Rustic Shadows, Deception Island, Antarctica

Deception Island, located in the South Shetland Islands off Antarctica, was a major centre for industrial whaling in the early 20th century. The island’s unique geography, with its volcanic caldera forming a natural harbor, made it an ideal location for whaling operations. Today, the remnants of this era, including large barrels and other equipment, serve as haunting relics of the industry’s past.

The large barrels were used for storing and rendering whale oil. After the blubber was boiled down in large vats, the oil was stored in these barrels for transport. These relics are now protected under the Antarctic Treaty System, which aims to preserve the historical and cultural heritage of the continent. They stand as a testament to human activity in one of the world’s most remote and fragile environments.