Reliëfs van de Borobudur 1875 - 1890

This photograph by C. Dietrich captures the reliefs of Borobudur, a 9th-century Mahayana Buddhist temple in Indonesia. Dietrich's lens frames a society marked by intricate social hierarchies and spiritual devotion. We see figures carved into the stone, each telling a story of ancient Javanese culture. How might the gaze of a European photographer like Dietrich shape our understanding? Think about the power dynamics inherent in the act of documentation during an era of colonial expansion. These reliefs embody the intersection of faith, power, and artistry. They invite us to reflect on the narratives we inherit and the stories we choose to preserve. Consider the weight of history etched into these stones, and the silent dialogues they hold across time and cultures.