Gezicht langs de oever van de rivier de Wampoe, Sumatra (Wampoe Fluss) c. 1890 - 1900

This is an undated photograph of the Wampoe River in Sumatra by Stafhell & Kleingrothe. The image captures the serene surface of the river, framed by dense foliage, yet it also speaks to a complex history of colonialism. In the 19th century, photography was often used as a tool to document and promote colonial ventures. This image, with its romanticized view of the landscape, likely served to entice European investment and settlement. What is absent from the frame are the voices and experiences of the indigenous people, whose lives were irrevocably altered by Dutch colonization. The Wampoe River, a lifeline for local communities, became a site of exploitation as resources were extracted and trade routes were controlled by foreign powers. As you gaze into this photograph, consider the stories that lie beneath its surface, the untold narratives of those who navigated this river long before the arrival of the camera.