Gezicht op fort Victoria op Ambon 1706

This is an anonymous engraving depicting Fort Victoria on Ambon. The image presents a formidable structure, but notice the intricate details of the roof: a convergence of native construction and European fortification. The roofs might remind you of the recurring motif of the 'primitives' hut', the archetype of architecture, appearing throughout history and art. This primal form transcends mere construction, and evokes a sense of origin and a deep connection to the land. It appears in the works of Vitruvius, as well as in the engravings of Piranesi, its emotional resonance echoing through centuries, reminding us of our architectural genesis. Observe how the roof is layered upon a stern stone base, highlighting a meeting point between the indigenous and the colonial. This juxtaposition embodies the complex interplay between power and adaptation, dominance and assimilation. It prompts us to consider how these forms carry cultural and psychological weight, resonating in our collective memory, and shaping our understanding of place and identity.