History (s) of Tanzania

The area of present-day Tanzania is characterized by an eventful history. Due to its location on the Indian Ocean, the companies there were part of transregional trade networks early on. During German colonial rule, Tanzania was part of the “German East Africa” colony (1884/85-1918/19), followed by the British colony “Tanganyika” (until 1961). The consequences of oppression and exploitation are still effective today. During colonialism, thousands of cultural belongings were brought to Germany. The Ethnological Museum in Berlin contains more than 10,000 'objects' from present-day Tanzania.

What stories do these cultural assets tell? Who should tell these stories — a museum in Berlin or the societies from which the 'objects' come? Which stories remain untold or unheard — and why? What significance do cultural issues have for people in Tanzania and where does their future lie?

The exhibition was developed in collaboration with the National Museum of Tanzania and in conversation with representatives from various communities in Tanzania. The guided tour through the exhibition provides insights into the origin stories of exhibits, addresses issues of return and sheds light on how to deal with cultural issues in museums today. Representatives from Tanzania have their say through film interviews in the exhibition. Views of current debates, e.g. on politics following Tanzania's independence or the renaming of colonial street names round off the tour.