Vangen en temmen van olifanten op Pattani, 1602 1644 - 1646

This etching, made in 1602 by an anonymous artist, depicts the capturing and taming of elephants in Pattani, a region in present-day Thailand. The image presents a scene of human dominance over the natural world, reflecting the socio-economic interests of the Dutch East India Company, for whom it was likely made. Elephants were highly prized for labor, transportation, and warfare, and their capture was crucial for colonial powers seeking to exploit resources in Southeast Asia. Notice how the detailed depiction of the capture methods serves as a form of documentation, reinforcing the idea of European control and knowledge. The relatively small scale of the etching also suggests its circulation among a specific, elite audience interested in the commercial activities of the VOC. To fully understand this print, we can consult archival materials from the Dutch East India Company, travelogues, and studies of early colonial practices in Southeast Asia to reveal the complex interplay between art, commerce, and colonial power.