Kokkie, vóór logeergebouw te Nickerie 1891

This photograph by Gomez Burke depicts a woman named Kokkie in front of a building in Nickerie. Kokkie carries a container on her shoulder. The image resonates with visual echoes across time. The figure carrying a load on their shoulder, in this case a metal container, is reminiscent of ancient Greek sculptures of 'kanephoros' – young women carrying sacred baskets on their heads during religious processions. This motif symbolizes offering and devotion. The contrast between Kokkie’s bare feet and her task invokes a sense of humility and labor. Think of medieval depictions of the Madonna, often shown barefoot to emphasize her purity and connection to the earth. This image carries emotional weight. Ultimately, the symbol of a person carrying something heavy, whether a sacred object or everyday materials, transcends time. The image becomes part of a visual language passed down through generations, evoking both reverence and the realities of daily life.