When the Humbolt Forum was opened in 2021, it was found with enthusiasm and quite controversies. The latter is a will for the latest joint colonial acquisition for the already impressive attire of the Berlin museums – more than 20,000 items in their vast collection during the time of European expansion (not more often, not forced, not forced). Think about Nataraja bronze, delicate ming-era porcelain, a complex beaded Mandu Yenu throne from Cameroon, and Ivory Tools from Namibia.
A Nataraja statue from South India on performance in Hambolt Forum. Photo Credit: Getty Images
In the last four years, however, it has become a more collaborative project, said in Professor Lars-Christian coach. “This means that we are inviting international experts and sources to work in our museum storage and exhibitions with their collections. And we are working together in Provence Research to find out where these items have come from and what they mean for people [who originally owned them],” He says.
The Humbolt Forum consists of two formal museums: Divisional Sciences Museum and Asian Art Museum. The intention of the site shares the coach, which represents the State Museum of Berlin on stage, to surprise, instigate and start dialogue and discourse on the material of the museum.
Facing the offenses of colonialism
The exhibitions are attractive and generous, but question: Whose art is this? With whom are these artifacts related to? These relevant questions are that prestigious museums such as the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York and British Museum in London have been constantly chosen to ignore or brush on one side – claiming that their collection was purchased from either private collectors or “gifts” from local rulers to their colonial masters. But given the power imbalance inherent in playing, the idea of voluntarily handing over any kind of treasure is attractive.
A Benin Bronze at Hambolt Forum. Photo Credit: Charuksi Ramjurai
But in Western Europe, there is a growing voice for cultural restoration, or returning the loot of colonialism to its original owners and creators, such as the eighth -century stone sculpture, Murwa Mahishasuramardini’s Mate in India by Mate in India. For example, the Humbolt Forum, looking at the perfection of their performances, accepted that many people come from the era of cruel harassment and careless ransom. This begins with an open acknowledgment on their website and in several official statements that “the objects of Africa, America, Asia, Australia and Oceania are witness to a long colonial and racist history” and a promise that it offers resources for “and is heavily involved in the programs facing colonialism and its crimes”.
A procession from South India in Hambolt Forum, Animal Sculpture. Photo Credit: Getty Images
This is only fitting, given that Germany ended several mini hoolocasts in its African colonies such as Tanzania, Namibia, Burundi and Cameron in the 19th century. And this is where there is a large part of the demonstrations. The Benin Bronce, violently looted by the British forces in the late 19th century, is one of the most precious African artifacts, and is currently scattered in dozens of museums worldwide. Germany returned the formal ownership of 500 Benin Bronz in Nigeria, with just one handful of remaining in the museum on temporary debt. “Our companions in Nigeria were very clear that they want their culture to be displayed in our museum, so we include them in this process,” coach says. “We had an educational person from Benin City in our museum for eight weeks, working on lessons and educational programs.”
On all
The perception of restoration or revaluation may seem ideal, but it is not always easy or straightforward – it begins with the simple fact that geo -political boundaries vary and a land that came from an object cannot be present even today. “We have to do completely research, to find out what these items mean [that] Society and which is the right contact, “coaches explain.” So, we include our international partners from institutions in those countries. ,
A footrest from Cameron in Hambolt Forum. Photo Credit: Charuksi Ramjurai
Sometimes, the community does not want their treasure back, instead prefers to focus on more current issues. Case in point: A 52 -foot long double rudder boat from Papua New Guinea. The boat, striking Humbolt, was displayed in such a way that it seems that it is sailing, hiding a backstory of bloody massacres that exiting the region. It is one of the 65,000 items from the South Pacific region in the collection of the museum, but people from Papua New Guinea want it to remain there. Andrea Brandis, the press officer of the museum, says, “He has requested our help to learn to create a replica in his country.”
Papua New Guinea to double plow boat | Photo Credit: Charuksi Ramjurai
Through the year, the museum hosts temporary exhibitions and workshops, which is designed with focus on bringing relevant items for foreign audiences and bringing them into life as contemporary “cultural goods”. For example, with the performance of the museum from Tanzania, there is a continuous exhibition by living artists in the country.
Talking about the restoration, the coach said, “These are political decisions, and we can only offer our recommendations. What we can do is to strengthen our network and continue with capacity building with their colleagues in countries.” One is still encouraging Holocaust’s memories and recent crisis of immigrants and refugees in Germany, encouraging it to deal with interactions about correcting colonial mistakes. While critics maintain that it is very low, it is still a good start.
Independent journalists write on travel, art and culture, stability and protection.
Published – 06 September, 2025 07:07 am IST