Alexis Malefakis

Dr. Alexis Malefakis serves as Curator of African Collections at the Ethnographic Museum of the University of Zurich. His work focuses on the exploration of ethnographic collecting as a European cultural practice and artifact, with particular interest in renegotiating colonial legacies through collaboration with stakeholders including diaspora groups and source communities.

Malefakis received his doctorate in ethnology from the University of Konstanz in 2015, with a dissertation examining street vendors in urban East Africa. Prior to this, he completed studies in ethnology, sociology, and international law at Ludwig Maximilian University of Munich.

His research interests span material culture, collecting practices, cultural appropriation, museology, and decolonization processes. Malefakis actively investigates how museums can transform their relationships with African heritage, particularly through his leadership in the Benin Initiative Switzerland, which addresses the complex questions surrounding Benin royal treasures.

His recent publications demonstrate a clear trajectory toward collaborative approaches to museum work, with increasing focus on Benin heritage, provenance research, and decolonization practices. The 2024 publications particularly highlight his engagement with African diaspora communities and Swiss museum collections.

Malefakis has curated several significant exhibitions including 'Benin obligated. How to deal with stolen royal treasures?' (2024-2026), 'Honeymoon? 5 questions for the 'Hans Paasche Collection' from East Africa' (2022-2024), and 'Speaking with drums. West African percussion skills in global conversation' (2019-2020).

His current research is centered on the 'Benin obligated' project, which examines the complex ethical and practical dimensions of addressing colonial-era acquisitions in Swiss museums. Malefakis works collaboratively with Alice Hertzog and other colleagues on this initiative, reflecting his commitment to multi-vocal approaches to museum work.