Museum Admits Vast Gaps in African Artifact Origins

Thousands of African artifacts, acquired through trade, donation, confiscation, and looting during the British Empire, are now on display at Manchester Museum. Curators acknowledge a profound lack of information regarding the precise origins and traditional uses of these objects, with many items having been in storage for years. The new Africa Hub aims to be transparent about these record gaps.

This exhibition represents a starting point, inviting public engagement in determining the future of these historical items. Curator Lucy Edematie emphasized the gallery's unique nature, fostering public thought and involvement from the outset. The museum is considering options for the artifacts, including potential repatriation or collaborative projects with diaspora communities.

The museum is co-curating parts of the exhibition with local diaspora groups, such as the Igbo Community Greater Manchester. This collaboration aims to foster a sense of inclusivity and shared heritage, recognizing the strength found in bringing these dispersed objects and communities back together.