The National Collections of the Museums of History
and Ethnography Institute of Jamaica
Collections
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Comprising over 15,000 pieces, the National Historic and Ethnographic Collection
includes an assortment of artifacts that date back to the pre-Columbian era. There
are several major collections including the following:
Taino Collection – This collection includes religious
effigies, household implements, and objects that relate to religious practices and
political life of the Tainos, Jamaica ’s first peoples.
The Slavery Collection illustrates the horrific experiences
of enslaved Africans through implements of punishment and torture.
The Folk Collection comprises objects of post-emancipation
Jamaican society. This collection showcases the industry and creativity of free
blacks in their effort to forge a new life for themselves.
The African Collection - This ethnographic collection
includes masks (from Ghana, Nigeria and the Sahel), wooden sculptures and bronze
figures from Benin and Tanzania which reflect the social, economic and political
life of West and East African societies with which African Jamaicans hare ancestral
linkages.
The Port Royal Collection, primarily recovered from underwater
archaeological excavations, represents the fascinating history of Port Royal before
and after the earthquake in 1692. Despite the popularity of the era of piracy, many
of the artefacts in the Port Royal Collection draw attention to much of the industry
and trade networks that were based around this infamous city.
The collections also include an array of pieces such as a footstool from National
Hero George William Gordon, National Hero, Marcus Garvey’s walking stick and jewelry-making
tools used by indentured East Indians. Musical instruments such as the Goombeh from
the Maroons represent an important instrument used in religious ceremonies, as well
as a set of Kumina drums and percussive instruments (e.g. grater, shakers, katta
sticks). In addition, there is also a terracotta bust of Mary Seacole, buttons from
a cloak that she wore during the Crimean War and three medals that were bestowed
on her. There is a small but unique textile collection of objects from top hats,
military uniforms, African prints to costumes from the Jonkunoo tradition.
Preservation
The Conservation Unit is responsible for the preservation of the historic and ethnographic
collections in storage and on display. The focus of the Unit is effective preservation
through active and preventative conservation, stabilization of objects and occasional
restoration.