The Netherlands East Indies at the Tropenmuseum: A Colonial History

This publication offers a compelling reassessment of the Tropenmuseum's Indonesian collections, examining them through the lens of colonial history.  It explores how these objects and images reflect and were shaped by the colonial context, moving beyond simple descriptions to analyze their role in constructing and maintaining colonial power structures.  The book introduces the concept of "colonial collections," highlighting the fusion of European and Southeast Asian influences and the complex social relationships within colonial society.

The Netherlands East Indies at the Tropenmuseum presents a selection of objects and images from the Tropenmuseum's Indonesian collections, interpreted as "colonial collections."  These objects and images played a dynamic role in shaping the museum's ethnographic collections for over a century.  Eight essays by invited authors elaborate on this approach, challenging the Tropenmuseum to extend its policies on the interpretation and presentation of ethnographic collections in a national and international dialogue on art, cultural heritage, and the legacies of colonial culture.

Publication Details:

• Authors: Janneke van Dijk, Susan Legêne
• Publisher: KIT Publishers (2011)
• Language: English
• Format: Hardcover
• Pagination: 200 pages
• Dimensions: 22 x 27 cm
• ISBN: 9068327518

Condition:

• Book: Very Good. The covers exhibit light general wear, consistent with gentle use. There's a minor bump to the top right corner, likely from handling or storage. A small mark is present on pages 8 and 9.  Aside from this, the interior pages are clean and free of markings or significant wear. The binding is sound. Overall, the book is in very good condition, showing only minor signs of age and handling.
• Dust Jacket: No dust jacket was issued for this title.