Javaanse kapitein (Poenggawa) met gevolg, te Bantam, 1596 1597 - 1646

This anonymous engraving, "Javaanse kapitein (Poenggawa) met gevolg, te Bantam, 1596," depicts a Javanese captain with his retinue. Created between 1597 and 1646, it offers a glimpse into the cultural practices of 16th-century Bantam, a major port city in Java. The engraving, now housed in the Rijksmuseum, showcases a group of men, some carrying swords, others holding ceremonial objects. The central figure, the captain, stands prominently, likely signifying his authority and social status. The artwork is a valuable historical document, providing insight into Javanese dress, customs, and the interaction between Javanese and Dutch traders during this period.