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Open Histories
Erzähl uns Deine Geschichte

Objects with unknown histories from colonial contexts experience a new consideration here. Some of these objects are presented to the public for the first time ever. We lack a lot of important information about the objects that we exhibit here. Some of them were recorded incorrectly when the first descriptions were made or they were not described correctly at all.

Choose an object that you find interesting and write a story about it.

Ritual Axe
1
Toxic Items
Zulu shield
2
Toxic Items
Spear
3
Toxic Items
Travel brochure of the "German Africa Lines”
4
Toxic Items
Opium pipe
5
Souvenirs
Sewing basket
6
Souvenirs
Doll in blue uniform with inscribed sailor cap "MS BREITENSTEIN".
7
Souvenirs
Walking sticks
8
Souvenirs
Shipping company poster "Woermann-Linie”
9
Objects of Negotiation
Map, Southern Pacific, Admiralty Islands
10
Objects of Negotiation
Sticks with inlaid Colon figures
11
Objects of Negotiation
Ship model of a pirate junk
12
Objects of Negotiation
Neck support
13
Displaced Things
Iron knife and antler spoon
14
Displaced Things
Model of an outrigger boat from the South Seas
15
Displaced Things
Emergency money
16
Displaced Things

Open Histories

Provenance research deals with the origin of objects. We begin by opening up our depot, revealing paths of transmission, revealing gaps in our knowledge, and involving you in the dialogue about our collection. We approach the objects by dividing them into four groups. The artifacts transmit numerous cultural contexts that we cannot always decipher at first glance. Sometimes we have to question exactly what seems obvious at first glance.

Toxic Item - A "Toxic Item" is an item that has negative effects when used incorrectly. A term that seems plausible at first may turn out to be a false attribution. The original meaning is lost or changed through display. Exoticism and racism are shown, stereotypes overlay a value-free approach. An object is foreign and at the same time is owned or appropriated. What is the right way to deal with it?

A souvenir - An "Object of Memory" is an object that serves as a souvenir of a trip or an experience in a faraway place and is brought home for this purpose. A souvenir is recognizable as such upon closer inspection. However, it does not always tell us the memories of the individual traveler associated with it. Some objects are produced and purchased in large quantities. Whose stories do the objects tell?

Object of Negotiation - An "Object of Negotiation" is an object that establishes relationships, consolidates or communicates actions. The object lays out false trails: It needs to be looked at closely. Sometimes handing over or possessing such an object can be a substitute action for lost power or false memory. Under what circumstances is the object made, handed over, or taken? What is actually bargained for and with the object?

Displaced Things - "Displaced Things" are things that have also undergone a change of meaning as a result of their change of location. These things have left their cultural background. To learn their history, the contexts of their journey are reconstructed. Not everything is derived from what is immediately visible. How do we find missing information?