Oorlog op Java, groot draagteken uitgereikt aan de deelnemers, ter ere van Willem I Frederik, koning der Nederlanden 1830

These are commemorative medals created by David van der Kellen, likely during the 19th century, to honor King Willem I Frederik for the Java War. These medals, awarded to participants, offer a glimpse into the complex colonial history of the Dutch East Indies, now Indonesia. They symbolize Dutch authority and military achievements. However, they also tell a story of violent conflict, and resistance, as well as the exploitation and subjugation of the local Javanese population. The medals served as physical markers of allegiance to the Dutch crown, reinforcing the social hierarchy and power dynamics inherent in colonial rule. Consider how these objects normalize and celebrate military campaigns and colonial power, impacting the collective memory of both the colonizer and the colonized. They reflect not only historical events but also the emotional and personal impact of war and colonialism.