World Cultures Collection
The Collections Team are embarking on a project to delve into ANGUSalive’s World Cultures collection. We know we have objects from every continent in the world (except perhaps Antarctica) but we often don’t have detailed information about the history of the object or its cultural significance.
The History of our World Cultures Collection
The World Cultures collection was largely amassed during the Victorian period corresponding with a period of growth and expansion in the British Empire. Britain was exerting economic and political power by developing colonies in areas such as Africa, India and North America. The empire was so far- reaching the famous phrase ‘the sun never sets on the British Empire’ was used to describe it.
Some of the individuals who held privileged positions travelling and trading in colonised countries also used their position to further another Victorian pastime: the collecting of curios. Curios were objects that were rare, exotic or valuable. They included wonders of the natural world, valuable works of art and cultural objects from far flung places.
The imbalance of power between coloniser and colonised led to objects being taken from their places of origin with no regard for the impact or ethics of such action. This left a legacy that endures to this day and raises questions around how we interpret these objects, how we share the narrative around Victorian collecting practices, and whether some of these objects belong back in their native countries.
'Perspectives: Collecting the World' to display the Angus World Cultures Collection
Join us on a journey around the globe exploring how the story of Angus has been shaped by our relationship with the world.
Marvel at objects collected from almost every continent including iconic samurai armour, a beautifully embellished wall panel from the Imperial Palace in China, hand-crafted Fijian war clubs and the manuscripts of explorer and diplomat Alexander Burnes who almost, but not quite, changed the course of world history… These objects not only unlock rich stories of Angus people who travelled all over the world but also the impact they had on the people, cultures and ways of life they encountered as they did so.
Be part of our conversation to re-discover history by exploring the legacies of Empire and colonialism in our museum collections, our towns, and in our national identity. Question, learn and grow by exploring this forgotten aspect of our shared history.
A huge thank you to Museums Galleries Scotland for funding this project to delve into the Angus World Cultures collection.
Have Your Say
ANGUSalive cares for the World Cultures Collection on behalf of the people of Angus, therefore we need to hear your voices: are you part of a community whose culture is represented by objects in our collection? Do these objects have a special relevance to you? Do you think you could help us ensure our museum displays are diverse, inclusive and tolerant?
Explore more stories from our World Cultures Collection here:
The Thuggee
Coca Cola & the Kola Nut
East India Company
