Since the first century AD, the Banda
islands have been the sole producers of the fragrant nutmeg and mace for
which Chinese, Indian, and Arab ships traveled across the seas. These
precious spices could be sold at enormous profit in foreign markets.
The people of Banda thrived on their
natural resources, but in later years suffered at the hands of Dutch
colonizers who wanted to dominate the world’s spice trade.Despite
such a big reputation,...
