Beeldverhaal getiteld ‘De kleine Indiaan’ 1881

This is a page from the illustrated story 'The Little Indian' by De Ruyter and Meijer. Through a series of vignettes we follow a boy enacting a fantasy of Indigenous life. Illustrated stories like these reflect the late 19th and early 20th century colonial context of Europe, and the romanticized, yet deeply problematic, visions of other cultures that were prevalent at the time. The boy’s 'Indian' costume and dark face paint serve as a stark reminder of how identity can be appropriated and distorted through the lens of dominant cultures. It also underscores the power dynamics inherent in representation. The narrative touches on themes of freedom and escape, but it's crucial to recognize that these themes are explored through a lens that simplifies and exoticizes Indigenous experiences. The story then becomes not just about a child’s game, but about how societal narratives can perpetuate stereotypes.