percentage of the population of the islands participated in the seasonal clove harvest. The time-critical nature of the harvest and the large numbers of pickers needed caused this harvest, at times, to become an arena for labor disputes. It is said that this coach was a gift from Queen Victoria.
During the monsoon winds, in the Zanzibar Channel, sailing vessels of all types could reach impressive speeds. This photo was later made into a stamp. One must wonder how exactly this photo was taken.
A bit of family history can been seen in the way the elder Gomes labeled his
photos.
His earliest work is marked Gomes and Company.
Then in a few years we see Gomes and Son.
Then finally we see Gomes and Sons.
A self portrait
of A. C. and P. F Gomes: click to enlarge.
    
Edited in 2004 by Barghash
All rights reserved: Barghash@msn.com
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