How we tell these histories

Sources

Every exhibition lists its sources, grouped as primary sources, oral traditions, later scholarship, and museum and heritage resources. We do not invent citations or quotations.

Uncertainty

Dates and locations are marked as documented, approximate or traditional. Debated questions appear in clearly marked “Disputed interpretation” notes. Maps show no precise empire boundaries.

Images

Illustrative images created with AI are labelled as such and are never presented as historical evidence. Historical images will appear only with verified rights and attribution.

Cultural specificity

We name specific peoples, places and periods and avoid treating motifs or practices as universally “African.” We do not publish knowledge that communities consider restricted.

Drafts and review

Pages marked “Draft” are awaiting specialist or community review and should not be cited. Each page shows when it was last reviewed.