Historical information

Mrs. Axie Mazèl - Krammer and her friend Anneke Rappard each had two daughters with them in the Women's camp in Banjoe Biroe. Prior to her marriage Axie Krammer von Marchau had studied languages, literature and pedagogy and particularly the art of teaching through play. The spirit and optimism of these two women contributed to the survival of their 4 little girls. An accomplished artist Mrs. Mazèl created the original of this booklet for the 6th birthday of her friend's daughter Anne Marie on July 30, 1945.

Significance

The illustrated story of children playing at internment does not hide the reality of their lives but puts in the context of a game of make-believe. The make-believe is illustrated in colour while the harsh reality is recognised in a small black and grey sketch in a corner of each page.

Physical description

Simply produced 30page booklet. It is the printed version of a handwritten booklet produced in July 1945 by Mrs Axie Mazèl Krammer to help her children deal with the memories of their imprisonment by the Japanese in the former Dutch East Indies. The materials and style imitate the simple materials that were available for the author during their 4 years of imprisonment and deprivation.

Inscriptions & markings

The name "A. Kelleners" is written on the flyleaf.