Zachary and nkisi
Project research
Initiation figures
Project research
Why do project research? Many African items were brought to England by trade, or by those who worked in other areas of the British Empire. This is why the Africa collections tend to come from the west, central, east and southern Africa. They reflect British interests abroad. Items acquired during the 19th century were collected during the period of colonialism. They were obtained when Empire brought great change to traditional government and established trading societies. It is important for us to better understand who collected these early souvenirs, but also why these objects are significant as symbols of commerce and culture.
Collection research
In first phase of the project 206-17, the Museum invited a number of museum and university-based scholars to explore the collections. This meant that certain collection elements would receive fresh interpretation from the latest scholarship. Objects whose stories were once unknown could now be told as part of a public display.
Researchers include Dr. Zachary Kingdon, National Museums Liverpool; Professor John Mack and Dr. Fiona Savage, Sainsbury Research Unit, Julie Hudson, the British Museum, Professor Tim Insoll, University of Exeter, Catherine Elliot, Sainsbury Research Unit and Nessa Leibhammer, Honorary Researcher at the University of Cape Town.
What happens to the research?
The information provided by these scholars (and source communities where possible) enhances the information the museum currently holds. Believe it or not, trying to locate fresh interpretation for museum objects was not easy. We sometimes find that object knowledge remains incomplete. Sadly some ‘voices’ are lost in time and space forever. Also, trying to find relevant collection specialists can also be difficult as they may not be residing in the UK.
Research data provides us with extra artefact information which is inserted into the Museum’s collections database. From here it is conveyed to the public through related gallery and digital displays. This is to ensure that new scholarship is widely shared, and that our audiences benefit from having access to it.
-
- Stool
-
- Hausa cushion
-
- Labour ID passport