Objects are the physical manifestations of experiences. Experiences are linked to stories which are linked to objects. Historians and archivists collect and preserve them, and they give us a glimpse into history or someone’s life story and so much more. The Identity Document of Nelson Mandela is a powerful object, capable of evoking the triumph over apartheid, the life of the father of a nation, and the identity of the so-called New South Africa.
As colonialism expanded, objects were plundered from their origins and added to the collections of wealthy individuals - from cultural items like a mask from a tribe in Africa to the skull of a small animal from Australia. These collections became known as "cabinets of curiosities". These curiosities would later be displayed and viewed by the public at a cost, and the more bizarre the collection, the greater the value. Today, many of these collections are housed on display in museums.
Sarah Baartman was an African Khoikhoi woman who was exhibited as a ‘freak show’ attraction in 19th-century Europe under the name ‘Hottentot Venus’. She was brought out as an exhibit at wealthy people's parties and private salons. The Sarah Baartman story is often regarded as the epitome of racist colonial exploitation. She was dissected and her mortal remains were displayed for scientific research at the Muséum national d'Histoire naturelle in France.
In 1827, her skull was stolen. During the lengthy negotiation to have Baartman's body repatriated to South Africa after her death, the assistant curator of the Musée de l'Homme, Philippe Mennecier, argued against her return, stating: "We never know what science will be able to tell us in the future.” Sarah Baarman was seen as an object and was treated as such throughout her life.
Arun Appadurai in his work, The Thing Itself, maintains that everything has a price, including blood, fame, information, and body parts.
In light of the outrage around the sale of Nelson Mandela’s personal effects, one ponders whether a price was negotiated for his personal objects. It is ironic that there is a movement for the repatriation of all African artefacts that are kept in collections in Europe and other parts of the world because of their intrinsic value and what they represent for a group of people, yet, for another group, these priceless historical artefacts are commodities to be auctioned outside of the country.
Inasmuch as there is nothing wrong, in principle, in selling items from Madiba's life, but each item must be assessed and appropriately deemed for its meaning and significance. In this way, certain items must always be protected from expropriation. The Identity Document of Mr. Nelson Mandela is one such Thing.