Boten op Poozoundoung Creek in Rangoon c. 1885 - 1886

This photograph by P. Klier captures boats on Poozoundoung Creek in Rangoon. It is an albumen print, a process that yields rich tonal range and fine detail. The photograph’s material qualities offer a direct window into its social context. The waterway is full of working boats, which appear to be constructed of bamboo and woven matting. These materials influence the boats' forms: their rounded hulls, flat roofs, and overall lightness suggest the skilled labor of local craftspeople, attuned to the river's demands. In the distance, you can see the looming presence of industrial smokestacks. This juxtaposition of traditional craft with emerging industry speaks volumes about the transformations underway in Rangoon at the time. The photograph presents an aesthetic experience and becomes a record of a society in transition. Thinking about materials, making, and context helps us appreciate the artistry of this image, and consider photography alongside other forms of cultural production.