Chinese tempel, bezet door Britse militairen, Guangzhou 1858 - 1862

Pierre Joseph Rossier captured this stereoscopic image of a Chinese temple occupied by British soldiers in Guangzhou. Look closely at the roof. Notice the small figures lining the edges. These figures, often depicting mythological creatures and deities, were believed to protect the temple from evil spirits, a silent army warding off unseen threats. The inclusion of protective figures can be traced back to ancient Greece, where similar figures were placed on temples for protection. This motif then resurfaced in Gothic architecture in Europe, evolving into gargoyles and grotesques that served both a protective and decorative function. What does it mean for the same idea to appear in vastly different cultural and historical contexts? Here, the temple is seen occupied by British soldiers. Consider the psychological weight of this image; ancient symbols of protection juxtaposed with the reality of foreign occupation. The photograph becomes a powerful reminder of the cyclical nature of history and the way cultural symbols can be recontextualized and reinterpreted in different eras.