‘Us’ versus ‘Them’: Inclusivity of museum digital representation

International Journal of Research and Innovation in Social Science (IJRISS) | Volume V, Issue VIII, August 2021 | ISSN 2454–6186

‘Us’ versus ‘Them’: Inclusivity of museum digital representation

Oluwatoyin Z. Sogbesan
Ajayi Crowther University, Oyo Nigeria

Abstract: Ever-changing technology has resulted in changes within museums and museum practices to accommodate visitors’ needs. Such changes, seek to include the people being represented in museum exhibitions and interpretations. With physical space constraint as a common dilemma, virtual spaces have the potential of becoming extensions of the physical so as to reach and include a broader audience. However, instead of becoming inclusive, the virtual space is becoming a replica of the physical space associated with the exclusiveness. As a result, inclusive participatory culture becomes a challenge. Utilising a multi-disciplinary framework, the paper draws from post-colonial studies, cultural studies, social and cultural history, art history and museum studies, The British Museum website is chosen as an example of the digital representation of artefacts representing other cultures and is analysed as a case study to highlight the importance of inclusive participation in the representation of the ‘other’– particularly Black ‘others’. The paper suggests that digital representation can bring about an all-embracing perspective and multiplicity of interpretations only when combined with a critical contextual approach through an inclusive participatory culture.

Keyword: Digitisation, inclusion, other, representation

I. INTRODUCTION

Museums are about representation, meaning-making and the interpretation of things that inform their audience about past cultures and peoples. objects are displayed to capture the imagination of the viewer and transport them to the period and/or place where these objects were utilised and valued as part of tradition. Such displays encapsulate not only the mind but allow the viewer to wonder in awe. Museum exhibits, depending on the perspective from which they are viewed, can also be seen as either a show of the wealth or paucity, dominance or subordination culture; or prominence of a people. What constitutes history of artefacts displayed is thus expressed as texts by the curators and museum officials for the education and enjoyment of audiences. Despite curators’ efforts to make museum displays educative, the audience also interpret the artefacts and make their own meaning. However, some curatorial meanings or interpretations do not portray how the artefacts are understood within their original communities. Such interpretation further widens the gap between museums and communities they exhibit and seek to serve. The gap is further widened with insufficient indigenous inclusion in the interpretation of museum objects.

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