BERLIN.- Africa boasts the longest history of humanity and its ancestors on Earth. It is the birthplace of human history, from where cultural techniques and survival strategies spread to the rest of the world. The continent's diversity and adaptability to environmental changes have shaped its people, fostering innovative survival strategies. Archaeological finds, artistic expressions, and historical writings offer profound insights into the craftsmanship, technology, and environment of past eras, illustrating the extensive exchange of ideas and goods across vast distances.

“Planet Africa: An Archaeological Journey Through Time”

The groundbreaking exhibition project, “Planet Africa: An Archaeological Journey Through Time,” is now open to the public. Launched at Berlin’s James-Simon-Galerie in late 2024, the exhibition has captivated audiences with its profound exploration of Africa’s archaeological history. After its debut in Berlin, the exhibition will continue its tour across multiple German cities, including Munich and Chemnitz, and other international locations.

Simultaneously, the exhibition is on display at prominent institutions across Africa. Current locations include the Museum of Archaeology at the University of Ghana in Accra-Legon, the National Museum in Nairobi, Kenya, and the Lobamba Museum in Eswatini. These exhibitions are curated by local teams, fostering collaboration between German and African sites.

Roots in Research: “Entangled Africa”

The exhibition is rooted in the research of the German Research Foundation's (DFG) “Entangled Africa” priority program. This interdisciplinary project highlights the interconnectedness of African cultures throughout history. Contemporary African street artists have also contributed, creating vibrant illustrations and cinematic narratives that bring the exhibition’s themes to life.

Showcasing Two Million Years of History

The exhibition spans over two million years of human history and reflects a 200-year-old tradition of archaeological research. It is organized into six thematic modules, each presenting key findings:

• Diversity: Showcasing Africa's natural richness and biodiversity.
• Becoming Human: Highlighting the initial evolutionary steps of humanity.
• Know-How: Emphasizing agile knowledge and flexible technologies.
• Symbols and Images: Exploring the visualization of knowledge.
• Raw Materials: Examining trade, power dynamics, and resource exchange.
• New Perspectives: Shining a light on contemporary African archaeology.

Panorama of a Continent

These modules trace Africa's history from the origins of humankind to the development of transformative cultural and dietary techniques that shaped the world. They reveal a panorama of a continent characterized by its adaptability to ongoing environmental changes and its pivotal role in human migration and innovation.

Urban Centers and Mobile Lifestyles

The exhibition explores the coexistence of urban structures and mobile lifestyles. Archaeological excavations reveal urban centers’ social and political intricacies while also documenting the mobility of other communities. Artifacts, visual art, and written records attest to the complexity of ancient craftsmanship, trade networks, and cross-cultural interactions.

Modern Connections to Ancient Knowledge

The exhibition also highlights modern applications of ancient wisdom. African researchers and artists involved in the exhibition reflect on archaeology’s role as a bridge connecting communities across the continent and beyond. By doing so, it emphasizes archaeology’s potential to foster a sense of shared heritage and intercontinental solidarity.

Collaborative Leadership and Support

The exhibition is a collaborative effort led by Jörg Linstädter and Miriam Rotgänger of the German Archaeological Institute’s Commission for Non-European Archaeology and Cultures. They are joined by Wazi Apoh of the University of Ghana, Gerd-Christian Weniger of Museum Consult, and Matthias Wemhoff and Ewa Dutkiewicz of the Museum of Prehistory and Early History, among numerous African and European archaeologists.