Model of the Duiveneiland lighthouse on Java

This is a model of the Duiveneiland lighthouse on Java, made by Gieterij Prins van Oranje. This model transports us to a complex period of Dutch colonial history. The lighthouse itself, built in 1869, stands as a symbol of Dutch presence and control in the region. It also facilitated trade and navigation, which further entrenched colonial power. Consider the identity of those who built and maintained the actual lighthouse versus those who benefited from its existence. The labor of local Javanese workers was essential to its construction and operation, yet they likely experienced little of the economic gain. The model serves as a quiet reminder of the stories of those who were impacted by colonialism. It invites us to reflect on the human cost of progress.