Dividing the Spoils: Perspectives on Military Collections and the British Empire

Dividing the Spoils examines the motivations and circumstances behind the appropriation and acquisition of collections during colonial military service, combining approaches from material anthropology, imperial and military history, and intercultural histories. It argues for a deeper examination of these collections within a range of intercultural histories, including alliance, diplomacy, curiosity, and enquiry, and considers how objects functioned in museum collections thereafter.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 344 pages
Publication date: 02 August 2022
Publisher: Manchester University Press

Dividing the Spoils delves into the intricate tapestry of colonial military service, shedding light on the motivations and circumstances that shaped the appropriation and acquisition of collections. By seamlessly blending approaches from material anthropology, imperial and military history, this groundbreaking book advocates for a comprehensive examination of these collections within a broad spectrum of intercultural histories, encompassing alliance, diplomacy, curiosity, inquiry, expropriation, and cultural hegemony.

In the wake of growing international interest in the colonial dimensions of museum collections, Dividing the Spoils emerges as a vital contribution, offering fresh perspectives on the intricate dynamics that shaped the acquisition and appropriation of objects during colonial military service. This comprehensive work advocates for a profound exploration of these collections within a diverse array of intercultural histories, encompassing alliance, diplomacy, curiosity, inquiry, expropriation, and cultural hegemony.

As museums across Europe grapple with the enduring legacies of their collections, Dividing the Spoils takes center stage, delving into the complex understanding and governance of object amassing within British military culture. It scrutinizes the role of objects in museum collections post-colonialism, proposing innovative avenues for ongoing investigation in a contentious and debated realm.

Through meticulous research and insightful analysis, Dividing the Spoils unravels the intricate web of motivations and circumstances that shaped the acquisition and appropriation of collections during colonial military service. It sheds light on the complex interplay between power, identity, culture, and materiality, challenging prevailing narratives and prompting a reevaluation of our understanding of these collections.

By examining the colonial dimensions of museum collections through the lens of Dividing the Spoils, we gain a deeper appreciation of the complex tapestry of history and the enduring impact of colonialism on our collective memory. This book serves as a catalyst for further exploration, encouraging scholars, researchers, and museum professionals to delve into the rich and nuanced narratives that these collections embody, fostering a more inclusive and empathetic understanding of our shared heritage.

Weight: 550g
Dimension: 156 x 233 x 28 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781526163622