Schapenhoeder met een kudde schapen bij de Gunung Kawi 1900 - 1935

This evocative photograph captures a shepherd guiding his flock near Gunung Kawi. The sheep, symbols of innocence and pastoral life, resonate deeply within our collective consciousness. The image of the shepherd leading his flock evokes ancient motifs—consider the Good Shepherd in early Christian art, a protector guiding souls. These archetypes tap into our primal need for guidance, for protection. Yet, here, the Balinese context infuses new layers. The mountain, Gunung Kawi, a sacred site, looms in the background. Mountains have long represented a connection between the earthly and the divine, a place of spiritual ascent. This echoes the symbolism found in the Alps or Mount Olympus. The shepherd, amidst this landscape, is not merely a keeper of animals, but a guardian of tradition. Such images remind us that symbols are never static; they evolve, intertwine, and resurface, creating a rich tapestry of human experience.