Geschichte(n) Tansanias: Einblicke und Ausblicke. Führung

The territory of present-day Tanzania has been shaped by a turbulent history. Due to its location on the Indian Ocean, the societies there became part of transregional trade networks at an early stage.

During German colonial rule, Tanzania was part of the colony “German East Africa” (1884/85–1918/19), and subsequently became the British colony “Tanganyika” (until 1961). The consequences of oppression and exploitation continue to be felt to this day. During the colonial era, thousands of cultural artifacts were taken to Germany. The Ethnological Museum in Berlin houses more than 10,000 “objects” from present-day Tanzania.  

What stories do these cultural artifacts tell? Who should tell these stories—a museum in Berlin or the communities from which the “objects” originate? Which stories remain untold or unheard—and why? What significance do these cultural artifacts hold for people in Tanzania, and what does their future hold?

The exhibition was developed in collaboration with the National Museum of Tanzania and in consultation with representatives of various communities in Tanzania. The guided tour of the exhibition provides insights into the provenance stories of the exhibits, addresses questions of restitution, and sheds light on how cultural belongings are handled in museums today. Through video interviews featured in the exhibition, representatives from Tanzania share their perspectives. The tour concludes with insights into current debates, such as those regarding post-independence politics in Tanzania or the renaming of streets with colonial names.

- Price: 9.00 EUR plus exhibition ticket. Please book your ticket in advance online or at the ticket counter in the foyer.

- Duration: 60 min

- Ages 16 and up

- Language: German

- Africa, 2nd floor

- Part of:Stories of Tanzania