Khoikhoi vereren de maan 1727

"Khoikhoi vereren de maan" (Khoikhoi Worship the Moon), a 1727 engraving by Dutch artist Jan Wandelaar, depicts a group of Khoikhoi people performing a ritualistic ceremony under the full moon. This artwork exemplifies the 18th-century European fascination with and often romanticized portrayal of "exotic" cultures. The composition features a central figure holding a torch, possibly signifying the act of worshipping the moon, while others around them are in various postures of reverence. The scene is set in a mountainous landscape with a dramatic sky, highlighting the grandeur and power of nature. This engraving, now housed in the Rijksmuseum, is a significant piece of historical documentation, offering a glimpse into colonial perceptions of indigenous practices.