Aanleg van een rubberplantage van de Deli Maatschappij bij Soengei Tassik op Sumatra c. 1900 - 1920

This photograph, taken by an anonymous photographer, shows the 'Aanleg van een rubberplantage van de Deli Maatschappij bij Soengei Tassik op Sumatra'. This harrowing image opens up a window onto the colonial exploitation of Sumatra's natural resources, likely taken at the turn of the twentieth century. Here, the Deli Maatschappij, a Dutch company, is clearing land for a rubber plantation. The image is not just a neutral record; it's a statement about power, land use, and the transformation of ecosystems for economic gain. Notice the scale of deforestation, the systematic organization of the land, and the absence of human figures. The photo’s meaning becomes richer when we consider Sumatra’s history, the rise of global capitalism, and the environmental impact of rubber production. Archives of colonial companies and government records can provide further insights. The photograph reminds us that art and historical images are always contingent on social, cultural, and institutional contexts.