All articles tagged with #colonial history
The theft of the Louvre's crown jewels has reignited debates over the colonial origins of such treasures, highlighting the complex and often exploitative histories behind their acquisition, and prompting calls for greater transparency and restitution efforts by Western museums.
Pokémon Legends: Z-A revisits the historical-inspired setting of Pokémon Legends: Arceus, which is based on late 1800s Hokkaido and its colonization, highlighting both the cultural richness and the painful history of the Ainu people. The game portrays this period with a mix of admiration and simplification, raising questions about the representation of colonization and indigenous cultures in media, and prompting reflection on how history is depicted in popular culture.
French President Emmanuel Macron acknowledged France's violent repression during Cameroon's independence struggle, but stopped short of issuing an apology or reparations, amid ongoing debates about colonial accountability and historical reconciliation.
Archaeologists in Maryland discovered a flattened metal slab, identified as a tasset from a suit of armor worn by European colonists in the 17th century. The artifact was found at Historic St. Mary's City and is believed to have been discarded due to its impracticality in the New World's hot climate. The discovery is part of an ongoing archaeological project that has also unearthed 17th-century scissors, a decorative braid, and the skeleton of a teenager. The excavations have focused on a cellar used for storage and as a repository for trash by the early colonists.
Archaeologists in Maryland unearthed a flattened scrap of metal, revealed by X-rays to be a tasset from a suit of armor worn by European colonists in the 17th century. The artifact was found at Historic St. Mary's City and is believed to have been discarded due to its impracticality in the New World's hot and humid environment. This discovery is part of an ongoing archaeological project that has also yielded other 17th-century artifacts and the skeleton of a teenager, shedding light on the lives of early settlers in the region.
Members of the Truku tribe in Taiwan reflect on their identity and the challenges they face as Indigenous people. They discuss the impact of colonial oppression, forced assimilation, and restrictions on hunting, which is integral to their way of life. Despite efforts by the Taiwanese government to recognize and support Indigenous communities, there is still a long way to go in addressing historical trauma and restoring cultural practices. The Truku people emphasize the importance of recognizing and preserving their shared history for all residents of Taiwan to live in harmony.
Tranquebar, a small trading outpost in Tamil Nadu, India, was once a Danish colony from 1620 to 1845. Today, the town of Tharangambadi still bears traces of Danish rule, including the beautifully restored Bungalow on the Beach, now a charming hotel. Other historical landmarks include the Dansborg Fort and the Ziegenbalg Museum. Efforts by the Danish Tranquebar Association, the Danish National Museum, INTACH, and the Tamil Nadu Tourism Department have led to the renovation of several historic sites, but more work is needed to boost tourism infrastructure in the town.
Dutch King Willem-Alexander apologized for the Netherlands' historic involvement in slavery during a ceremony marking the 160th anniversary of the legal abolition of slavery. He asked for forgiveness for the "crime against humanity" and acknowledged that racism remains a problem in Dutch society. The apology comes as part of a wider reconsideration of the Netherlands' colonial past, including its involvement in the Atlantic slave trade and slavery in its former Asian colonies. The Dutch government has previously acknowledged its responsibility in the slave trade but has stated it will not pay reparations. An independent investigation into the Royal Family's role in colonial history has been commissioned, with results expected in 2025.