Decontextualise to Decolonise: Turtle Shell

Felo George from the Interior Architecture course at the University of Brighton writes about a Turtle Shell which you can view on the National History Museum Wildlife Photographer of the Year page. This is part of the Decontextualise to Decolonise project.

Shells Of Peace

In this project I reimagined a turtle shell kept in the museum. I placed it in a peaceful meditation hall. It is now in the middle of a natural forest or jungle. The turtle shell has become part of a calming space where people can relax and reflect. It is no longer just an object on display. The shell symbolizes peace, integrity, and strength. It invites visitors to think about these qualities while connecting with nature.

This project comments on decolonisation by questioning how we display cultural objects. Museums often take items from different cultures and put them behind glass. Objects can then lose their deeper meaning or connection to the people they belong to.

I am giving the turtle shell a new purpose by putting it in a meditation hall. Its new position shows respect for its cultural value. It challenges the traditional way of displaying artifacts. Now, people can connect with the turtle shell’s symbolism in a more personal and meaningful way.