Dundo Museum
Lunda-Norte
The Dundo Museum, officially known as the Dundo Regional Museum and formerly the Dungo Ethnographic Museum, is Angola's first museum, founded in 1936 by the Diamang diamond company. It is located in Dundo, Lunda Norte Province, and is one of Africa's most important cultural museums. The museum's extensive collection focuses on the culture and history of eastern Angolan groups, especially the Chokwe people. It houses approximately 10,200 ethnographic objects and 30,000 natural history specimens, including a herbarium. The museum features a reconstructed Chokwe village in its main gallery, alongside sections dedicated to daily life, political and social structures, and a portrait gallery of Angolan chiefs. The "Indigenous Room" preserves cultural heritage objects, while the "Africa Room" contains artifacts repatriated from Europe since the 1940s. The entrance is marked by two lion sculptures symbolizing protection in Chokwe culture. The museum also maintains a library with about 25,000 books. Despite suffering looting during the Angolan Civil War, ongoing repatriation efforts aim to restore its collection. It stands as a vital institution preserving Angola's cultural and natural history.
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Astuce: Visitors are advised to plan their visit during the dry season for easier access to Dundo. Purchasing tickets in advance is recommended when possible. The museum offers insights into local cultures and natural history, making guided tours valuable for deeper understanding. While specific discounts are not detailed, inquiries about concessions for students or groups are suggested. Contacting the museum ahead via phone or their official website can provide updated visitor information and opening hours.
Faits intéressants
- •The museum was Angola's first, established in 1936 by the diamond mining company Diamang.
- •It holds over 10,200 ethnographic objects and 30,000 natural history specimens, including a herbarium.
- •The entrance is guarded by two lion sculptures, important symbols of protection in Chokwe culture.
- •The museum features a reconstructed Chokwe village as a central exhibit.
- •It has a large library with approximately 25,000 books related to Angolan culture and natural history.
- •Several artifacts were looted during the Angolan Civil War, with ongoing repatriation efforts.
- •By 1957, the museum collaborated with more than 260 researchers worldwide, including notable figures like Louis Leakey.
Histoire
The Dundo Museum was established in 1936 by the Diamang company to preserve the cultural artifacts of eastern Angola, initially hosting José Redinha's private collection.
Construction of the dedicated museum building occurred between 1942 and 1947.
The museum rapidly expanded its collection, reaching over 7,000 objects by the 1950s, and became a prominent research institution supporting ethnographic, biological, archaeological, and geological studies.
It organized cultural festivals and documented folklore, promoting traditional Angolan music and dance.
By 1957, it collaborated with over 260 international researchers, contributing significantly to African cultural and scientific scholarship.
The museum was renamed the Dundo Museum in 1945 as its natural history collections grew.
It was designated a regional cultural reference monument in 2016.
Guide du lieu
Reconstructed Chokwe Village
A life-size exhibit recreating the traditional village of the Chokwe people, showcasing their daily life, social, and political structures.
Portrait Gallery of Angolan Chiefs
A collection of portraits depicting prominent Angolan chiefs, highlighting leadership and historical figures in the region.
Indigenous Room
Displays cultural heritage objects from various eastern Angolan ethnic groups, preserving traditional artifacts.
Africa Room1940s
Houses objects repatriated from Europe, emphasizing the museum's role in cultural restitution and preservation.
Library
A comprehensive collection of about 25,000 books related to ethnography, natural history, and Angolan culture.
Contact
Téléphone: 948 737 476
