Brokken pek/ teer uit het wrak van de Oost-Indiëvaarder Hollandia before 1748

These fragments of pitch and tar are remnants of the Dutch East India Company ship Hollandia, which sank in 1748. The ship, once a symbol of Dutch colonial power, was wrecked off the coast of Java, leaving behind these poignant pieces of its history. The small size of the fragments underscores the fragility of even the mightiest vessels, offering a tangible reminder of the ship's fateful voyage. The dark, almost black color of the pitch and tar suggests a long and arduous journey under the harsh sun and the unforgiving sea. These fragments stand as a testament to the historical significance of the ship, providing insight into the material world of Dutch maritime trade in the 18th century.