Europese leidinggevende of eigenaar van plantage en Aziatische arbeider tussen zaadbomen van tabaksplantage Boeloe Tjina op Sumatra c. 1900 - 1920

This anonymous photograph, taken between 1900 and 1920, showcases the stark reality of colonial Sumatra. It depicts a European supervisor or plantation owner standing among tobacco plants, while an Asian worker toils nearby. The image, now housed in the Rijksmuseum, offers a glimpse into the social hierarchy and labor dynamics prevalent during the Dutch colonial era in Indonesia. This photograph serves as a powerful testament to the complexities of colonial history and the lasting impact it has on our understanding of global power structures.