Magic lanterns were early types of image projectors, shining light through glass slides through the invention of the arc lamp in 1860. The American Magic Lantern Theatre of today says that nothing comes close to the magic lantern slide. Once I identified that gate, I was sure L.S.’ collection was Moroccan; then I identified the Andalusia Mosque, old men having their mint tea, and village scenes of the Berbers (Amazighs). These are images meant to show that the Moroccan people were exotic, simple, pure and devout. It is fascinating to see in L.S.’ collection that the slides, the objects themselves, have such a voice.

Source: The North Africa Journal July 20, 2020 12:56 UTC