'Banier van Al-Iskander' of 'Barosvlag'

anoniem, before 1840

Atjeh flag. Wool, with cotton crescent and scimitar. In 1839 the Dutch occupied Baros on northwest Sumatra. Neighbouring Atjeh, intent on keeping Baros within its sphere of influence, attacked the Dutch. Atjeh forces laid siege to Baros but were driven back in April 1840. This flag was captured when the Atjeh siege fortifications were stormed. First Lieutenant C.H. Bischoff (1808 - 1840) who seized the flag, suffered severe wounds. He was carried back, wrapped in the bloodstained flag. A few days later he died. The Arabic texts praise Allah. The words around the margin of the square read: 'Oh Almighty! Destroy my enemy Holland for their deceit! And all powerful one! Crush the liar, the boaster Holland.'

  • Artwork typeflag
  • Object numberNG-1977-279-2-A
  • Dimensionsheight 268 cm x width 133 cm x depth 7 cm, height 128.5 cm x width 266 cm