Life — November 9, 1911 — page 21: what you’re looking at

What you’re looking at

This is a satirical cartoon from *Life* magazine depicting a colonial or imperial-era scene. Two figures in pith helmets and colonial dress appear to be examining a large, grotesque totem or idol with an exaggerated face and raised arms. One seated figure asks the other if this "jolly design" is "the only pattern you have." The satire likely mocks Western colonial attitudes toward indigenous peoples and their art—specifically the dismissive, condescending tone with which colonizers viewed non-Western cultures. The phrase "awfully jolly design" reflects the casual, patronizing language colonials might use when encountering indigenous religious or artistic objects, while the question implies colonial expectations that indigenous peoples should have diverse "designs" available for Western consumption or approval. The cartoon critiques colonial ignorance and cultural arrogance.