By Princess Eugene Majuru, Princess of Harare
Bristol, UK ( News.of The South) – A groundbreaking exhibition aimed at “decolonising” historical artifacts has opened at the Bristol Museum & Art Gallery, sparking important conversations about the city’s colonial legacy. Artist Jessica Ashman’s “Those that do not smile will kill me: Decolonising Jamaican Flora” delves into the often-ignored histories connected to botanical collections, highlighting the exploitation and erasure of Indigenous and African knowledge.
This initiative is part of a broader movement to address the injustices of colonialism, which saw the widespread looting of cultural artifacts and the brutal exploitation of people. Bristol, a city built on the wealth generated by the slave trade, is now confronting its past and seeking to create a more inclusive and honest representation of its history.
The exhibition’s aims include acknowledging the often-violent origins of museum, centering the voices of those who were historically marginalized, promoting dialogue about the potential repatriation of artifacts.
This initiative holds significant potential for both Bristol and African communities. It can foster reconciliation within the city and support efforts to reclaim cultural heritage in Africa. Groups like the Mbari clan of Harare, who are working to revitalise their kingdom, stand to benefit from the return of culturally significant artifacts. This type of action can also be used as a template for other African nations to use, when seeking to regain their cultural heritage.
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