African Objects

As a result of Livingstone’s travels through 14 southern and central African countries, the David Livingstone Birthplace Museum now cares for over 1,000 objects of African origin.

Below is a small selection of artifacts which fall into several different categories including domestic utensils, musical instruments, weapons, and objects used for ceremonial purposes or personal adornment.

Some were created solely for the purpose of trade or as souvenirs while others were collected as curios by colonisers and missionaries.

Although each of these objects has a story to tell, collectors didn’t always record information about the creator or source community.

Can you help us improve what we know about our collection? If so, please get in touch.