Negotiating Memory and Colonial Legacies: Tracing the Intersection of Heritage, Identity, and Power in the Representation of Nyai within Contemporary Dutch Museums
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2024-07-15
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en
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This research investigates the portrayal of nyai (concubines of Dutch colonial officials in the Dutch East Indies) in Dutch museums, examining the intersections of memory, heritage, and colonial history. It analyses two case studies: Amber Toorop’s "Homage to Njai" in the Haags Historisch Museum and "My First Mother is a Princess" in the Wereldmuseum Amsterdam. The study explores the motivations behind the inclusion of Nyai in Dutch colonial exhibitions, employing postcolonial theory and critical museology. It critically examines how Dutch museums address the complexities of Nyai identities, contextualise their narratives within broader colonial frameworks, and incorporate diverse perspectives, including those of Nyai descendants and Indonesian scholars. Additionally, it considers the influence of curatorial decisions, exhibition design, and digital technologies on Nyai representation. The findings contribute to scholarly discussions on cultural heritage, identity formation, and intercultural dialogue, while also addressing the challenges and opportunities for collaboration between Dutch and Indonesian institutions in reimagining colonial heritage.
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