Indonesia - Sulawesi - Rice fields at Sinjai

Indonesia - Banda Besar Island - Nutmeg open

Young tea picker on the way between Cisaruat and the Puncak Pass - Java-West, Indonesia.

Indonesia - After a swim in the Amboine Bay on the peninsula Ambon

On one of the many Banda Islands (in the town of Lontar, Maluku Archipelago, Indonesia), a little girl offers by-passers her simple, self-made meals.

Ginger is available for sale at Pasar Beringharjo, the most famous and important spice market in Yogyakarta. – 1990

Just before flowering, the buds—or cloves—are ready to be harvested. A five-year-old clove tree is about six to eight meters tall and robust enough for its first “harvest.” After picking the flower buds, the tree is allowed a rest period of eighteen to twenty-four months before the next harvest. This cycle can be maintained until the tree dies or is felled. – 1990

Dried cloves rightly bear their French name, “Clou de girofle” (clove bud). The bud, which is three to four millimeters in diameter and a beautiful dark brown, consists of tightly packed petals; the stem, formed from the calyx, is ten to twelve millimeters long. During the drying process, cloves lose nearly half their weight. The yield from a single tree is approximately ten kilograms, rarely more. – 1990

When the leaves begin to wilt, turmeric is harvested by digging up the root tubers. Two varieties of turmeric, or yellow root, are available on the market: the round variety, which comes from the thick main tuber, and the elongated variety, which comes from the branches of this rhizome. — 1990

Turmeric at the most famous and important spice market in Yogyakarta. – 1990

Turmeric (Curcuma longa), also known as yellow root, is a medicinal and spice plant native to South Asia that is valued for its intense yellow colour and anti-inflammatory properties. The most important active ingredient is the polyphenol curcumin. – Sulawesi – 1990

Packaged turmeric roots for sale at the market in the village of Bontosunggu on Sulawesi. The pigment curcumin, or turmeric yellow, found in the tubers is a key ingredient in curry powder, which is actually a blend of various flavorings rather than a single spice. Other ingredients include ground peppercorns (Indian pepper), cardamom, coriander, and various other aromatic substances. The proportions of the individual spices vary from region to region; furthermore, different curry blends are used depending on the dish. In India, turmeric yellow is also used to dye textiles. And various Polynesian tribes, for example on the Marquesas Islands and in Wallis, use it to dye their hair. – 1990

Freshly opened nutmeg fruits. The flesh of these apricot-like fruits surrounds the large seed, the nutmeg. The striking red aril or seed coat is dried and sold as mace or mazis. – Banda Neira – Moluccas – 1990

Still life with a branch bearing fruit and open nutmeg fruits, as well as a collection basket and a bamboo picking drum called a gaigai. This is open on one side and equipped with two gripping teeth. The fruit is stripped off and falls into the cone-shaped collection drum. On Banda Besar, as on the other Moluccan islands, the harvest takes place twice a year, in June and October. - 1990

Mazis laid out to dry in the sun give off a distinctive scent. When soaked in water, the strands swell up again immediately. From this soaked mazis, an essential oil with a pungent, spicy, and rather bitter scent is extracted, which is used in pharmaceuticals. – 1990

Java is the heart of Indonesian tea cultivation, accounting for almost 90% of the total area under cultivation. West Java, especially around Bandung and the Puncak Pass, is known for its full-bodied, sweet teas and picturesque plantations. The tea plantations, often located at altitudes of over 1,000 metres, are popular destinations for enjoying the cool mountain air and green landscape. The picture was taken between Cisarua and the Puncak Pass in 1990

Tea picker on Java. The photo was taken between Cisarua and Puncak Pass – 1990.

Java is the heart of Indonesian tea cultivation, accounting for almost 90% of the total area under cultivation. West Java, especially around Bandung and the Puncak Pass, is known for its full-bodied, sweet teas and picturesque plantations. The tea plantations, often located at altitudes of over 1,000 metres, are popular destinations for enjoying the cool mountain air and green landscape. The picture was taken between Cisarua and the Puncak Pass in 1990

Garlic plantation near Tawangmangu – A special type of garlic is also grown on Java. It is Java Solo garlic (also known as pearl garlic or monobulb), a rare, mild variety of garlic that consists of a single large round clove instead of the usual cluster of cloves. It is ideal for Asian dishes and easy to peel and prepare. – 1990

Onion fields in Central Java, in the area between the town of Magetan and the village of Sarangan on the slopes of the 3,265-metre-high Mount Lawu. The volcanic soil is extremely fertile, especially as the terraced fields are artificially irrigated. - 1990

All over Java, you come across fields of pepper plants, on which the pods hang, first green, then yellow and finally red, and which are an indispensable part of the islanders' diet. The undemanding plant thrives particularly well in the fertile volcanic soil. Incidentally, pepper plants are the only spice plants that contain high levels of ascorbic acid (vitamin C) and carotenoids (provitamin A). – 1990

A woman picks green chillies near Majenang / Cilacap – 1990

Little by little, the bucket fills with green peppers. Near Majenang / Cilacap – 1990

Red chillies at the spice market in Yogyakarta. - The best place to buy spices in Yogyakarta is the traditional Pasar Beringharjo market. There you will find a wide selection of local spices, herbs, traditional ingredients for jamu (Indonesian herbal medicine) as well as coffee and tea. – 1990

Fresh green chillies are always popular at the market in Surabaya in north-east Java, as they serve as both a spice and a healthy vegetable. But peppers have other beneficial effects too. They are highly stimulating, aid digestion and have a laxative effect. Their active ingredient, capsaicin, is used in dentistry as a painkiller. And as a powerful antiseptic, peppers protect food from spoiling to a certain extent, which is particularly important in hot and humid tropical countries. – 1990

In Yogyakarta, Pasar Beringharjo is the most famous and important market for spices. It is considered one of the oldest and largest traditional markets in the city. – 1990

The photo shows an elderly Javanese woman (often respectfully called Mbah or Ibu) from the region around Lake Sarangan (Telaga Sarangan) in East Java, Indonesia. The region lies on the slopes of the volcanic Mount Lawu. It is known for its cool mountain climate and traditional agriculture. Many older women in this area traditionally work as vendors at local markets or sell fresh vegetables and fruits to visitors at the lake. – 1990

In Yogyakarta, Pasar Beringharjo is the most famous and important market for spices. It is considered one of the oldest and largest traditional markets in the city. – 1990

A woman at the market in Surabaya, Indonesia's second largest city on the north-eastern tip of the main Indonesian island of Java. – 1990

In Yogyakarta, Pasar Beringharjo is the most famous and important market for spices. It is considered one of the oldest and largest traditional markets in the city. – 1990

Ginger is available for sale at Pasar Beringharjo, the most famous and important spice market in Yogyakarta. – 1990

Turmeric at the most famous and important spice market in Yogyakarta. – 1990

Bananas are also sold at Pasar Beringharjo, Yogyakarta's famous spice market. – 1990

A girl offers a whole bunch of bananas for sale. Pasar Beringharjo, the famous spice market in Yogyakarta. – 1990

A becak (pronounced [bet?ak]) is a type of bicycle rickshaw that is particularly common on the island of Java in Indonesia. Yogyakarta – 1990

Cyclists at the market in Yogyakarta - 1990

The Borobudur Temple, the largest Buddhist temple ever built, rises northwest of the city of Yogyakarta in Central Java. With its countless bell-shaped stupas and Buddha statues, the complex is one of the finest examples of sacred architecture in South Asia. – 1990

The bas-reliefs on the terrace walls of Borobudur are of incomparable beauty. All the faces radiate a serene happiness. The presence of such a Buddhist sanctuary in an archipelago that is now almost exclusively Islamic may come as a surprise. However, it is important to note that from the 8th century onwards, Indian peoples migrated to Southeast Asia in waves, bringing with them elements of an important Hindu-Buddhist high culture. Three bas-reliefs in Borobudur depict sailing ships that undoubtedly correspond to those that transported spices as early as the 1st millennium. – 1990

Three bas-reliefs in Borobudur depict sailing ships that undoubtedly correspond to those that transported spices as early as the 1st millennium. – 1990

The bas-reliefs on the terrace walls of Borobudur are of incomparable beauty. All the faces radiate a serene happiness. The presence of such a Buddhist sanctuary in an archipelago that is now almost exclusively Islamic may come as a surprise. However, it is important to note that from the 8th century onwards, Indian peoples migrated to Southeast Asia in waves, bringing with them elements of an important Hindu-Buddhist high culture. – 1990

The Borobudur temple is believed to have been built between 778 and 856, but like the rest of Central Java, it was abandoned just a hundred years after its completion and buried under a mountain of ash for a thousand years following an eruption of the neighbouring Merapi volcano. In 1814, under the English Vice-Governor Thomas Stamford Raffles, the history of the rediscovery of this temple complex began. Borobudur has the shape of a square step pyramid with a base length of 113 metres. Four monumental staircases, aligned with the four points of the compass, lead to the top. Seen from above, the temple is a mandala, an aid to meditation, and as a whole, a stupa or three-dimensional model of the cosmos. The walls of the lower terraces are covered with bas-reliefs depicting the life of Gautama Buddha and his disciples, while the upper steps remain without pictorial decoration. Instead, numerous smaller stupas rise here, towered over by the main stupa, which culminates at a height of thirty-five metres. – 1990

The Mendut Temple (in Indonesian: Candi Mendut) is a Mahayana Buddhist temple located in the village of the same name, on the island of Java (Indonesia), in the Magelang district of Central Java. Built in the early 9th century, it forms part of the Borobudur Complex, which has been listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1991, along with the neighbouring temples of Borobudur and Pawon. – 1990

The bas-reliefs on the terrace walls of the Candi Mendut temple are, like those on the neighbouring Borobudur temple, of incomparable beauty. Here, too, all the faces radiate a serene happiness. – 1990

A young woman takes her ducks to a market near the world's largest Buddhist temple complex - 1990

This poultry seller carries a whole bunch of live chickens tied together by their feet to the market in Yogyakarta. Chickens and ducks are among the most important sources of meat in Indonesian cuisine, with its numerous spicy dishes made from rice, vegetables, fruit and meat. – 1990

At the bird market in Yogyakarta, a particularly picturesque city in Central Java, not far from the island's south coast. The song of caged birds can be heard from many Javanese homes. – 1990

This market vendor in Yogyakarta offers her customers several varieties of rice, eggs and bird cages. The importance of rice in Asia is well known. It is not only the staple food of the poor; in Indonesia, there is hardly a dish that does not include a bowl of rice on the table. – 1990

Women also carry loads at the market in Yogyakarta. – 1990

Sunda Kelapa is Jakarta's historic old harbour. Here, a young fisherman has laid out his caught fish to dry. – 1990

Fish for sale at the market in Yogyakarta. – 1990

You can even buy ornamental fish for your aquarium at the market in Yogyakarta. – 1990

Scene at the market in Yogyakarta – 1990

A young saleswoman peels maniok at the market in Yogyakarta – 1990

Scene at the market in Yogyakarta – 1990

Portrait of an old woman at the bird market in Yogyakarta – 1990

The market in Yogyakarta offers a rich variety of fruit, salad and vegetables. This is testament to the fertility of the volcanic soil, which is further enhanced by the hot and humid climate. The frequent ash showers from the active volcanoes are one of the best natural fertilisers available. – 1990

At the large market in Yogyakarta, this woman is selling coconuts and banana leaves. The leaves are an environmentally friendly form of packaging that is often used in Southeast Asian cuisine. They are ideal for wrapping, steaming, grilling or braising food and give dishes a delicate, sweet and exotic aroma. – 1990

The market in Yogyakarta offers a rich variety of fruit, salad and vegetables. This is testament to the fertility of the volcanic soil, which is further enhanced by the hot and humid climate. The frequent ash showers from the active volcanoes are one of the best natural fertilisers available. – 1990

Mother and her youngest child photographed in a high-altitude village in Tawangmangu, in the foothills of Mount Lawu, which rises between the towns of Surakarta and Madiun in central Java. The mountain peak is 3,265 metres above sea level. This young woman is wearing a beautiful batik blouse, a fabric widely used in Indonesia. - 1990

Girl from Tambak in Central Java – 1990

Sate or Tusuk Sate (Indonesian for brochettes) is an indispensable Indonesian street food consisting of small pieces of grilled meat (chicken, beef, lamb, fish) or tofu/tempeh on skewers. They are marinated, grilled over charcoal and usually served with a spicy peanut sauce (bumbu kacang) or soy sauce. – Surabaya – East Java – 1990

A becak (pronounced [bet?ak]) is a type of bicycle rickshaw that is particularly common on the island of Java in Indonesia. Yogyakarta – 1990

Near Majenang in Central Java, a woman returns to her home. The region is characterised by hills, rubber forests and a high population density. – 1990

Production of manioc flour – near Cilacap in Central Java – 1990

Maniok is an important gluten-free root vegetable that is widely cultivated in Java, Indonesia, and used in staple foods such as getuk (maniok porridge) and fermented tapai singkong. It is a versatile, high-calorie plant often referred to as the “tropical potato” and must be carefully peeled and cooked to remove natural toxins (linamarin). – Yogyacarta Market – 1990

Cloves are laid out to dry in the sun. – Kandangan near Pare, East Java – 1990

Rice fields are traditionally ploughed with oxen. The fields must be flat, and often ‘puddling’ (making them muddy) and harrowing are used to create a soft structure for planting. – Kandangan near Pare, East Java – 1990

Candi Kalasan (also known as Kalibening Temple) is the oldest Buddhist temple in the Yogyakarta region of Java, Indonesia. It was completed in 778 AD and was originally dedicated to the Buddhist goddess Tara. The building is characterised by an octagonal roof decorated with reliefs of the Tathagatas (Buddha figures) facing the four cardinal directions. A special feature is that the walls are covered with Vajralepa, a white protective resin that has preserved the fine carvings. - The temple is located about 13 km east of Yogyakarta. 1990

Candi Rara Jonggrang, better known as Prambanan Temple, is a magnificent 9th-century Hindu temple complex in Central Java, Indonesia. It is dedicated to the Trimurti (Brahma, Vishnu, Shiva), is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is considered the largest Shiva temple in Indonesia. The name is closely linked to a local legend. - 1990

Near Surakarta, also known as Solo, a historic city in Central Java. Pottery is one of the oldest crafts in Indonesia, with important centres in East Java (such as Tulungagung, Blitar and Kediri) and near Yogyakarta (Kasongan village). The picture shows a man transporting large traditional clay pots on his bicycle, which is a common method of transporting goods in rural areas. - 1990

Near Surakarta, also known as Solo, a historic city in Central Java. Pottery is one of the oldest crafts in Indonesia, with important centres in East Java (such as Tulungagung, Blitar and Kediri) and near Yogyakarta (Kasongan village). The picture shows a man carrying large traditional clay pots on a shoulder yoke, which is a common method of transporting goods in rural areas. - 1990

In Sunda Kelapa harbour in the Indonesian capital Jakarta. These prahus, originally sailing vessels but now mostly motorboats with auxiliary sails, handle a large part of the shipping traffic between the islands of the Malay Archipelago and arrive here mainly from Sumatra and Kalimantan (Borneo). Around eighty prahus are always anchored in the busy harbour, loaded with spices among other goods. – 1990

Bow of a ship in Sunda Kelapa harbour in the Indonesian capital Jakarta. – 1990

In Sunda Kelapa harbour in the Indonesian capital Jakarta. These prahus, originally sailing vessels but now mostly motorboats with auxiliary sails, handle a large part of the shipping traffic between the islands of the Malay Archipelago and arrive here mainly from Sumatra and Kalimantan (Borneo). Around eighty prahus are always anchored in the busy harbour, loaded with spices among other goods. – 1990

Muara Baru is a district in Penjaringan, North Jakarta, best known for its important fishing port and fish market. It is a central hub for the Indonesian fishing industry, but faces significant environmental challenges due to its location below sea level. – 1990

Evening atmosphere in the bay of the port city of Ujung Pandang or Makassar, located on a southwestern spur of Sulawesi (Celebes), it was an important stop on the spice route. – 1990

The village of Bulukumba is located on the south-eastern side of the same spur of Sulawesi as Makassar (Ujung Pandang). At the mouth of the nearby river, which rises at the 2,870-metre-high Lompobatang, this small, well-protected harbour has been built for ships of modest tonnage. – Sulawesi – 1990

Fishermen bring their catch to the fish market in Ujung Padang (Makassar) – Sulawesi – 1990

Fishing boats between Ujung Pandang (Makassar) and Bantaeng – Sulawesi – 1990

At the fish market in Makassar (formerly Ujung Pandang). Fresh fish and seafood are grilled or prepared in the Makassar style, often with hot spices. – Sulawesi – 1990

Two fishermen carry their boat into the water. Fishing boats on Sulawesi are characterised by traditional wooden outrigger canoes (jukung), which are used for daily fishing. These boats are essential for the coastal economy and transport. – Near Ujung Pandang (Makassar) – 1990

Siesta on a becak in Ujung Pandang (Makassar) – Sulawesi – 1990

This cheerful girl was photographed in the streets of Ujung Pandang (Makassar). She wears a ribbon in the colours of Sulawesi on her hat – 1990.

A dock worker from Ujung Pandang (Makassar). The dockers' work is particularly strenuous in Indonesia's hot and humid climate. The island nation, which consists of a good dozen larger islands and a total of around thirteen thousand smaller ones, relies on a dense network of shipping connections, but now also has a well-developed airline network. – Sulawesi – 1990

Fishing boats in the late afternoon in the harbour of Ujung Pandang (Makassar) – Sulawesi – 1990

The Tamanroya salt flats are located in the Jeneponto district of South Sulawesi, Indonesia. Jeneponto is considered the centre of national salt production and is known for its extensive salt fields (Indonesian: tambak garam), which are used for both economic and tourist purposes. – 1990

South Sulawesi is home to a number of Austronesian (Malay) tribes known as the Bugis, who are believed to have migrated from the Malay Peninsula around a thousand years ago. They have proven themselves to be skilled shipbuilders, whose reputation has spread throughout Indonesia and as far as Australia. Here in the village of Tanah Baru on the Gulf of Bone, the bulbous Prahu sailing boats are still built according to old Dutch shipbuilding plans, completely without metal or nails. The planks of the hulls are joined together with wooden pegs. The Bugis in South Sulawesi were converted to Islam by the Sultanate of Makassar, to which they remained loyal during and after the Dutch colonisation of their island. – 1990

The wooden planks for the ships are still cut by hand. - Tanah Beru – Sulawesi – 1990

The carefree life of these children in Tanah Beru in South Sulawesi is reflected in their faces – 1990

The region around Malino, a cool mountain resort at an altitude of 1,500 metres in South Sulawesi, is known for its picturesque terraced rice fields, green hills and waterfalls. In addition to rice cultivation, the region offers tea plantations, strawberry picking and great opportunities for hiking or mountain biking. – 1990

The rice fields in the Sinjai administrative district in South Sulawesi are part of a hilly coastal landscape that stretches along the east coast of the southern peninsula. These agricultural areas are characteristic of the region and an integral part of the local culture and economy in this part of South Sulawesi. – 1990

When the leaves begin to wilt, turmeric is harvested by digging up the root tubers. Two varieties of turmeric or yellow root are commercially available: the round variety, which comes from the thick main tuber, and the elongated variety, which comes from the branches of this rhizome. – Sulawesi – 1990

Turmeric (Curcuma longa), also known as yellow root, is a medicinal and spice plant native to South Asia that is valued for its intense yellow colour and anti-inflammatory properties. The most important active ingredient is the polyphenol curcumin. – Sulawesi – 1990

Packaged turmeric roots for sale at the market in the village of Bontosunggu on Sulawesi. The pigment curcumin, or turmeric yellow, contained in the tubers is an important component of curry powder, which is a mixture of various flavourings rather than a spice in its own right. Other ingredients include ground pepper pods (Indian pepper), cardamom, coriander and various other aromatic substances. The proportion of each spice varies from region to region; there are also different curry mixtures depending on the dish. In India, turmeric yellow is also used to dye textiles. And various Polynesian tribes, for example on the Marquesas Islands and Wallis, use it to dye their hair. – 1990

This is probably the image that the Spice Islands presented to the first European sailors... Tidore is the southern sister island of Ternate, located west of the large Moluccan island of Halmahera. The beach, towered over by coconut palms, is littered with blackish basalt debris, evidence of the volcanic origin of most of these islands. – 1990

This is probably the view that the Spice Islands offered the first European sailors... - Togolo Beach on the island of Tidore – Moluccas – 1990

This is probably the view that the Spice Islands offered the first European sailors... – Latuhalat Beach – Ambon – Moluccas – 1990

This is probably the view that the Spice Islands offered the first European sailors... – Waitomu – Ambon – Moluccas – 1990

A fisherman returns from fishing in Ambon Bay. In the background, the fishing village on stilts. – Ambon – Moluccas – 1990

Fishing village in Ambon Bay. The houses stand on stilts in the water. – Ambon – Moluccas – 1990

Walkway to a fishing village on the island of Tidore – Moluccas – 1990

View from Ternate, an island in the North Moluccas, of the 3 km wide, forested, conical stratovolcano Hiri, which rises steeply from the sea (630 m) – Moluccas – 1990

Fishing boat on the southern beach of Tidore, a circular volcanic island in the North Moluccas, historically known as an important spice island. – 1990

On the island of Ternate in the North Moluccas, a fisherman pulls his boat onto Sulamadaha beach. This island is historically known as one of the most important ‘spice islands’ and was once the world's only centre for clove cultivation. – 1990

Here is the fisherman's catch from the previous picture. These are fresh soldierfish (genus Myripristis). They are known for their bright red colour and very large eyes. They are often found in Asian fish markets. – Sulamadaha – Ternate – Moluccas – 1990

This girl sells dried fish at the market in Banda Neira – Maluku – 1990

A boat carrying vegetables and fruit from the large island of Halmahera arrives at the port of Ternate. In the background on the right is the small island of Maitara and on the left is the island of Tidore, dominated by the 1,730-metre-high Keimatubu volcano. - Moluccas – 1990

The canoes are not only used for fishing, but also as a means of transport for firewood. – Banda Islands – Moluccas – 1990

On the Banda Islands, fishermen and their traditional boats are a common sight. While the islands were historically famous as the ‘spice islands’ for nutmeg, fishing is now one of the most important sources of livelihood for the locals, alongside tourism. – Moluccas – 1990

Small sailing boats are still used today in the Malay Archipelago for transport between islands. However, these vessels, which could date back to the days of the spice route, are increasingly being replaced by motor cutters or sailboats with auxiliary engines, which are faster and more reliable, especially on longer journeys. - Moluccas – 1990

Nutmeg originates from the Banda Islands and the northern Moluccas (the so-called ‘Spice Islands’) in what is now Indonesia. Botanically speaking, nutmeg is not a nut, but the seed of the peach-like fruit of the nutmeg tree. – 1990

A branch laden with fruit from a nutmeg tree on one of the Banda Islands in the Moluccas archipelago, home to this tree species belonging to the magnolia family. The nutmeg tree subsequently spread to Celebes (Sulawesi), Java, Sumatra, New Guinea, Malaysia (Penang Island and the Malacca region), Singapore, Bengal, the Antilles and Brazil. - Moluccas - 1990

Freshly opened nutmeg fruits. The flesh of these apricot-like fruits surrounds the large seed, the nutmeg. The striking red aril or seed coat is dried and sold as mace or mazis. – Banda Neira – Moluccas – 1990

Harvesting nutmeg is a multi-stage process that requires patience, as the nutmeg tree (Myristica fragrans) only yields significant crops after around 8 to 10 years. The fruits are ripe when the yellow, peach-like shell bursts open, revealing the red seed coat (mace). Harvesting is possible throughout the year, with the main season often falling during the rainy season. The fruits are either picked from the tree using long bamboo poles (with a small basket attached to the end, called a gaigai) or collected from the ground once they have fallen. – Banda – Moluccas – 1990

The nutmegs are either picked from the tree using long bamboo poles (with a small basket attached to the end, called a gaigai) or collected from the ground once they have fallen. – Banda – Moluccas – 1990

Still life with a branch bearing fruit and open nutmeg fruits, as well as a collection basket and a bamboo picking drum called a gaigai. This is open on one side and equipped with two gripping teeth. The fruit is stripped off and falls into the cone-shaped collection drum. On Banda Besar, as on the other Moluccan islands, the harvest takes place twice a year, in June and October. - 1990

A handful of nutmegs – Banda Neira – Moluccas – 1990

Mazis laid out to dry in the sun exude a distinctive scent. When placed in water, the strands immediately swell again. This soaked mazis is used to extract an essential oil with a pungent, spicy and rather bitter aroma, which is used in pharmaceuticals. – Banda Neira – Moluccas – 1990

The kernels (in their hard shells) are dried in the sun or in drying houses for several weeks until the inner kernel (the actual nutmeg) rattles in the shell when shaken. The hard shell is carefully cracked open shortly before export or further processing to expose the nutmeg. – Ternate – Moluccas – 1990

Traditionally, whole nutmegs are often treated with lime (lime milk/calcium oxide) after harvesting to protect them from insect infestation, mould and fungi during the long drying process. This lime coating is whitish, non-toxic and is usually washed off before use or resale. – Ambon – Moluccas – 1990

Muscat nuts ready for sale are packed into sacks and prepared for export. – Banda Neira – Moluccas – 1990

Whole nutmegs for export are usually packed in jute bags (double bags) in units of 25 kg to 50 kg. These provide good ventilation, which reduces the risk of mould. A common export grade is ABCD (mixture of different sizes). When stored correctly in cool, dry containers, the shelf life for export is approximately 18 to 24 months. – Ternate – Moluccas – 1990

Nutmegs are the most important agricultural resource of the Banda Islands, but they are also a significant crop on Ternate, Tidore and other Moluccan islands. After removing the seed coat, the nuts are laid out to dry. When dried, the seed – the nutmeg as it is sold – can be heard rattling in the shell when shaken. The shell is then broken open with a wooden hammer. The nutmeg itself is egg-shaped, two to two and a half centimetres long, grey-brown in colour and can be grated or scraped with a suitable instrument. – 1990

On the Moluccan island of Ternate, women sort peeled nutmegs according to size and quality. These are exported in sacks, as seen in the background. The nutmegs are often rolled in lime or dipped in a lime solution beforehand. This process is intended to protect them from pest infestation. – 1990

When dried nuts are shaken, you can hear the seed – the nutmeg – rattling inside the shell. The shell is broken open with a wooden hammer. The nutmeg itself is egg-shaped, two to two and a half centimetres long, grey-brown in colour and can be grated or scraped with a suitable instrument. – Ternate – Moluccas – 1990

The small farmers of Ternate bring their harvest of dried and shelled nutmegs to the island's capital of the same name to sell to buyers. The nuts are weighed using simple running scales. The buyer acts as an intermediary between the export companies and the small producers. Unfortunately, the proceeds are not always commensurate with the effort involved. – 1990

The colourful market in Ternate offers fruit, vegetables and, of course, spices such as chilli peppers. – Moluccas – 1990

The colourful market in Ternate sells fruit, vegetables and, of course, spices such as chillies or ginger. – Moluccas – 1990

This girl in the market in Ambon is selling a packaged speciality – Moluccas – 1990

Dried fish is among the items on offer at the market in Ternate – Moluccas – 1990

The colourful market in Ternate sells fruit, vegetables and, of course, spices such as chillies or ginger. – Moluccas – 1990

In the Moluccas, carrying baskets on the head is a traditional and widespread method of transporting goods, crops or shopping. – Ambon – 1990

In the Moluccas, coconuts are traditionally transported using a carrying pole (a yoke, often called a pikulan locally). – Tidore – 1990

Coconut palm on Ternate – Moluccas – 1990

Selling coconuts at the market in Ternate – Moluccas – 1990

The colourful market in Ternate offers fruit, vegetables and, of course, spices such as chilli peppers. – Moluccas – 1990

The colourful market in Tidore offers fruit, vegetables and, of course, spices such as chilli peppers. – Moluccas – 1990

Pepper pods on sale at the market in Ambon – Moluccas – 1990

Fresh chilli peppers at the market in Ambon – Moluccas – 1990

Chilli peppers, garlic, onions, limes, tomatoes – Market in Ternate – Moluccas – 1990

The picture shows an elderly man on the island of Ambon wearing a traditional headdress known as a peci, songkok or kopiah. This type of cylindrical cap is commonly worn in Muslim cultures and is often elaborately embroidered. – Moluccas – 1990

This woman at the market in Ternate is selling a special fruit: Malay apples (scientific name: Syzygium malaccense), also known as water apples, rose apples or pomarrosa. They are rich in pectin and vitamins A, B3 and C. They are also low in calories and fat. The fruit grows on trees that can reach heights of up to 15 metres and are particularly common in tropical regions such as South America, Asia and the Caribbean. – Moluccas – 1990

Chilli peppers, onions, ginger, turmeric, lemon verbena – Ambon market – Moluccas – 1990

At the market in Ambon – Moluccas – 1990

Turmeric (Curcuma longa), also known as yellow root, is a spice originating from South Asia that is valued for its intense yellow colour and the active ingredient curcumin. In modern nutrition and naturopathy, it is considered a ‘superfood’ due to its anti-inflammatory and digestive properties. – At the market in Ambon – Moluccas – 1990

Cinnamon is one of the oldest spices in the world and is obtained from the dried bark of cinnamon trees (genus Cinnamomum). It is particularly valued in cooking and natural medicine for its warm, sweet, woody aroma and its health-promoting properties. – Market in Ternate – Moluccas – 1990

Cinnamon is one of the oldest spices in the world and is obtained from the dried bark of cinnamon trees (genus Cinnamomum). It is particularly valued in cooking and natural medicine for its warm, sweet, woody aroma and its health-promoting properties. – Market in Ambon – Moluccas – 1990

Spice shop at the market in Ambon – Moluccas – 1990

Local woman on Lontar, also known as Banda Besar, the largest island of the Banda Islands in the Indonesian province of Maluku. The island is volcanic in origin, hilly (up to 536 m) and located in the central Banda Sea. – 1990

Curious children watch from their window – Banda – Moluccas – 1990

Portrait of a little girl on Banda – Moluccas – 1990

Boys in the village of Eri on the Moluccan island of Ambon, Indonesia. The village lies opposite Ambon Bay on the Timor Peninsula. They have rushed over from swimming to watch the photographer at work. Indonesians like to have their photographs taken, which is not the case with all peoples of the Far East. – 1990

This girl is also interested in the photographer's work – Ambon – Moluccas – 1990

What is happening in this world? Child in Castela on the island of Ternate – (see New Year's card 2022) – Moluccas – 1990

Portrait of a local woman on the island of Ternate – Moluccas – 1990

Inflorescence of a clove tree on the Moluccan island of Ternate. The undivided leaves of this evergreen tree from the myrtle family, reminiscent of laurel, are opposite and up to ten centimetres long. They are covered with indentations or tissue cavities that contain a pleasantly scented essential oil. The actual clove is the flower bud. The small, hermaphroditic flowers form round berries two to three centimetres in diameter, which turn brownish-purple when ripe and contain one to two seeds. – Moluccas – 1990

Shortly before flowering, the buds or cloves are ready for harvesting. A five-year-old clove tree is about six to eight metres tall and strong enough for its first “harvest”. After picking the flower buds, the tree is left to rest for eighteen to twenty-four months before the next harvest. This cycle can be maintained until the tree dies or is felled. – Moluccas – 1990

A woman on the island of Ternate picking cloves. The buds are carefully removed one by one and then laid out to dry. This work is usually done in family businesses. Each week's harvest, a few kilos of dried cloves, is then delivered to the buyer in the city of Ternate, who pays for the goods in cash. However, as with most spices, the purchase price is modest. – Moluccas – 1990

On Ternate, freshly picked clove buds are immediately laid out on cloths or mats to dry. In the evening, they are taken indoors and then laid out in the sun again the next day. This drying process takes one to two weeks. In bad weather, the cloves can also be carefully dried over a small fire. They are then ready for sale. – Moluccas – 1990

Dried cloves rightly bear their French name “clou de girofle” (clove nail). The head of the nail, which is three to four millimetres in diameter and a beautiful dark brown colour, consists of tightly packed petals, while the stem, formed from the calyx, is ten to twelve millimetres long. During drying, cloves lose almost half their weight. The yield of a tree is approximately ten kilograms, rarely more. – Moluccas – 1990

Scene at the market in Ambon – Moluccas – 1990

Passing the time with a game of draughts at the market in Ambon – Moluccas – 1990

Young woman with firewood - Ambon - Moluccas - 1990

In the Moluccas, a carrying pole (a yoke, often called a pikulan locally) is a traditional and widely used method of transporting goods, crops or purchases. – Lontar Island, also known as Banda Besar – Moluccas – 1990

Numerous fortifications built by the Portuguese and later by the Dutch can be found in the Moluccas archipelago, especially on the islands of Ternate and Banda (for example, the Belgica and Nassau forts). They bear witness to the bitter battles fought between the representatives of the two trading nations and soon also against the English. On the portal of Fort Nieuw Victoria, on the Timor peninsula in Ambon, the coat of arms of Amsterdam can be seen on the left. Under the gable crowned by a sailor is the name of the portal and below it the date of construction, 1775. At the bottom right is a depiction of three fish, above which is a coat of arms with four lions. – Ambon – 1990

Fort Belgica (Indonesian: Benteng Belgica) is a historic 17th-century fort on the island of Banda Neira in the Moluccas, Indonesia. Built in 1611 by the Dutch East India Company (VOC), the fort was primarily used to protect the monopoly on the valuable nutmeg trade. – 1990

The island of Ternate is dominated by Gunung Gamalama, or Gamalama Volcano, which rises more than 1,700 metres above sea level. It is considered one of Indonesia's most active volcanoes. The lava flow in the foreground is from an eruption in 1936 – Photo from 1990

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