Aankomst van een Duits stoomschip in de haven van Dar es Salaam 1897

This photograph by W. Schultz captures the arrival of a German steamship in Dar es Salaam. At the heart of the image, the ship stands as a potent symbol of technological advancement and, perhaps, the dawn of a new era. Consider this ship as a modern-day Trojan Horse. It’s a vessel, carrying not warriors, but intentions of trade, cultural exchange, or—more ominously—colonial ambitions. The single sail boat in the foreground, a traditional fishing boat perhaps, becomes a representation of a slower way of life, a cultural contrast reminiscent of David and Goliath. Such a juxtaposition carries a profound psychological weight. The imposing steamship, in its physical dominance, could evoke a sense of awe but also of impending change or even threat. The image serves as a powerful tableau of evolving global dynamics, echoing across historical moments and continuing to resonate today.