Waterbuffel op de Filipijnen 1902

This stereoscopic image of a water buffalo in the Philippines was produced by an anonymous photographer, likely sometime around the turn of the 20th century. It's a double image, meant to be seen in special viewers that create a three-dimensional effect. Printed on card stock with a sepia tone, the photograph emphasizes the animal's physical presence. The texture and mass of the buffalo’s horns and hide convey a sense of its strength as a beast of burden, while the halter suggests a connection between the animal and the labor it performs. This image captures a moment in time, reflecting the intersection of photography, commerce, and colonial society. It invites us to think about the labor and material conditions that shape our world, and to question the traditional boundaries between art, craft, and everyday life.