Carrying the Reality of Dehumanization - Being Black or Coloured
c.1954, Front side - Identification pass book which belonged to Maluku Jack Rayta in South Africa.
Paper and cardstock pass book with black-and-white photograph. At the center, printed text in British English and Afrikaans using black ink. At the left side, brown paper and cardstock printed handwriting in black ink present at the bottom. At the top left is a black-and-white image of Maluku Jack Rayta. Directly to the right, a printed seal from the Bureau of Census and Statistics. At the far right side, a brown fabric and vinyl cover.
Name/Title
Carrying the Reality of Dehumanization - Being Black or ColouredEntry/Object ID
2021.1.1Scope and Content
c.1954, identification pass book which belonged to Maluku Jack Rayta in South Africa.Context
We recently acquired these extremely important South Africa “Pass Books.” A lot more research must be done for accuracy and placing them appropriately into the exhibit. We must be sensitive to every word used and facts related to the artifact (“witness”) with limited space! This week we wanted Elgin Students to at least see the Pass Books and reflect on the continuing “breakdowns of humanity” after the Holocaust. What have we learned so far? These are South Africa Apartheid era “Reference Books,” “dompas” (Dumb Pass), and “Pass Books.” They classified anyone who was not white - designated as “black” or “coloured” and were forced to carry them at all times. A maximum of 72 hours only was allowed in white urban areas for work only! What do we know about Pass Book holder Maluku Jack Ratya (No. 2473887)? Do we have his name spelled correctly? What can each page tell us about him?Collection
The South African ApartheidCategory
Pass Book