THE HAGUE, KOMPAS.TV — King of the Netherlands Willem-Alexander on Thursday (13/1/2022) decided not to use, at least for now, the kingdom’s “golden chariot,” as reported by the Associated Press, Thursday (13/1/2022).
The horse-drawn carriage, on one side, contains paintings that critics say glorify the Dutch colonial past, including its role in the world slave trade.
The announcement is an acknowledgment of the heated debate over the horse-drawn carriage as the Netherlands dives into the grim side of its history as a 17th-century colonial superpower, including the Dutch merchants who made their fortunes on slaves and slavery.
“Golden Carriage will only be able to come out again when the Netherlands is ready, and that is not at this time,” King Willem-Alexander said in a video message.
One side of the horse-drawn carriage is decorated with a painting entitled “Tribute from the Colonies” depicting black people and the Dutch East Indies, one kneeling, offering something to a young white woman representing the Netherlands.
The horse-drawn carriage is currently on display in the Amsterdam museum after a lengthy restoration.
In the past these horse-drawn carriages were used to carry Dutch kings through the streets of The Hague to the country’s Parliament every September.
Also Read: Beautiful Horse Carriage Remains of Roman Pompeii Found
“There is no point in condemning and disqualifying what has happened through the lens of our time,” said the King of the Netherlands, adding, “Banning historical objects and symbols of course is also not a solution. On the other hand, a deeper and more time-consuming joint effort is required. An effort that unites us instead of dividing us.”
Anti-racism activist and co-founder of The Black Archives in Amsterdam, Mitchell Eajas, called the king’s statement a “good sign,” but also the “minimal” the king could say.
– .
