An ethnographic analysis of portrayals of Dutch power and influence in heritage institutions and museums in Ghana, The Netherlands and Curaçao
This project, is guided by the following research questions “How do relevant heritage institutions and museums portray Dutch influence and power and what are the factors contributing to this portrayal”? The project spans across heritage institutions and museums in Curaçao, The Netherlands and Ghana. During the summer component of this project Nathan conducted ethnographic analysis of the following sites in Ghana: the Java Museum, the Assin Manso Ancestral Slave River Site, the Elmina Castle, the Ussher Fort , and the Fort Amsterdam in Abandzee while in The Netherlands, the exhibit ‘Our Colonial Inheritance’ at the Wereld Museum Amsterdam. This project will conclude with site visits in Curaçao and the completion of Nathan’s Senior Year Thesis.
This research would not be possible without the generous support of the Tanner Fellowship Award Fund, which covered a significant portion of the expenses associated with fieldwork in Ghana and the Netherlands. Additionally support of project supervisor Dr. Ganapthy has been instrumental in the construction and implementation of this research project. Furthermore, on site guidance of associate professor in Global Studies, Dr. Wong, has been pivotal in the success of fieldwork in Ghana. Finally, the warm welcome, insights and guidance of staff at the Ghana Monuments and Museums Board, the Java Museum, the Assin Manso Ancestral Slave River Site and the Wereld Museum Amsterdam ensured the smooth completion of fieldwork for this project.