Not My Soul: Uncovering Histories of Slavery, Law, and Freedom from Antiquity to Suriname

This exhibition, 'Not My Soul', explores the complex histories of slavery, law, and freedom in antiquity and Suriname. By centering the stories of enslaved people, it examines their lived experiences, resistance, and pursuit of humanity, drawing on both archaeological and Surinamica collections. The exhibition also features contemporary art that reflects on these enduring legacies.

The exhibition 'Not My Soul' delves into the pervasive and enduring nature of slavery throughout history, examining its manifestations in antiquity and its later organization in Suriname. In partnership with the National Slavery Museum, the Allard Pierson Museum sheds new light on objects from its archaeological and Surinamica collections, often previously understood through the lens of power and domination. This exhibition aims to shift the focus to the experiences of enslaved people, acknowledging their dehumanization, exploitation, and forced labor, while also celebrating their retained humanity through work, creativity, language, and resistance. The exhibition is structured into distinct yet interconnected sections. 'Slavery in antiquity' showcases artifacts created by or with the labor of enslaved individuals, including items related to mining, pottery, and skilled professions like physicians and scribes. Examples include papyrus fragments detailing transactions of enslaved people. The 'Slavery in Suriname' section utilizes objects from the Surinamica collection, presenting perspectives from colonial administrators and researchers, and drawing parallels between Roman law concepts and colonial slave legislation. It highlights how skin color became a defining factor in transatlantic slavery and how enslaved people in Suriname developed their own language and customs. Contemporary art plays a crucial role in connecting the past to the present. Works by artists such as Kathryn Smith and Pearl Mamathuba reconstruct identities of enslaved people, while pieces by Sarojini Lewis, Liara Barussi, and René Tavares explore themes of legacy, memory, and dignity in the face of historical trauma. The exhibition also includes interviews with descendants of enslaved people, academics, and artists. 'Not My Soul' is slated for presentation in Suriname and the Caribbean after its run, and its research informs future exhibition developments at the Allard Pierson and the National Slavery Museum.

Information regarding specific exhibition dates and ticketing is not detailed on this page; however, the exhibition is part of the Allard Pierson's calendar and is intended for presentation at various locations. Visitors may need to check the museum's general admission policies or specific event pages for details once available. The exhibition will be presented elsewhere after its initial run, including Suriname and the Caribbean.