Rematriation as museum practice

Brushing off the dust from Sámi cultural heritage

Authors

  • Jorunn Jernsletten Várjjat sámi musea / Varanger samiske museum

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.5617/nm.10816

Abstract

This article discusses repatriation and rematriation linked to museum practice. A number of return projects are taking place both nationally and internationally. Former colonial powers and nation-states thereby take responsibility for oppressed colonial objects, and indigenous peoples are gaining access to their own cultural heritage. In a decolonization perspective, ownership of one’s own cultural heritage is important. But what does that mean in practice? The board game sáhkku is used as an example of how cultural heritage can be activated when the community of origin has access to an object and the intangible knowledge linked to the use of the object. By being actively used, objects are rematriated in their context of origin in a new age. In this way, the object and the knowledge about it take on a new meaning. Theoretically, the philosopher Ricoeur’s perspectives on narrative identity are used, which implies that identity is the result of an interpretation process and that access to cultural expressions is crucial for the individual’s opportunity to shape their identity.

Author Biography

Jorunn Jernsletten, Várjjat sámi musea / Varanger samiske museum

Konservator

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Published

2024-01-02