Gezicht op Batakdorp 'Roema-Kinangkong' op Sumatra before 1898

Carl Kleingrothe captured this view of the Batak village 'Roema-Kinangkong' in Sumatra, creating a symbolic landscape using photography. The thatched roofs rise prominently, their triangular shape echoing primordial notions of shelter and community found in cultures worldwide. These structures remind me of the recurring motif of the 'primal hut', a symbol of refuge and identity. Consider the Roman house or the early Christian church, spaces that served as both physical shelters and spiritual anchors, much like these Batak dwellings. The pointed roofs, reaching towards the sky, might also suggest an aspiration towards the divine. This symbolism resonates with the Gothic cathedrals of Europe, where towering spires similarly embody a yearning for transcendence. The emotional weight carried by such architectural forms engages our subconscious, connecting us to shared human experiences of seeking safety, meaning, and connection with the sacred. These visual echoes across cultures and eras reveal the enduring power of symbols to tap into collective memories and shared human experiences.