Reconciling National and Communal Identity in Kenya through the Asian African Heritage Exhibit

Abstract

In the context of contemporary questions of identity and belonging, this paper examines the Asian African Heritage museum exhibit at the Nairobi Museum. The exhibit is an attempt by members of the Indian community to solidify their place in Kenya through rethinking Kenyan identity and the national historical narrative that frames that identity. This paper analyses the implications of using the museum as a platform for engaging questions of identity, memory and belonging. By analysing the process of putting up the Asian African Heritage exhibit, from its conceptualisation, mounting, reception and afterlife, this paper shows the richness of studying a single exhibit. Through this detailed analysis of the exhibit, I assert that museum exhibits, especially those that are organised by specific groups and communities, are relevant to study in their own right and by extension, are rich in understanding historical and contemporary contexts of postcolonial societies in which they are based.

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