99% Invisible Stuff the British Stole
Jul 14, 2021
Mark Fennell, the creator of Stuff the British Stole, teams up with Maya Jasanoff, a Harvard historian specializing in British Empire history. They dive into the complex legacies of artifacts looted during colonial times, focusing on the emotionally charged story of Tipu Sultan's tiger. The conversation touches on identity, the push for repatriation, and how colonial history impacts personal narratives today. With a blend of storytelling and historical insight, they aim to make the past relatable and spark discussions about rightful ownership.
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Cab Driver Confusion
- Mark Fennell, confused by a London cab driver about his mixed heritage, goes to Euston Station.
- This encounter leads him to a historian and the story of Tipu's Tiger.
The Undercover Historian
- Alice Proctor gives "undercover" tours at museums, revealing uncomfortable colonial histories.
- She highlights how museums gloss over violent acquisitions with the term "contested histories."
Tipu's Tiger's Impact
- Tipu's Tiger, a wooden automaton of a tiger mauling a British soldier, was taken after Tipu Sultan's death.
- Its gruesome nature caused fainting and disruptions in various British institutions.
