Itinerant traders in Uelsen

This sculpture of the "Hollandgänger" or "Pickmäijer" in Uelsen commemorates the migrant workers who, from about the second half of the 17th century until the beginning of the 20th century, went to the Netherlands as seasonal workers to work in agriculture, but also in other economic sectors such as brick making. They were usually from the economically weak regions of Westphalia, the Emsland or the Lower Weser area. Frequently, the trek to Holland was the only way to earn an income.

"Hollandgänger" or "Pickmäijer" in Uelsen, sculpture: Leo Janischowsky and associates, 1997, color photograph, 2009, photographer: Gouwenaar; source: Wikimedia Commons https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Piekmaijer_Uelsen_Janischowsky.jpg, public domain.