3-028-581 - The Print Collector/Heritage Images

Native performance, called "Hobson Jobson," on the festival of the Cingalese New Year, 1870. 'H.M.S. Galatea anchored off the Fort of Colombo on March 30, the Prince landing the same evening, with every demonstration of respect from the officials and the assembled multitude...We have received a series of photographs taken by Mr. W. H. Skeen, of Colombo, which represent many of the chief incidents of the stay of his Royal Highness in that part of Ceylon...The subject of one Illustration seems to need rather more explanation than is afforded in our notes. "Hobson Jobson" is apparently the English nickname given at Colombo to a grotesque festival performance of the town sweeps, exhibited at the Cinghalese feast of the New Year, which falls on April 11. It was, we are told, witnessed by Prince Alfred with considerable amusement'. From "Illustrated London News", 1870.