Work Package 3
Heritage and Public History
Objectives
The WP aims to trace the history and the dynamics of sites of memory related to slavery and slave trade by identifying and interrogating their discursive constructions. It will cross-study the discourses of slaves, masters and their descendants; analyse their social and labour context and relationships; and document their mobility and social trajectory. In some places, the voices, sites and artefacts related to slavery are marginalized within national memory; in others, they are integrated in Museums and become part of a common (local and national) experience. Our multidisciplinary and comparative research will study how such sites have become a tool for sensitization, and a hub for cultural activities by fostering dialogue between former masters and slaves or their descendants. A crucial issue tackled by this research is to understand how former slaves or their descendants are taking control of their identity and claim the right to their citizenship in and around those sites of memory. Particular attention will be given to artefacts as mediums of dialogue between generations and between divergent memories. As such, pedagogical activities will implement dialogue between various actors, and will contribute to renew the significance of these sites of memory.
The innovative dimension of this WP is to connect various testimonies and experiences related to slavery and slave trade in Senegal, Kenya, Mauritius and Europe.
Leader: Alioum Idrissou – University of Yaounde I