Introduction

Markus Mailopu in Freiburg, 1913. Image cited from: Nowak, Eugeniusz. 2003. Professor Erwin Stresemann (1889 - 1972) - ein Sachse, der die Vogelkunde in den Rang einer biologischen
Wissenschaft erhoben hat. Hohenstein. Ernstthal: Verein Sächsischer
Ornithologen e.V., p. 26.

Traces of Markus Mailopu’s life are scattered across the archival records that have been recollected in this digital archive. Much, however, remains unclear. This exhibition offers a first attempt to reconstruct his biography by weaving together texts written by Mailopu himself (diaries and manuscripts) and by others (publications, notes, letters), alongside maps, sketches, and photographs. It is not a complete account, nor does it provide a definitive description of Mailopu’s life and work. Rather, this exhibition seeks to demonstrate what can be known about Mailopu today by reassembling and reconnecting dispersed archival material.

Mailopu’s involvement in scientific expeditions and their outcome have largely faded from view, overshadowed by more prominent figures and the disruptions of colonial conflicts. This exhibition places his scholarly endeavours at the centre, highlighting the many ways in which he contributed to the production of scientific knowledge before, during, and after his participation in the II. Freiburg Moluccan Expedition. The following pages trace his path chronologically and geographically: from his early life on Seram, to the excursion to Buru as part of the II. Freiburg Moluccan Expedition, to his time to Europe, and finally to his involvement in an expedition to Kamerun.

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