Decolonisation Strategies of Anthropology Museums in Spain and Philippine Heritage

Deone Dasallas

Museums play a key role in mediating archaeological knowledge between academic research and the public, particularly when collections originate from colonial contexts. This paper examines how Philippine archaeological and ethnographic heritage preserved in Spanish museums is being reinterpreted through contemporary decolonisation initiatives and participatory museum practices. Focusing on the intersection of museums and public archaeology, the study investigates how collections formed during Spain’s colonial presence in the Philippines are presented, debated, and renegotiated within present‑day multicultural societies. The research analyses several Spanish museums that hold Philippine collections, exploring exhibition narratives, curatorial strategies, and public engagement initiatives designed to incorporate perspectives from source and diaspora communities. Particular attention is given to collaborative projects involving Filipino communities in Spain, including the PAMANA: Voices of Philippine Heritage initiative. Through workshops, guided visits, and community‑based exhibitions, the project promotes shared interpretation of heritage and encourages dialogue between museums and community participants.