Spoorbrug in Mozambique c. 1886s

This is a photograph of the Lourenço Marques railway bridge in Mozambique, taken by Manuel Romão Pereira sometime in the late 19th century. The image captures the bridge as a symbol of Portuguese colonial ambition. In the late 1800’s, Portugal sought to solidify its control over Mozambique through infrastructure development. This colonial gaze, often manifested in the exploitation of land and people, is subtly present in Pereira’s work. The photograph freezes a moment in time, suggesting a narrative of progress. But this progress came at a cost, altering the landscape and the lives of those who inhabited it. The sepia tones evoke a sense of nostalgia, yet they also serve as a reminder of the complex history of colonialism and its enduring effects on identity and place. It is an exercise in remembering that what we see is not always the whole story.