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This portrait is something of a mystery in the collection, and has never been on permanent display. It is believed to have been painted in the 18th century, though the artist is unknown. It shows a well-dressed figure holding a sword over his shoulder. Across the top is inscribed ‘Sidde Sazuze’, and this is the only tantalising bit of information we have about him. The Siddi are Indian people of East African descent. The Siddi ancestors arrived in India perhaps as early as the 7th century. Some were slaves; others arrived as free people, like merchants and fishermen. Some rose through the ranks to positions of power and prestige – presumably like this figure, whose clothing suggests he may be a nobleman. There are several Siddi communities in India and Pakistan today. While some live in isolated communities in areas of poverty, others have integrated more widely. Despite the important role the Siddi played in India’s history, today they face significant stigmatisation and marginalisation. We hope to build on our knowledge about this portrait through ongoing research and conversation with academics and with the community, and welcome any comments or information.