Critical role of museums in uniting divided world
Since 1977, the world has annually observed International Museum Day. This was established by the International Council of Museums (ICOM) in their yearly celebration to encourage the global museum communities.
- From Nwoba Chizoba Joy
Since 1977, the world has annually observed International Museum Day. This was established by the International Council of Museums (ICOM) in their yearly celebration to encourage the global museum communities. Museums, as the custodian of our history and cultural heritage, play a very important role in cultural exchange and enrichment, through collaborations and development of peaceful coexistence and cooperation among nations and communities. According to International Council of Museums, this year theme for International Museum Day states “Museums Uniting a Divided World”.
This research intends to explore the unique aspects of museums, uniting divided world using Nigerian as a case study, emphasizing on the common link that brings us together as a country and our differences.
Nigeria is a nation with about 250 ethnic groups of more than 500 languages, a thriving example of cultural diversity with interlinking common identity and a rich cultural and natural heritage. A community or a nation can be united as well as divided considering the following factors: Language, Art and Culture.
DIFFERENT CULTURE, ONE PEOPLE
Language is a means of communication that is used by humans to convey meaning, express emotions, thoughts and ideas. This can be done through spoken languages, sign languages and written languages. Language plays an important role in shaping the identity and culture of the people.
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It helps us to appreciate the diversity of human existence, experience and foster communication across cultural boundaries.
Nigeria is a home of three major languages; Hausa, Igbo and Yoruba, we also have many other languages spoken across the country. Hausa language is a vital part of Hausa culture and identity which is being spoken in the Northern area of the country.
Igbo Language is spoken in the Southeastern part of Nigeria and is known for its rich literary tradition. Yoruba language is very famous for its proverbs and oral traditions; it is dominated in the southwest part of Nigeria.
Despite the diversity of these languages, certain words are still generally accepted without any interpretation; for example, Gelede mask, Ikenga, Arusi, Ere-Ibeji, Mmanwu, Mat (Ute), Calabash and many more.
Our children can only be identified through their languages which will help them to understand their roots. Language is indeed the major key for identity and cross-cultural collaboration. Overtime, languages have also been expressed through art.
Nigerian art industry has created great opportunities through skill to add value to the society and promote economic development. Art plays a significant role in human culture as a means of creative expression, communication, connection and cultural significance by shaping cultural values, traditions and identity. Art is a diverse range of human activities and creation that involves imagination, skill and creativity. Nigerian art reflects our rich cultural heritage. Art is an expression of culture in different forms, which includes visual or modern art, performing art, literary art and traditional crafts and sculptures.
Culture is people’s way of life. It is the way in which people think, feel and behave as well as the language and artifacts they use to express themselves. It is the embodiments of values, beliefs, customs, traditions and practices that define a group of people or society. Nigerian culture is shaped by its diverse ethnic groups and colonial history.
It shapes our identity, influences our behaviour and provides us with a sense of belonging. Culture is very dynamic and complex, as it keeps influencing individual perspective and experiences to promote cross cultural communication and collaboration through language, art and history. It helps to preserve cultural heritage and diversity in building a balanced society. Culture displays historical events and interpretation that shapes societal norms and values.
Our culture cannot be separated from our history; history is the record of the past that helps us to understand the present and the future.
History and culture are intertwined in shaping the fabric of human society. History informs us of cultural heritage and traditions which are being stored in the museums.
Museums help us to understand that there are proofs that complex societies existed through the museum collections. When museums negotiate returns or do joint exhibitions, they force divided groups to talk (communication). Museums can correct myths that fuel division through historical research on museum collections providing accurate information and documentation. Museums are hospital for collective memory; they might not totally heal the division but stop the infection from spreading.
Museum is really a very important tool in uniting divided world through collection, preservation, conservation, interpretation, presentation and storage of natural and cultural heritage.
Nigeria language, art and culture are testament to the country’s rich diversity and creativity. Despite the many differences between the ethnic groups, Nigeria’s still share a common identity and deep appreciation for our cultural and natural heritage through museum galleries.
In this regard, celebrating and preserving Nigerian’s cultural diversity, we can promote unity, understanding and cultural exchange. There can be proof that we have always been complex, but still connected and also capable.
•Nwoba Chizoba JoyAssistant Chief Curator, National Museun. Lagos National Museum Lagos
