Piet en Pim in gistloods op "Ma retraite" 1903 - 1910

Hendrik Doijer's photograph, "Piet en Pim in gistloods op "Ma retraite", captures a moment frozen in time. While undated, the image offers a glimpse into the social dynamics of its era, likely sometime between the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Here, the subjects, Piet and Pim, stand posed in front of what we understand to be a yeast storage on the "Ma Retraite" plantation, possibly located in a Dutch colony. Their attire suggests a degree of authority, perhaps overseers or managers, while the other figures in the background, most likely labourers, are more anonymous and partially obscured. The photograph subtly hints at the complex social hierarchy inherent in colonial plantation systems. Doijer’s photograph serves as a primary document for examining the historical context of colonial labor practices. Further research into the "Ma Retraite" plantation and the roles of individuals like Piet and Pim could reveal deeper insights into the economic and social structures of the time.