Mucking in Molluca

Mark Webster · Issue 71, Mar/Apr 2013 · pp. 59–64

Products mentioned: Nikon D300, Subal ND20, 10-17mm FE zoom, 2X teleconverter, Inon Z240 flash guns, Inon Quad flash, 105mm micro lens, Inon wet lens

During the first age of global exploration when characters like Columbus, Vasco Da Gama and Magellan were the heroes of the age, one of the major objectives was to find a route to the fabled spice islands in what is now Indonesia. In the 15th century spices were a valuable global commodity which many believed offered protection from the various plagues that prevailed in Europe as well as being used to flavour food and disguise the taste of rotting meat! Prior to this era of maritime exploration these spices had been imported via overland routes in small quantities and so were a rarity which traded at very high prices. One of the best known trading areas established by the Dutch East India company were known as the Molluca islands which were rich is cloves, mace and nutmeg and the island of Ambon became a major export hub in this valuable trade. Fast forward to the 21st century and Ambon …