Model of the monitor Tijger 1868

This is a model of the monitor Tijger, made by R. Napier & Sons. While the exact date remains unknown, its design reflects naval technology of the 19th century. Monitors like the Tijger embody an era of colonial expansion. They represent a projection of power, enforcing trade agreements and protecting imperial interests across vast oceans. Built for the Dutch Navy, the Tijger would have been part of a larger strategy to control maritime routes, impacting the lives of countless people in colonized territories. The ship becomes a symbol of both national pride and the subjugation of others. Consider the human stories embedded in this object. The laborers who built it, the officers who commanded it, and the communities affected by its presence. The Tijger is more than just a feat of engineering; it’s a reminder of a complex history shaped by ambition, exploitation, and resistance. It reflects how technological advancements are often entangled with unequal power dynamics.