Gamelanorkest in de Kraton Ngayogyakarta Hadiningrat in Jogyakarta, Indonesië before 1888

This photograph captures a Gamelan orchestra in the Kraton of Yogyakarta, Indonesia, and was taken by Kassian Céphas in the late 19th century. Born to a Javanese father and European mother, Céphas's unique position in colonial society allowed him access to both indigenous and European circles. He became the court photographer for the Yogyakarta Sultanate, documenting royal life and cultural events. In this image, Céphas offers us more than a mere depiction of a musical ensemble. It provides insight into the cultural practices of the Javanese elite and their interactions with the external world. The Gamelan, a traditional Javanese orchestra, was not just a form of entertainment, it was an integral part of Javanese identity. It played a crucial role in ceremonies and celebrations, embodying the cultural values and social structures of the time. Céphas’s work is a window into a world undergoing profound change, and allows us to reflect on the complex interplay between tradition, identity, and colonial influence.