Artefacts were just sitting in suitcases in people's homes': the London museum preserving Somali culture

Culture House sits just off London's Uxbridge Road and houses the UK's first permanent Somali heritage exhibition. Opened last May, the space contains over 150 artefacts, rotating exhibitions, poetry workshops and a digital archive. The project, led by the Anti-Tribalism Movement, aims to celebrate, preserve and connect Somali culture and communities. Artefacts are grouped by themes: Spiritual Echoes, Threads of Daily Life and Crafting for the Individual, and include combs, headrests, camel bells and incense burners. Portrait exhibits and temporary shows provide platforms for community storytelling and emerging creatives.

You could probably walk right past Culture House without noticing it. Tucked away, just off the bustle of London's Uxbridge Road, the building's muted colours, simple sign and arched doorway give little away. Step inside, though, and you'll soon be enticed by what is the UK's first permanent exhibition and cultural space dedicated to Somali heritage. Officially opened last May, Culture House features a collection of over 150 artefacts, a rotating exhibition, poetry workshops and a digital archive.

It has quickly developed a reputation as a hub for the UK's Somali community, while drawing in curious visitors from outside the diaspora too. Non-profit group the Anti-Tribalism Movement, who lead the project, say the aim is to celebrate, preserve and connect Somali culture and communities. We want the space to feel very open for people be they Somali or non-Somali, says Intisar Yusuf, the project's operations director. Culture House is about British-Somali identity what did we bring over with us?

Visitors can explore artefacts grouped into three themes: Spiritual Echoes, Threads of Daily Life and Crafting for the Individual. Items on display include hand-carved combs, wooden headrests, camel bells and incense burners, each labelled with its place of origin and details of how it might be used in nomadic communities. The main room features a striking exhibition of portraits of Somali locals with their favourite cultural objects, captured by Nimbles Archive.

Read at www.theguardian.com