This collection of objects from the Netherlands East Indies (including New Guinea) is fully illustrative of the Dutch ‘colonial memory’.

Imperialism
All these objects were collected during the period of Dutch imperialism (1870 – 1940). To some extent the collection was made with a view to Dutch participation in the colonial fairs.

Identity
The way in which the objects were presented during the exhibitions also provides insight into colonial relationships. Dutch collectors and exhibition organizers found themselves in the privileged position of being able to determine what was ‘typically East Indian’. But the miniatures were made by Indonesian artisans who in turn gave expression to their own identity.

Of importance
The East Indian painting and graphics collection, the textile collection and the collection of historic photographs are among the best in the world. The photographs of New Guinea are important because they provide information about the expeditions that contributed to the opening up of that region between 1900 and 1960. The leading names in this regard are Wichmann, Lorentz, Franssen, Herderschee, Bijlmer and Le Roux.

A large part of the collection can be seen in the semi-permanent ‘Oostwaarts’ (Eastward) exhibition in the Tropenmuseum, where historic sound recordings from New Guinea can also be heard.