São José Slave Ship Timber Returns to South Africa, New Exhibition Announced

A significant historical artifact, a timber from the São José slave ship, has been repatriated to South Africa. The timber had been on a decade-long loan to the National Museum of African American History and Culture in Washington D.C., and its return marks a notable moment for maritime archaeology and the history of the transatlantic slave trade.

The return coincides with the announcement of a new traveling exhibition titled "In Slavery’s Wake: Making Black Freedom in the World," set to open at the Iziko South African National Gallery in May 2026. The exhibition will feature a blend of historical artifacts, including the São José timber, and contemporary art installations, exploring themes of slavery and the pursuit of Black freedom.

This initiative is a collaborative effort involving several institutions dedicated to historical preservation and education. Key partners include Iziko Museums of South Africa, The George Washington University, CAIRIM - Universidade Eduardo Mondlane, Diving With a Purpose, Instituto AfrOrigens, URICA - Université Cheikh Anta Diop, and the US National Park Service–Submerged Resources Center, all operating under the umbrella of the Slave Wrecks Project.