Miniatures of the nation: ethnic minority figurines, mannequins and dioramas in Chinese museums

Abstract

This paper uses Chinese ethnic minority museums as case study to reflect on the significance of the use of figurines, mannequins and dioramas as modes of representation of individuals and collectivities in museums. By proposing the concept of miniature and exploring its diverse facets and conceptual implications in the context of specific examples of museum displays of Chinese ethnic minorities, the analysis reveals how specific museological practices and display supports – such as mannequins, dioramas, figurines and maps – enable the reduction and containment of cultural difference. Through a critical engagement with China’s nationalistic narratives on equal and harmonious inter-ethnic relations unfolded in museum displays by means of such representational devices, the analysis takes issue with museums’ authority, notably with reference to their capacity to objectify identities, and to craft and disseminate oversimplified images of collectivities that are ultimately validated as ‘real’ in the context of State-vouched narratives.