Histories of Tanzania

The territory of present-day Tanzania is characterized by an eventful history. Due to its location on the Indian Ocean, the societies there were part of transregional trade networks early on. During German colonial rule, Tanzania was part of the colony of “German East Africa” (1884/85-1918/19), followed by the British colony of “Tanganyika” (until 1961). The consequences of oppression and exploitation are still felt today. During colonialism, thousands of cultural belongings were brought to Germany. The Ethnologisches Museum in Berlin houses more than 10,000 ‘objects’ from present-day Tanzania.

What stories do these cultural artefacts tell? Who should tell these stories – a museum in Berlin or the societies from which the ‘objects’ come? Which stories remain untold or unheard – and why? What significance do cultural belongings have for people in Tanzania and where does their future lie?

The exhibition was developed in collaboration with the National Museum of Tanzania and in discussion with representatives of various communities in Tanzania. The guided tour through the exhibition provides insights into the stories of origin of exhibits, addresses questions of restitution and sheds light on the handling of cultural belongings in museums today. Representatives from Tanzania have their say through film interviews in the exhibition. Views on current debates, e.g. on politics after Tanzanian independence or the renaming of colonial street names, round off the tour.