Chinese indentured labourers faced harsh conditions in the Dutch East Indies in the late 19th century and early 20th century. This project explores their experiences through historical photo albums in the Rijksmuseum collection.

About the project

In anticipation of the abolition of slavery, Dutch colonial entrepreneurs searched for alternative forms of cheap labour. A solution was found in the form of indentured labourers from southern China.

The majority of Chinese indentured labourers worked on the plantations of eastern Sumatra and in the mines of Bangka. Colonial entrepreneurs amassed great wealth by employing indentured labourers. They used photography to record their accomplishments, omitting evidence of the difficult realities in which labourers lived.

This project will place the contents of photo albums from the Rijksmuseum collection alongside Dutch and Chinese archival sources to shed light on the history of the working lives and lived experiences of Chinese labourers under Dutch colonial rule.

Aim of the project

This project takes photo albums as the primary object of study, focusing on the narratives they convey and omit. By correlating the outcomes of visual analysis with Dutch and Chinese written reports, it will constitute a comprehensive study of these historical objects and their colonial context. The project will also explore the intricate dynamics between Qing diplomats, Chinese labourers and Dutch colonial entrepreneurs to enhance our understanding of Chinese labour in the Dutch East Indies during the late 19th century and early 20th century.

Staff

Koen van der Lijn
koen.van.der.lijn@rijksmuseum.nl
Johan Huizinga fellow

Eveline Sint Nicolaas
e.sintnicolaas@rijksmuseum.nl
Senior Curator History

Harm-Jaap Stevens
h.stevens@rijksmuseum.nl
Curator History

Partners and Sponsors

Johan Huizinga Fund