Cacaobeplanting 1903 - 1910

Hendrik Doijer captured this photograph of a cacao plantation, revealing more than just a landscape. The image pulses with a hidden narrative, centered around the cacao tree – a symbol deeply rooted in cultural memory. We see a motif of the cultivated, fertile land. The tree itself, its branches laden with pods, is a modern echo of ancient symbols of fertility and abundance, reminiscent of the Tree of Life. Yet, this image carries the weight of history, evoking the complex story of colonialism and trade. In this context, the cacao tree is not just a life-giver but also a marker of economic exploitation. This duality is a constant flux of images, a reminder that symbols evolve, carrying new emotional and psychological weight across time.