home-Collections from colonial context

Colonial collections consist of cultural objects that were made or acquired in one of the former Dutch trading missions, colonies or mandated territories in the period from the 17th century until 1975, when Suriname became an independent nation. Unequal relations of power during the colonial era led to objects being acquired unlawfully. Objects were taken from their rightful owners without their consent, for instance in acts of theft or pillaging or when people were forced to sell them, give them as ‘gifts’ or use them for barter.