Memories of indenture: An analysis of representations of indentured labour at the Aapravasi Ghat and the 1860 heritage centre

A comparative analysis of exhibitions at Aapravasi Ghat (Mauritius) and the 1860 Heritage Centre (South Africa) reveals how these sites shape memories of indentured labor, a transnational system that dispersed populations across continents. The study highlights their role in fostering connective memory through narratives tied to democratic nation-building and postcolonial identities, while also exploring diasporic networks and contemporary interpretations of historical materials. By adopting a transnational oceanic framework, the research demonstrates how these sites can reimagine indenture's representations, suggesting new directions for museum practices to engage with this complex history.

Cloete, N. (2025). Memories of indenture: An analysis of representations of indentured labour at the Aapravasi Ghat and the 1860 heritage centre. Memory Studies, 18(6), 1497–1513. https://doi.org/10.1177/17506980251334980