Een man in balinese kleding met twee kinderen. c. 1912

This photograph from February 1914 by Frits Freerks Fontein Fz. captures a man in Balinese clothing with two children. The photograph offers a glimpse into the complex social fabric of the Dutch East Indies during the colonial era. Here, in this staged family portrait, the cultural and racial hierarchies of the time are subtly on display. The man, dressed in traditional Balinese attire, stands as a figure of local identity, while the children, perhaps of mixed heritage, embody the intersection of different worlds. This image reflects the colonial project's impact on personal and cultural identity. The choice to dress the children in Balinese clothing raises questions about cultural assimilation and representation. The photograph invites us to consider the lived experiences of individuals navigating the complexities of colonial society, while it subtly challenges the traditional narratives of colonial power.