Rethinking the Representation of Religion and spirituality in Museums

Abstract (English)

Religion and spirituality play a vital social role, providing individuals with a sense of belonging, reinforcing community cohesion, upholding moral values, and offering support during difficult times. As cultural institutions, museums have a responsibility to preserve cultural artifacts, some of which hold deep spiritual significance and carry ancestral energies. However, historically, museums have often excluded the voices of the very communities whose cultural and spiritual heritage they curate. Collections management has largely been shaped by dominant cultural perspectives, influencing the languages, organizational principles, and philosophies of care within these institutions. As a result, the curation process has frequently misrepresented and alienated indigenous communities.
Today, museums are undergoing a transformation, striving for more inclusive and participatory approaches. This panel seeks to examine how religion and spirituality are represented in museums and the efforts undertaken to involve communities in shaping narratives about their spiritual and religious heritage. It will explore how objects of spiritual significance are handled, the ethical dilemmas that arise between museum practitioners and the communities connected to these objects, and the challenges of preserving sacred artifacts in a respectful and ethical manner.