Focus on Collection Holdings

Large parts of the tangible and intangible collections from all over the world, which are now in the holdings of the Ethnologisches Museum, were assembled under colonial conditions; those responsible at the time, as well as collectors, made use of the (infra-)structures of European colonialism and also strengthened them through their interest in collecting. In the following, prominent examples from the Ethnologisches Museum's holdings are explained in detail.

The Benin Collection in Berlin

© Staatliche Museen zu Berlin / Stiftung Humboldt Forum im Berliner Schloss / Alexander Schippel

Objects from the kingdom of Benin

The Outrigger Boat from the Island of Luf

© Staatliche Museen zu Berlin / Stiftung Humboldt Forum im Berliner Schloss / Alexander Schippel

Historical Context and Provenance Issues

Ngonnso’ Statue

Ngonnso’
Ngonnso’ © Staatliche Museen zu Berlin, Ethnologisches Museum / Eric Hesmerg

News: Path is Clear for Returning the Ngonnso’ to Cameroon (28 June 2022)