Bonk van 2 stuivers van Nederlands Indië,1818 1818

This is a 'Bonk van 2 stuivers van Nederlands Indië', created in 1818 under Willem I. Observe its cubic form, a deliberate manipulation of shape that defies the conventional circularity of coinage. The rough texture and the material's dark, earthy tone contribute to the cube's striking presence. The cube’s stark geometry and the date inscribed evoke a sense of imposed order, of fixing time and value. The cube, with its hard edges and flat planes, acts as a signifier of Dutch colonial power, asserting dominance through standardized form and measure. Yet, the imperfection of the cube challenges the notion of absolute control. Its cracks and irregular surfaces introduce an element of chance. In its crude, geometric form and historical context, the ‘Bonk van 2 stuivers’ invites us to reflect on the interplay between power and representation. This coin serves as a reminder that even the most banal objects can reveal complex narratives.