Inwoners van Mozambique, 1726 1726

Carel Allard created this etching, "Inhabitants of Mozambique," in 1726, offering a glimpse into Dutch perceptions of Mozambique during the height of the Dutch East India Company's influence. The print depicts a man and a woman with a child, positioned against the backdrop of a coastal settlement and ships. Allard, who never traveled to Mozambique, relied on travelers' accounts and sketches. As such, this image reflects the European worldview, imbued with the era's colonial attitudes. The artist's portrayal of the figures, including their clothing and the items they carry, is telling. It reflects an attempt to categorize and understand a foreign culture through the lens of European values and expectations. This work offers a poignant reminder of the power dynamics inherent in cross-cultural representation and the lasting impact of colonial perspectives on historical narratives.