idw – Informationsdienst Wissenschaft
Nachrichten, Termine, Experten
Nachrichten, Termine, Experten
idw - Informationsdienst
Wissenschaft
The exhibition “Planet Africa – Archaeological time travel” continues its international journey. Following successful openings in Ghana and Eswatini, the exhibition is set to display in Munic, where it will be hosted by the State Archaeological Collection from May 2025.
“Planet Africa – Archaeological time travel” offers an engaging look at the rich and diverse history of the African continent. Presented across six modules, the exhibition traces Africa’s story from the earliest representatives of the Homo genus to groundbreaking technological innovations and early dietary practices. In Ghana, the exhibition opened on March 27, 2025 in the specially built extension of the Archaeological Museum of the University of Ghana in Accra Legon. The inauguration was attended by distinguished guests including representatives from the University of Ghana, the Ethiopian Consulate, the Deputy Ambassador of Algeria, and German Ambassador Daniel Krull.
A second major milestone took place in early April in Eswatini, where the country’s Prime Minister, His Excellency Russell Mmiso Dlamini, officially launched a dual exhibition on San culture and “Planet Africa” at the Lobamba National Museum. With the support of the Embassy of the Federal Republic of Germany in Pretoria and the German Archaeological Institute (DAI), the exhibition offers a unique opportunity to explore both national heritage and the broader archaeo-logical insight of Africa.
An Exhibition on a USB Stick
To adapt to the realities of presenting an exhibition across such a vast and diverse continent, the “Planet Africa” concept was designed with flexibility in mind. Given the logistical, legal, linguistic, and political challenges involved in physically transporting artifacts, the focus shifted from objects to stories. “Planet Africa” leverages digital media – visuals, street art, graphics, texts, and cinematic elements – to share Africa’s archaeological heritage,” explains Jörg Linstädter, Director of the Commission for the Archaeology of Non-European Cultures at the DAI. “The exhibition content is stored digitally and can be reproduced locally to suit specific venues. It can also be enriched with objects from local collections, eliminating the need for customs procedures or border crossings.” This innovative exhibition concept allows each venue to tailor the exhibition to its space and resources while maintaining a unified narrative and the ability to remain current and adaptable.
An exhibition on two continents
While African venues present “Planet Africa” as standalone installations, the European leg follows a more traditional traveling exhibition concept: After a successful run in Berlin, the exhibition moves to the State Archaeological Collection in Munich on May 16, 2025. It will remain on display through September 28, offering visitors a perspective on Africa’s pivotal role in human history.
The Research Project
The DFG-funded program "Entangled Africa: Intra-African Relations between the Rainforest and the Mediterranean, ca. 6,000–500 Years Ago" includes 13 projects exploring sub-Saharan Africa from an African perspective. The program’s aim is to uncover and illuminate intra-African relationships and networks from the last 6,000 years to the start of the colonial period. Researchers from the DAI and prominent universities in Berlin, Münster, Cologne, and Frankfurt am Main are working in close partnership with African colleagues. The collaborative findings form the foundation of "Planet Africa", funded by Germany’s Federal Foreign Office, the German Research Foundation (DFG), and the Staatliche Museen zu Berlin.
PD Dr. Jörg Linstädter , Leitender Direktor
Joerg.Linstaedter@dainst.de
https://www.dainst.org/en/newsroom/planet-africa-on-tour-eroeffnungen-in-ghana-e...
https://www.dainst.org/en/research/projects/noslug/5692
The Ghana exhibition opened on March 27, 2025 in the specially built extension of the Archaeo-logica ...
Cornelia Kleinitz
DAI KAAK
His Excellency Russell Mmiso Dlamini officially launched the “Planet Africa” at the Lobamba National ...
Bonsile Ndlangamandla
ENTC
Press Release "Planet Africa"
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