Ambtskostuum van Gouverneur Generaal J.B. van Heutsz 1904

This is the formal suit of Governor-General J.B. van Heutsz, made by an unknown hand. I wonder about this garment’s journey from conception to completion—each stitch, a deliberate act of creation. Imagine the tailor, his brow furrowed in concentration, as he painstakingly embroiders those intricate floral motifs. The texture of the fabric, the weight of the gold thread, all contributing to the overall effect of opulence and authority. The naval blue color, a representation of both power and dignity. I picture the suit in motion, worn by van Heutsz, a figure of colonial power and authority. How did he feel wearing it? Did he appreciate the craftsmanship, or was it merely a symbol of his status? And what of the artisans who created it? What were their thoughts and feelings as they labored over this garment, knowing it would adorn the body of a powerful figure in a system of oppression? As makers, we are all in conversation with one another across time, drawing inspiration and ideas from those who came before us. This suit embodies this exchange, reflecting the skill and creativity of the past, while also raising important questions about power, representation, and the legacy of colonialism.