Sf. Gending / Speciale wijze van vervoer tusschen twee wagons opgehangen van het eerste lichaam der Verdamping 1916 - 1924

This photograph shows workers maneuvering a large, riveted metal structure, likely part of a steam engine, somewhere in Indonesia, though the exact date and maker remain unknown. The sheer physicality of the object and the visible labor involved offer a glimpse into the intense manufacturing processes of the colonial era. The metal’s raw strength is undeniable, yet it’s the craftsmanship - the riveting, the shaping, the assembly - that really tells the story. These techniques were part of a global industrial language, translated and adapted across different cultures and economies. The photograph isn't just a record of an object; it captures a moment in a vast network of labor, trade, and technological exchange. The image invites us to consider the social context of the object and the stories of the people who shaped it. Understanding the material, making, and context gives a deeper appreciation of its meaning.