What You Need to Know
Manchester Museum in northwest England has launched the Africa Hub, a new initiative aimed at addressing colonial silence by inviting visitors and communities to participate in uncovering the history of over 40,000 African artifacts held by the museum. This project emphasizes collaboration and shared knowledge, moving beyond traditional exhibitions.
Africa. Manchester Museum in northwest England has launched the Africa Hub, a new initiative aimed at addressing colonial silence by inviting visitors and communities to participate in uncovering the history of over 40,000 African artifacts held by the museum.
Most of these items date back to the British colonial era, having been collected, purchased, looted, or preserved under unclear circumstances.
As a result, museum curators often lack essential information about the creators of these pieces, their cultural significance, or the communities that were part of their lives, with only the name of the donor or the collection they came from frequently available.
The museum’s curators emphasize that the Africa Hub is not a traditional exhibition showcasing years of research, but rather a starting point for an open journey of collaboration and shared knowledge.
Lucy Idemati, the museum’s African collections curator, states, “This is an opportunity for us to think publicly and transparently, and to involve people in this process from the beginning.”
Partnerships with African Communities
Collaboration has already begun with the Nigerian community in Manchester, where the “Great Igbo Community” organization has contributed to researching some artifacts and highlighting Igbo heritage.
Sylvia Mckbehuric, vice president of the organization’s women’s committee, explains, “Some of these pieces were given, some were stolen, and some were taken by force during the invasion. It is important that we work to reclaim them, as this reflects inclusivity and showcases the strength of diversity.”
The museum invites visitors at its Oxford Street location or through its digital platforms to share their stories and knowledge about these artifacts, a step that may pave the way for the return of some items to their countries of origin or the establishment of new partnerships with African communities both locally and abroad.
The museum describes the new hub as “an evolving space for reflection, dialogue, and shared learning,” with its future shaped by public contributions.
A museum spokesperson adds, “We acknowledge what we do not know and extend our hands to people to help us tell stories that have yet to be written.”
The Africa Hub initiative at Manchester Museum seeks to confront the colonial legacy associated with many artifacts collected during the British colonial era. These items often lack comprehensive documentation regarding their origins, cultural significance, and the communities they represent, leading to a gap in understanding their histories.
