British Imperialism and its Legacies: Africa before, during and beyond enslavement
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Glasgow Museums has a relatively large collection that testifies to the diversity, complexity and richness of African history and culture. Objects range from gold weights used by the Asante of modern-day Ghana to Ancient Egyptian artefacts. Some of these objects are from communities whose members were forced into enslavement and trafficked across the Atlantic to work on the plantations of the Americas. While these objects speak to experiences and cultural practices before and beyond slavery and colonialism, they sit in a colonial context which involves trade with Europeans, looting by soldiers of the British Empire, acquisitions from missionaries and colonial officials, and more recent purchases following the end of formal colonial rule.
Contrary to the claims of Scottish ‘Enlightenment’ figure David Hume – who wrote that black people have no civilisations, no arts, no sciences – Africa has always been very much in the mainstream of global history. There were established trade routes across the continent and beyond, with economies that traded in coin, gold, cowrie shells and more. People came from across Africa, Europe and Asia to study in world-leading centres of education, such as Timbuktu and Alexandria. Histories were preserved on papyrus, in song, or recorded on bronze works of art.
Transatlantic slavery significantly impacted development across Africa, particularly in West and Central Africa, through depopulation and widespread violence. Guyanese historian and activist Walter Rodney (1942–1980) likened the impact of transatlantic slavery on Africa to a child who is forced to leave school early, thus hindering their ability to fulfil their potential. The impact of transatlantic slavery and colonisation on Africa has left a legacy of economic inequality still evident today.
The objects below only offer a tiny glimpse into the breadth and depth of African history and culture. What objects and histories would you like to see represented? Get in touch to share your thoughts.
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