Mother, Children and Indonesian Child Carer, anonymous, c. 1905 - c. 1925
gelatin silver print, h 115mm × w 170mm More details
The relationship of European families to Indonesian domestic servants was characterized by strict segregation. At the same time, their presence in the home provided proximity. This photograph seems to reflect that separation as well as closeness. Shortly before the shot, the Indonesian child carer must have handed the baby from her sling to the mother, who then then turned her back to her.
