Ditsong recently held an anthropology collection tour at their National Museum of Cultural History attracting visitors both young and old to explore the museum’s gallery. The event provided a rare opportunity to witness the behind-the-scenes work at the museum, where curators and researchers spend time developing exhibitions.
Ms. Motsane Siabela, Curator of Anthropology at Ditsong, explained that the event combined a tour of the Anthropology Collection with an engagement with artist and cultural activist Azah Pao, who performed a ritual during the event.
“Usually, people visit museums and simply view what’s on display. This tour was more of a practical illustration of what happens at the museum,” Siabela said.
“We spend time creating exhibitions and programmes for the public, and our education personnel engages with visitors. What’s important about this event is that as a museum particularly the Cultural History Museum, we are moving towards inclusivity, opening up the museum to the public, not just in theory but practically, by making all our spaces more accessible.”
Siabela emphasised that this initiative allows the public to engage directly with curators, something that rarely happens. “It is part of making the museum more accessible and allowing people to see what goes on behind the scenes.”
In explaining anthropology, Siabela said, “Anthropology is the study of humans, their cultures, and their ways of living. Our museum focuses on cultural and social anthropology, including clothing, food, and utensils connected to different cultures, reflecting their history and traditions.”
She added that the museum is working to engage more young people, especially Black youth. “We want to ensure that young Black people are exposed to these spaces early on, so it feels natural to them. This way, they won’t feel out of place when they are older. They need to see this as part of who they are.”
Siabela concluded by saying that this event was the first of many. “We hope to host these tours quarterly, with another one planned for next year, and hopefully even before the end of this year.
