Olifanten werkend in de houtwinning van Rangoon c. 1885 - 1886

This photograph, by P. Klier, captures elephants working in the timber industry of Rangoon, now Yangon, in Myanmar. This image invites us to consider the complexities of labor, both human and animal, within the context of colonial economies. The elephants, majestic yet burdened, symbolize the exploitation of natural resources and living beings for economic gain. The riders and workers, likely local Burmese, represent the human element within this system, their lives intertwined with the labor of these animals and the demands of the timber industry. The photograph serves as a window into a specific moment in time, prompting reflection on the environmental and ethical implications of resource extraction, and the lasting impact on communities and ecosystems. It also encourages us to contemplate the emotional dimensions of labor, the relationship between humans and animals, and the cultural narratives embedded within these historical images.