Home > Historic > Colonial history
Poster depicting cocoa pod gathering
Wall Art and Photo Gifts from Mary Evans Picture Library
Poster depicting cocoa pod gathering
Poster for the Empire Marketing Board depicting the gathering of cocoa pods
Mary Evans Picture Library makes available wonderful images created for people to enjoy over the centuries
Media ID 4430891
© Mary Evans Picture Library 2015 - https://copyrighthub.org/s0/hub1/creation/maryevans/MaryEvansPictureID/10280354
Baskets Cocoa Colonialism Conditions Exotic Gathering Harvest Harvesting Idealised Marketing Pods Romanticised
FEATURES IN THESE COLLECTIONS
EDITORS COMMENTS
1. Title: "The Harvest of Cocoa: A Colonial Ideal" This evocative poster, created by the Empire Marketing Board during the interwar period, showcases the labor-intensive process of cocoa pod gathering in a colonial setting. The image is rich in historical significance, as it romanticizes the harvesting of cocoa pods, which were a major export commodity during the colonial era. The poster's composition is dominated by the lush, verdant landscape of a tropical cocoa plantation. Women, dressed in colorful, exotic attire, are depicted carrying heavy baskets filled with ripe cocoa pods on their heads. Their faces are expressive, reflecting the dedication and determination required for this arduous task. In the background, men are shown using machetes to clear the undergrowth, preparing the land for cultivation. The poster's design is idealized, with the women's bodies gracefully posed and the landscape presented in a picturesque manner. However, it is essential to remember that the reality of cocoa production during this time was far from idyllic. The laborers, who were primarily women, faced harsh working conditions, long hours, and low wages. The poster's historical importance lies in its role as a marketing tool for the Empire Marketing Board, which aimed to promote trade and economic ties between the United Kingdom and its colonies. The image of the cocoa harvest was used to entice consumers with the allure of exotic, tropical products, while obscuring the often challenging conditions under which they were produced. Today, this poster serves as a reminder of the complex history of colonialism and the global trade in commodities like cocoa. It invites us to reflect on the stories and experiences of the people whose labor made the production of these goods possible.
MADE IN THE UK
Safe Shipping with 30 Day Money Back Guarantee
FREE PERSONALISATION*
We are proud to offer a range of customisation features including Personalised Captions, Color Filters and Picture Zoom Tools
SECURE PAYMENTS
We happily accept a wide range of payment options so you can pay for the things you need in the way that is most convenient for you
* Options may vary by product and licensing agreement. Zoomed Pictures can be adjusted in the Basket.
