Examples of problematic labels analyzed by the project ‘Labelling Matters’ in the ethnographic collections of the Pitt River Museum
Growing up in Europe, I have learned the history of men from a deeply Eurocentric and traditional perspective. We started off with Sumerians, Assyrians, Babylonians, Egyptian, and then straight on to a ‘History of the West’: when we addressed Columbus and America, we called it discovery; when we discussed African populations, we labelled them native, without realising we are native ourselves. A superior West, with an extensive history, versus nations and cultures that appeared to be born by Europe’s magic touch.
When I began my academic path in the historical studies department, the terminology was refined, but the studies’ focus were still very much unvaried. The occasions to enlarge the horizon to the non-European perspective were few and always mediated through the same viewpoint. The one, great exception of my life as a student has been my master’s degree and its vibrant, challenging environment. Undoubtedly, these were the years of a significant shift in this regard, as we are now able to admit the heavy western bias on history, while at the same time we are witnessing many conservative objections to this change.
This is the scenario in which European ethnographic museums survive; many of them were founded in colonial times and adhere to those historical notions and principles of categorization. In recent times, the museum community has raised significant inquiries on whether ethnographic museums still have a purpose today or if they are just dusty remembrances of a detrimental past.
‘One principal duty of an ethnographical museum is to be a forum for the presentation of the concepts of different traditions and cultures in different time periods’: these institutions do not only collect and preserve artifacts, but they also play a role in how cultures are perceived and are themselves part of one. Therefore, there are two paths to take: the first one could be to dismantle ethnographic collections and institutions because of the undeniable link they share with racism and colonialism. But cancelling these opportunities of dialogue with material cultures could deprive us of our second path: the chance to change their complex story and the profound meanings they conserve.
So, how to act for a constructive change without draining these institution’s essence?
‘Collections should not be merely historical. When there is no growth, the ethnographic museum becomes a historical museum, increasingly isolated from modern developments. Alternative it develops into an art museum, where only the aesthetic value of the objects prevails’. Ethnographic collections can provide us with a unique opportunity to reflect on the relationship between Europe and other countries by challenging our perspectives of the world: from colonialism strongholds to places of mutual exchange and discoveries.
Pitt River Museum, Oxford
A major task of contemporary ethnographic museums is documenting and explaining cultures’ transitions and evolutions. It can also mean bringing to the public the necessity of decolonising museums venues, from the act of repatriation of items that were stolen by colonizers to rewriting colonial histories and cooperating with communities to do so.
Pitt River Museum of Oxford is undertaking remarkable research in this regard. ‘Labelling Matters’ is a project promoted with the willingness to rethink ethical displays; it reflects on both visual and textual aspects of the collections and reimagines definitions and labels, challenging traditional preconceptions that the museum itself once helped to portray.
Examples of problematic labels analyzed by the project ‘Labelling Matters’ in the ethnographic collections of the Pitt River Museum
I am now a young museum professional researching ethnographic collections; museums have been my personal way of discovery, the only place in which I was presented cultures others than the Western civilisation.
‘Ethnographic museums should see the obstacles and take their opportunities. They should become aware of the great treasure of knowledge and artefacts they have accumulated over recent centuries. they have to embrace their politically responsible role, presenting a platform for contemporary diverse and cross-cultural dialogues about different knowledge systems and life concepts.’ New kinds of shared interpretations and representations seem to be pivotal for transforming these places into fresh opportunities for reflection and change.
Written by Sofia Sireno
Want to know more?
I would highly suggest checking Pitt River Museum’s project ‘Labelling Matters’, its blog, articles and podcast. I have chosen some content for you to browse:
· ‘Labelling Matters’ project
https://www.prm.ox.ac.uk/labelling-matters
· ‘Labelling Matters’ podcast with Pamella Gomes and an Hawaiian object:
https:// soundcloud.com/pittriversound-1/prm-labellingmatters-2020-1?in=pittriversound-1/sets/labelling-matters-podcasts
· ‘Labelling Matters’ The Cook Collection: Euphemisms and Omitted Contexts:
https:// pittrivers-object.blogspot.com/2021/05/labelling-matters-cook-collection.html
· ‘Labelling Matters’: The Role of Language in the Ethics of Representation:
https://pittrivers-object. blogspot.com/2021/03/labelling-matters-role-of-language-in.html