Wall charts, history and European Identity

EU Culture Programme; Education and Culture DG

German East-Africa: Native village in the coastal area

(0 ratings) 4,681 views

Series:

Der praktische Schulmann

Timeframe:

Langes 19. Jahrhundert

Scene of action:

Unknown

Illustrator:

Planck, W.

Publisher:

Der praktische Schulmann, Keller und Nehmann, Stuttgart

Year of publication:

1939

Themes:

European history   

The picture shows a small fruit and vegetable market in the former colonial territory German East Africa (Tanzania, Burundi, Rwanda). From 1885 to 1918 German East Africa was the largest colony of the German Empire (1971-1918). Some natives are sitting under a coconut-tree, a white man who is clearly distinguished by his white clothes and hat is passing by. The men’s’ white and red hats (Fes) refer to the Arabic influence in the coastal regions. The group of women sitting on the ground with baskets full of fruits and earthenware jugs produces a peaceful impression. Concerning the Arabic insurrection against the German East Africa Company, cruelly defeated by the German Marine and a mercenary force, the serenity of the scene is excessively optimistic and serene.