Sakhalin, 1894 - 1905

The Sakhalin Island near the Far Eastern coast of Russia was inhabited until the 19th century only by its ancient natives: the Nivkhs in the north and the Ainu to the south. Most Ainu relocated to Hokkaido when the Japanese were displaced from the island in 1949. Sakhalin was claimed by both Russia and Japan in the course of the 19th and 20th centuries, which led to bitter disputes between the two countries over control of the island.

Here are 120 photos from the first 'Russian' period of the island, from between 1894 and 1905. Nothing more is known about these photos: neither their maker, nor their purpose or place of custody.

(via ackackack)