Zulu Collection

Following the success of Decolonisation and Practice, which led to the reinterpretation of the East African collections held at the museum, the Powell-Cotton Museum is proud to continue its pioneering co-curation approach. As part of this commitment, the museum is expanding its Community Advisory Group, which played a central role in shaping the project from concept to delivery.

With several exciting projects ahead, including the redisplay of a collection of Zulu material, this is an inspiring time to get involved. Members of the Community Advisory Group will work closely with the museum team and sector specialists, feeding directly into how artefacts and information are interpreted, displayed, and shared with the public.

The collection includes work by renowned 20th century sculptor, Hezekiel Ntuli (1912-1973). One of the first black artists in the KwaZulu-Natal province to be identifiable by his own name in a public art collection, Ntuli’s clay busts and animal figures were widely collected, often by tourists.

For the Zulu project, the Advisory Group sessions will be joined by Njabulo Chipangura, Assistant Professor of African Anthropology at the National University of Ireland, Maynooth, where he specialises in museum anthropology and critical heritage studies. Formerly Curator of Anthropology at Manchester Museum, University of Manchester and Curator of Archaeology at the National Museums and Monuments of Zimbabwe, his work supports and promotes collaborative, community-based approaches in museums.

The current phase of the project began on 24 November 2025. Advisory Group meetings take place once a month for two hours. Sessions are offered both onsite at the museum in Birchington and online, ensuring flexible participation for members wherever they are based.

Sessions involve:

• Expert-led workshops
• Opportunities to work alongside museum staff
• Discussions to help guide future displays and exhibitions in the museum

The Powell-Cotton Museum is deeply committed to ensuring that community voices continue to shape its work. This is a meaningful opportunity for individuals who want to influence how museum collections and histories, particularly those connected to Africa and its diasporas, are represented and shared.