Ethnographic collection of the Frobenius Institute
The ethnographic collection of the Frobenius Institute is a scientific collection of ethnological documentation objects. The Frobenius Institute itself is an independent scientific institution that is associated with the University of Frankfurt . The collection, which today consists of around 6,000 objects, is looked after by Holger Jebens .
history
The collections are the result of many years of institutional collecting and documentation activities, which Leo Frobenius , who gave the institute its name, initiated in 1898 and which was continued after his death in 1938. The holdings of the collection can mainly be traced back to the collection policy and the scientific interest of the fourth director of the Frobenius Institute, Eike Haberland . Haberland has left an extensive collection with over 4000 objects from different regions of Africa. His estate, which is kept in the institute, consists of over seven boxes with letters, manuscripts, photos and a collection of real objects.
Research programs whose aim was to understand and document African cultures based on their tangible inventory, among other things, often form the context of the collection. In recent years, the collection has been systematically expanded to include objects from Nigeria , Brazil , Indonesia and Papua New Guinea , which in various forms refer to the local discussion of global transformation processes. These objects include, among others, a "Mercedes-bed" and the inventory (enamel and plastic vessels, "four poster bed", etc.) of a "women's space", an Umbanda -Altar, one from rattan -made " Harley Davidson " and a number of the Part from modern, d. H. Dance masks made from novel materials. In most cases, collectors are the staff of the institute and students who deal with the different areas of material culture in their theses.
The collection
The majority of the collection consists of items from the everyday culture of African societies (approx. 5,300 objects). Ethnographic artifacts from everyday culture are often underrepresented in museums. Strongly represented regions are Ethiopia (approx. 1,200), Burkina Faso (approx. 1,200), Nigeria (approx. 600), Ghana (approx. 400) and Togo (approx. 390). The most extensive individual collections come from the ethnic groups of the Hadiya , Lobi , Bobo and Bwaba , Kanuri , Guduf and Lamang , Ashanti and the Bassar . The ceramic production of these ethnic groups is represented more completely by the ethnographic collection of the Frobenius Institute than by any other ethnographic museum. The collection is designed as a study collection and is primarily accessible to scientists and students. The Frobenius Institute itself has no exhibition rooms. However, through special exhibitions and loans, attempts are being made to make the collection accessible to a wider public.
Examples
Headband of the Daasanach made of glass beads, leather and metal (Ethiopia, Omo River , north of Lake Rudolf )
Wooden figure of the Daasanach
Headrest of the Daasanach with bones, pearls and leather containers
Daasanach's wooden spoon
Calabash of Daasanach
Bowl of Seka made of clay (Ethiopia, Illubabor Province )
See also
literature
- Holger Jebens [Ed.] Herbarium of Culture. Ethnographic objects and images from the archives of the Frobenius Institute . Frankfurt am Main: Frobenius Institute 2011. ISBN 3-98065065-0
