Headhunters! A New Exhibition in Germany

The innovative, non-profit, privately-funded research centre the International Foundation of Indonesian Culture and Asian Heritage (IFICAH) and its Museum of Asian Culture  in Hollenstedt, Germany, opened recently a splendid new exhibition: ‘You can Leave your Head on – Asian Soul on Tour‘. The exhibition focuses on the material culture of six ethnic groups in Asia commonly associated with headhunting – the groups include the Dayaks of Borneo, the Paiwan of Taiwan, The Naga of Burma, and the Bontoc of the northern Philippines.

According to IFICAH, ‘often misrepresented by colonial powers and missionaries, the historical and cultural backgrounds of these ethnic groups were revised neutrally by IFICAH. In its Museum of Asian Culture, the results are presented to a broad audience based on the extensive presentation of previously unpublished objects.’

The Museum has put together a stunning collection of high-quality artefacts from these cultures, many of which will be the envy of longer-established public museums.

A series of images from the Exhibition, which will be open at least until the end of 2020, is below. The exhibition is open by appointment and the usual Covid safety measures apply.

The address for the museum is: Am Ahrensberge 2, 21279 Hollenstedt, Germany. Telephone: 04165-2217475.

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