(JAVA) A scarce suite of 8 photographs portraying traditional Indonesian dancers, purportedly photographed at the Amsterdam International Exhibition. Albumen prints, the images measuring approximately 6x3 3/4 inches (15.2x9.5 cm.), and the reverse, the cabinet card mounts slightly larger. Circa 1883
The late 19th century gave way to the international craze of cultural expositions. In Europe there was a focus on uniting the mainland with the European colonies further afield. It is reported that Javanese musicians and dancers were a popular "living exhibit" at both the 1883 Amsterdam International Exhibition and the 1889 Universal Exposition (Paris). At these fairs the intention of the performances was both entertainment and education, though in a larger sense, it stood mainly to underscore the new age of cultural globalization.
