Grant awarded to eleven museums for provenance research into colonial collections

Beeld en Geluid is conducting research into three Sticusa-films (Stichting Culturele Samenwerking Suriname en de Nederlandse Antillen/Foundation for Cultural Cooperation) from the 70s, to indicate their provenance and context. The films will be returned to the people in Suriname and the Antilles, and will be made available for education, so they can serve as a tool for reflection and dialogue about (post)colonial relations.

Prof. dr. Ben Arps (Leiden University) conducts provenance research into eleven unique maps from Java, from 1825. They depict the districts of the regency of Semarang and are currently part of the collection of the National Archives. Their creators, purpose, and journey to Europe are unknown. Analysis of style, language, and context should reveal their provenance and shed new light on their colonial heritage.

The Universiteitsmuseum Groningen conducts provenance research into the sub-collections of Gerardus van der Leeuw, in particular, religious and ritual objects from missionary and colonial networks. The project focuses on unknown provenance, ethical acquisition, and the context of collections, in addition to digital access and publication of the findings to science and the public.

Boijmans van Beuningen conducts provenance research into the sub-collection of Dr. Johan C.J. Bierens de Haan (1883-1958), the objects were collected from Tibet, China, Iran and Japan (1909-1920). The research focuses on the context of collection, the political situation of the region and the possibly problematic provenance of the objects.

Rijksmuseum Boerhaave researches the sub-collection of Jan van der Hoeven (1801-1868), in which his scientific work and colonial context are visible. The research focuses on the provenance of zoological and physical-anthropological collections, including objects and portraits, and explores how the Dutch colonial expansion shaped his scientific activities.

This project conducts research into circa 80 Indonesian objects that are suspected to have been acquired from a colonial context, such as temple and ancestral statues, weapons, and architectural fragments. The goal is to trace their provenance, reconstruct the context of removal, and identify possible restitution claims, using experts and specialist provenance research.

This project conducts research into circa 80 Indonesian objects that are suspected to have been acquired from a colonial context, such as temple and ancestral statues, weapons, and architectural fragments. The goal is to trace their provenance, reconstruct the context of removal, and identify possible restitution claims, using experts and specialist provenance research.

The Zaans Museum conducts research into eighteenth- and nineteenth-century clothing made out of chintz to establish the colonial provenance of the fabrics. By making a distinction between Indian and European chintz, insights are given into production, trade routes of the VOC and the role of these clothes in the Zaan identity.

Museum Catharijneconvent researches the colonial context of mission objects. The project studies inculturation, colonial provenance of materials, and ownership, with attention to local creators and power relations. This is intended to give insight into cultural exchange, religious influence, and the connections between Christianity and European colonialism.

Het Allard Pierson researches the Houbolt-collection. These objects were collected from Indonesia, New Guinea, and Malaysia. The project explores in what ways the objects were collected, by whom, and under which circumstances. Additionally, the project explores whether the objects present a case of involuntary loss, in collaboration with the Universitas Gadjah Mada.

Missiemuseum Steyl conducts research into objects of the collection of the Mission Sisters of the Servants of the Holy Spirit. This research focuses on a Japanese Buddhist household shrine. By tracing the provenance, the project aims to give insights into the connection between imperialism, missionary work, and colonialism and to contribute to the decolonization discussions outside of museum and national collections.