Allard Pierson Museum in Amsterdam Explores 'Not My Soul: Slavery, Law and Freedom'
The Allard Pierson Museum in Amsterdam invites visitors to explore the complex history of slavery through its new exhibition, 'Not My Soul: Slavery, Law and Freedom'. This exhibition delves into how Roman law influenced the regulation of slavery in Suriname and examines the resilience and pursuit of freedom by enslaved people across different eras, from antiquity to the Dutch colonial period. It uniquely integrates objects from the museum’s archaeological, colonial, and postcolonial collections with contemporary art.
Through 'Not My Soul', visitors will encounter the pervasive systems of oppression that existed in various societies and witness the myriad ways enslaved individuals asserted their humanity despite severe constraints. The narrative is constructed using stories from the museum's extensive archaeological holdings of the Greek and Roman worlds, alongside its collections focused on Surinamese history and colonial experiences.
Understanding Slavery Through Ancient and Colonial Perspectives
The exhibition highlights the role of slavery in antiquity, revealing that many archaeological objects on display were created through the labor of enslaved people. This includes the marble used for statues, metals for coins, and pottery from workshops where enslaved individuals formed a significant part of the workforce. These roles often demanded considerable training, knowledge, and skill, with enslaved practitioners serving as physicians or artisans who copied books in Roman times. Papyrus fragments, such as one detailing the second sale of a 22-year-old named Alexandra, offer tangible evidence of these ancient transactions.
Shifting to the Dutch colonial era, the Surinamica collection presents slavery in Suriname, largely through the lens of colonial administrators, cartographers, and researchers. Visitors can view travel reports, letters of manumission, and proclamation books that reveal local ordinances and laws. The exhibition draws connections, showing how certain aspects of colonial slave legislation echoed Roman-law concepts. It also illustrates the tragic shift during transatlantic slavery where skin color became the defining factor for subjugation, linking Blackness to disenfranchisement and whiteness to freedom. Crucially, the exhibition also showcases the diverse methods employed by enslaved people in Suriname to pursue freedom, from developing their own language and customs despite regulatory efforts to forming new kinship structures in defiance of prohibitions against marriage and family.
Contemporary Art and Enduring Legacies
Contemporary art plays a vital role in 'Not My Soul', offering modern interpretations and reflections on historical narratives. Works like "Fugitives" (2024) by Kathryn Smith and Pearl Mamathuba use nineteenth-century newspaper descriptions of runaways to reconstruct identities, presenting these individuals as strong figures who gaze intently at the viewer. Other pieces by artists such as Sarojini Lewis and Liara Barussi are also featured. René Tavares's "Making Memories in front of Memories" (2023), from the Schulting Art Collection, depicts a Black family posing before a cotton plantation painting. This work powerfully contrasts the colonial past with new generations negotiating their legacy with dignity, inviting contemplation on the persistence of history.
The exhibition further enriches its narrative with interviews featuring descendants of enslaved people, scholars, and artists. Objects from the Allard Pierson collections are complemented by loans, including significant items from the National Museum of Antiquities.
Following its run in Amsterdam, 'Not My Soul: Slavery, Law and Freedom' is planned to travel to other locations, including Suriname and the Caribbean. The research conducted for this exhibition will also inform future updates to the Allard Pierson’s permanent galleries and contribute to the development of the National Museum of Slavery.
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