Thursday 27 April 2023

Humboldt Forum Again – So much to see, so little time. Insider’s Educational Nr. 4 in 2023

We decided to hold a second Insider educational at the Humboldt Forum because there were so many spaces not visited first time round. Remember this is a vast complex of museums and exhibitions. Our main focus this time was the Ethnological Collections and Asian Art Museum, the Ts’uu – Cedar Exhibition, the Benin Bronze Room, and the Against the Current, a North American Indian/First Nations Exhibition.
Starting outside with the Sanchi East Gate replica. Sanchi is a Buddist complex north east of Bophal city in central India. The original Gate/Stupa is from the 2nd or 3rd century BC. The replica you see on this photo was created from a gypsum relief made on site in 1886. This replica now depicts the Gate detail much better than the original which has deteriorated due to pollution over the years. It is a nod to the collections inside the Forum.
A Haida Manga Mural by Michael Nicoll Yahgulanaas This mural depicts, in great detail, the history of Michael’s first nation tribe through the ages. Historically correct, tragic with humour, colourful, ethnic and very beautiful, it is an shining example of the many truly fascinating exhibits in this exhibition.
The Long Houses of Oceania The first of these original houses were shipped to Germany over 100 years ago. Some are the best examples of long houses from this period, as none now remain in their home countries. There is one you can climb into and it is really popular with kids. All in all, another fascinating tour through time with tour guide extraordinaire, Tarek Ibrahim. As said in the previous post, this is a big diverse complex of wonders - pick you topic and have fun!