The quest for knowledge and civilisation: museums in British East and Southeast Asia, 1820-1941

Thesis

This thesis examines the inception, evolution, and attributes of colonial museums in British East and Southeast Asia from 1820 to 1941. It argues that the dual quest of expanding knowledge and propagating civilisation propelled the development of colonial museums in the region. This dual quest was fuelled by British imperial ambitions, both formal and informal, to assert dominance and supremacy in the colonies. However, this thesis also contends that colonial museums were far more intricate and erratic than merely serving the imperial goals of domination and expansion.

The complex nature of colonial museums was evidenced by their multifaceted approaches to knowledge and civilisation. This thesis identifies four distinct but overlapping pursuits of knowledge by colonial museums, which range from the inquisitive gathering of information to the production of practical knowledge, the expansion of academic knowledge, and the dissemination of curated narratives. It also outlines three conflicting ways that colonial museums sought to manifest the notion of civilisation, including the mission to civilise colonial subjects, the mission to save them, and the mission to civilise the colonists themselves. These pursuits did not always adhere to imperial ambitions, and they were constantly evolving due to the shifting incentives and priorities among colonial officials, curators, and the colonial communities. Furthermore, colonial museums frequently failed to realise their original visions due to the indifference of colonial governments, insufficient support from the colonials, and nonconformity of the colonial subjects.

The research draws upon a diverse array of sources from archives, libraries, and museums in Britain and former colonial states, including official records, museum papers, and unofficial accounts. These sources provide a multifaceted perspective on the colonial authorities, museum managements, and the general public. By adopting a combined methodology that integrates both chronological and thematic approaches, this thesis reveals the disparities between colonial aspirations and their actual outcomes as well as the divergences among different colonies. Ultimately, this thesis provides critical insights into the nuanced relationship between museums, colonialism, and empire, challenging the simplistic narrative of imperial mastery.

Authors: Tsang, RKW

• DOI: 10.5287/ora-r5n686kmk
• Type of award: DPhil
• Level of award: Doctoral
• Awarding institution: University of Oxford
• Language: English
• Keywords: ethnography and ethnology; Singapore; Malaya; civilising mission; Hong Kong; knowledge production; British imperialism; colonial museums; natural history
• Subjects: Museum curators; Museum exhibits; Great Britain--Colonies; Southeast Asia; Imperialism--History--20th century; Imperialism--History--19th century