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Majalla's Mantel: Ritual, Remembrance, and Leiden's Slavery Legacy
The Majalla's Mantel exhibition in Leiden's Lakenhal museum uses performance art and installation to explore the story of Majalla, an enslaved boy whose name appeared in the correspondence of an 18th-century Leiden cloth merchant, revealing the city's link to transatlantic slavery and questioning the creation of new rituals.
- How does the exhibition use artistic expression to connect historical research to the present-day experience?
- The exhibition directly links Leiden's 18th-century textile industry collapse to the subsequent purchase of plantations and enslaved people, highlighting the city's complicity in transatlantic slavery. This is underscored by the fact that 90 guilders—Leiden money—paid for Majalla's enslavement. The performances aim to make this often-ignored history tangible and highlight the limitations of historical research alone.
- What is the central theme of the Majalla's Mantel exhibition, and what specific historical event does it address?
- "The exhibition Majalla's Mantel uses a performance and installation to explore the creation of a new ritual centered around the cloak of an enslaved boy named Majalla, whose name appears in the correspondence of 18th-century Leiden cloth merchant Daniel van Eijs. The installation features organza fabric draped as a cloak, manipulated by performers. Two audience members even interact with the piece by pulling cords attached to the sleeves.
- Does the exhibition successfully establish a new ritual, and what are the criteria for a ritual's success or failure?
- The attempt to create a new ritual surrounding Majalla's story is ultimately unsuccessful, lacking the repetition and overarching structure of established rituals. The performances, though valuable, are limited in number, preventing the creation of a sustained, shared experience. The exhibition, however, successfully raises awareness of Leiden's connection to the transatlantic slave trade and the untold stories of individuals like Majalla.
Cognitive Concepts
Framing Bias
The article frames the exhibition and performances as a search for a new ritual to honor Majalla and acknowledge the history of slavery in Leiden. This framing emphasizes the artistic process and its intentions, potentially overshadowing critical engagement with the ethical and historical complexities of representing such a sensitive topic. The title, focusing on the creation of a new ritual, also predetermines the interpretation and focus of the piece.
Language Bias
The language used is generally neutral, but phrases like "ontrafelsessies" (unraveling sessions) and descriptions emphasizing the emotional and sensory experience might subtly suggest a particular interpretation of the past rather than a strictly objective presentation. The frequent use of artistic terminology could also unintentionally distance the reader from the historical reality of slavery.
Bias by Omission
The article focuses heavily on the artistic interpretation of the history of slavery and the creation of the ritual, but doesn't discuss potential counterarguments or alternative interpretations of the historical events. It also doesn't explore the perspectives of descendants of enslaved people in relation to the creation and meaning of the ritual.
False Dichotomy
The article implies a dichotomy between historical research and artistic interpretation, suggesting that art can make the past tangible whereas historical research alone cannot. This oversimplifies the complex relationship between historical research and artistic expression, both of which offer valuable insights into the past.
Gender Bias
The article mentions both male and female artists and performers involved in the project. However, a more detailed analysis of gender representation in the artistic choices and interpretations presented in the exhibition would be needed to fully assess gender bias.
Sustainable Development Goals
The exhibition and performances aim to acknowledge the historical connection between Leiden's prosperity and the transatlantic slave trade, highlighting the economic exploitation that contributed to poverty and suffering in former colonies. By addressing this often-overlooked aspect of Leiden's history, the project contributes to a more complete and just understanding of the past, which is crucial for present-day efforts to alleviate poverty and inequality.