Obaba Museum

The concept of memorials dates far back to antiquity (pauses). I just realise I sound like Prof. Noble always dropping bombastic phrases perhaps to attract admiration from his audience. Well what I simply meant to say is that keeping memorials is innate to humans. From ancient civilizations till today, the act of memorializing has served as a timeless testament to our collective consciousness and the enduring legacy of significant events, individuals, and moments that shape our identities. Humans have consistently sought ways to connect with their ancestral past, seeking solace and wisdom in the lives of those who came before us. Memorials, whether grand monuments or humble family markers, serve as tangible conduits to access the past. Standing tall against the relentless currents of time, these monuments tell tales of bravery, love, loss, and the human spirit.

Lets consider the ancient pyramids of Egypt which stand as awe-inspiring edifices dedicated to pharaohs, preserving their memory for millennia. The Sphinx and Pyramid of Giza are classical examples which have served as archaeological sources for historical reconstruction. The inscriptions on weathered stones at historical sites like Petra, Machu Picchu, and Stonehenge offer glimpses into the lives of ancient civilizations and the cultures that shaped them. From the Great Wall of China to the Acropolis of Athens, memorials have borne witness to the rise and fall of empires, encapsulating both triumphs and tribulations.

Beyond individual memorials, we find ourselves drawn to collective memorials that bind us together as a community, nation, or even as a species. These memorials are often rooted in shared experiences of joy or sorrow, forming a powerful bond among those who visit them. The common folktales featuring animal actor such as the bird, turtles and lion stand as intangible memorials documenting shared values, beliefs, norms and mores.

But memorials are not solely dedicated to mourning or remembrance. Festive celebrations, such as Independence Day commemorations or religious festivals, serve as joyful memorials to mark significant events in the collective narrative of a society. As societies evolve, so too does the art of memorialization. In contemporary times, the internet and digital technologies have opened up new avenues for creating and experiencing memorials. Online memorial websites allow us to immortalize the memories of loved ones, enabling us to connect with their stories across vast distances and generations with pictures and videos permanently documented in cloud storages. The act of memorializing is not confined to historical events alone; it extends to our individual lives as well. We capture our cherished memories in photographs, journals, and personal artifacts, preserving a piece of ourselves for future generations. In doing so, we become creators of our own memorials, leaving behind a legacy of love, joy, and wisdom for those who come after us.

In paying homage to the memorial of memories, we celebrate the very essence of what it means to be human: our ability to remember, to learn, and to pass on the stories that define us. So let us embrace the gift of memorialization, for in doing so, we ensure that the voices of our ancestors resound through the ages, echoing their wisdom and shaping our path into the future.