Brug c. 1900s - 1910s

This photograph, entitled "Brug," captures a scene of everyday life with a bridge, made by an anonymous photographer. The bridge itself is made of concrete, a material strongly associated with modernity and industrialization, particularly in the early 20th century. The smooth, man-made texture of the bridge starkly contrasts with the surrounding lush, tropical landscape. The construction of the bridge likely involved significant labor, from quarrying the raw materials for the concrete to its actual pouring and construction. This involved both skilled workers and manual laborers. The placement of the bridge within the landscape can be seen as a symbol of colonial intervention, where infrastructures were imposed upon existing environments to facilitate trade. Paying attention to materials, making, and historical context helps us to understand the social and cultural significance embedded within this seemingly simple photograph. It reminds us that even the most functional objects carry stories of labor, power, and cultural exchange.