Blad 145 uit Stamboek van de leerlingen der Koloniale School voor Meisjes en Vrouwen te 's-Gravenhage deel II (1930-1949) Possibly 1947

This is a page from a student register, likely created between 1930 and 1949, from the Colonial School for Girls and Women in The Hague. It is made with paper, ink, and photographs. Here, the material qualities speak to the role of the register in documenting information; its weight and size allow for efficient storage and transport of the material. The use of paper and ink for record-keeping is a standardized approach, while the inclusion of photographs adds a layer of personalization, yet they also objectify the students. The script is a clear, neat hand and is organized by columns for ease of reading and cross-referencing. The photographs were mass produced, and are similar to those used in passports and other forms of identification. The register acts as a tool of colonial administration. Examining such a document allows us to consider the politics of colonial education and its impact on women’s lives in a specific time and place.