Op de koffieplantage Glen bervie (G.B), Langkat Sumatra c. 1900

Heinrich Ernst & Co captured this photograph of the Glen Bervie coffee plantation in Langkat, Sumatra, immortalizing a scene laden with cultural and economic symbolism. The workers, framed against the backdrop of neatly organized structures, evoke a sense of order imposed upon the landscape, a visual manifestation of colonial enterprise. Consider the figure seated on the ground with a sack of coffee beans. This evokes images of Atlas bearing the weight of the world, symbolizing the immense labor and exploitation inherent in plantation economies. This visual motif, reappears throughout history, from classical depictions of burden-bearers to modern representations of laborers. The contrast between the white clothing of the overseers and the more modest attire of the workers serves as a stark reminder of the power dynamics at play. The photograph captures a moment frozen in time, yet resonates with the echoes of historical exploitation, inviting us to reflect on the complex interplay between commerce, culture, and human experience.