Bezoek aan prins Ratsiba en bloedeed ceremonie 1868 - 1877

Marcus Jacob Goedkind made this print, titled "Visit to Prince Ratsiba and Blood Oath Ceremony," in the mid-19th century. The image depicts a Westerner, probably Dutch, entering into an alliance with an African Prince, Ratsiba. European traders often brokered deals with local leaders through rituals like this blood oath ceremony. Look closely at the composition. The artist emphasizes the contrast between European formality and African custom; the European is stiff and upright, in contrast to the more relaxed African figures. The room in which they meet is decorated with both African weapons and European furniture. This print raises many questions about the Dutch presence in Africa during this period. What was the nature of the relationship between these two men? What kind of cultural assumptions shaped how the artist and his audience understood this scene? By consulting historical sources, such as colonial records and anthropological studies, we can better understand the social and institutional context that produced this image.