In Humboldt's Shadow: A Tragic History of German Ethnology

The Berlin Ethnological Museum is a world-renowned anthropological museum that houses over a half million objects collected from around the globe. "In Humboldt's Shadow" explores the story of German ethnologists who were inspired by Alexander von Humboldt and traveled the world to collect ethnographic collections. The museum was intended to be a place where a unified history of humanity could emerge, but it was eventually betrayed by politics and personal ambition. The book calls on museums to embrace Bastian's vision and deepen their engagement with indigenous peoples concerning the provenance and stewardship of these collections.

Format: Hardback
Length: 240 pages
Publication date: 15 June 2021
Publisher: Princeton University Press

The Berlin Ethnological Museum, one of the world's largest and most significant anthropological museums, houses over a half million objects collected from across the globe. In Humboldt's Shadow, the story unfolds of the German scholars and explorers who, driven by Alexander von Humboldt's inclusive vision of the world, embarked on a quest to gather a comprehensive history of humanity. The book also delves into the fate of their museum, envisioned as a hub for scientific collaboration and the emergence of a unified narrative of human existence.

H. Glenn Penny, in his book, highlights how these early German ethnologists assembled vast ethnographic collections to study the diversity of humanity, rather than supporting emerging racist theories. He traces how Adolf Bastian, the curator of the Berlin museum, aimed to preserve the records of human diversity, but was eventually influenced by the imperialist currents of his time. Penny describes how influential administrators, such as Wilhelm von Bode, demanded that the museum be transformed into a public exhibition space, betraying Humboldt's inspiring ideals.

Through Humboldt's Shadow, Penny urges museums to revisit Bastian's vision and strengthen their relationships with indigenous communities regarding the provenance and stewardship of these collections. The book serves as a reminder of the importance of preserving cultural heritage and promoting inclusivity in the study of human history.

Weight: 534g
Dimension: 165 x 243 x 28 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780691211145