Return of Slave Ship Timber to South Africa: A Historical Transition

The National Museum of African American History and Culture in Washington, D.C., is set to remove a significant artifact—a 33-pound timber fragment from the slave ship São José-Paquete de Africa—from its "Slavery and Freedom" exhibit. This transition marks the end of a long-standing loan agreement with the Iziko Museums of South Africa, as the timber prepares for its return home.

Smithsonian to return recovered slave ship timber to South Africa

The São José, a Portuguese vessel, sank off the coast of Cape Town in December 1794 while transporting over 400 enslaved Africans from Mozambique to Brazil. Historical accounts indicate that approximately half of those aboard perished during the journey, with survivors subsequently sold into slavery in the Western Cape. The shipwreck was identified in 2015 through the Slave Wrecks Project, confirming its connection to the trans-Atlantic slave trade and making it one of the earliest known recovered wrecks associated with this tragic history.

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The timber fragment has been displayed since the museum's opening in 2016, positioned in a darkened gallery that explores the Middle Passage—the perilous journey endured by millions of enslaved Africans. Visitors have described the exhibit as "extraordinarily powerful," with many expressing deep emotional responses to the artifacts and the somber atmosphere. The timber piece will be replaced by a manifest of the cargo from the ship, while other artifacts, including ballast stones, will remain on display for an additional two years.

Smithsonian to return recovered slave ship timber to South Africa

Michelle Commander, the museum's deputy director, emphasized that the decision to return the timber is strictly related to the conservation needs of the artifact and the terms of the loan agreement. She acknowledged the timing of the removal might raise questions but reiterated the museum's commitment to transparency. Paul Gardullo, assistant director of history at the museum, noted that the South African government has stringent cultural patrimony laws governing the treatment and loan duration of its artifacts.

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Some visitors and observers have expressed concern regarding the broader implications of the exhibit's alteration, particularly in light of recent scrutiny over how American history is presented in public spaces. Critics argue that the current political climate, influenced by the Trump administration's focus on a more favorable portrayal of U.S. history, may affect the integrity of historical narratives in museums.

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• “The story does not leave the museum because this timber is going to be returned to its owners,” — Michelle Commander, Deputy Director, National Museum of African American History and Culture

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• “The artifacts are extraordinarily powerful,” — Jim Carnes, Civil Rights Educator

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• “Empathy is what I'm trying to say. This will help people empathize a lot more. I mean, at least you would hope,” — Jorge Carvajal, Visitor

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As the timber prepares for its return, the museum staff will focus on ensuring that the remaining artifacts continue to convey the profound historical narratives associated with the trans-Atlantic slave trade. The transition is expected to take place later this month, with the last day for public viewing of the timber fragment set for March 22.

Smithsonian to return recovered slave ship timber to South Africa