Reproduction in Museum Construction of Belarusian National and Cultural Identity

The essay reveals the historical-political preconditions for the loss of original museum objects in Belarusian museums in the 19th and 20th centuries, such as their transfer to other state museums within the Russian Empire and later the USSR as part of internal cultural policy, as well as due to the outbreak of two world wars. After 1991, Belarus became an independent state that had to search for its national identity. Museums didn't stay away from these processes and actively participated in the retranslation of new ideas through their exhibitions. However, one of the main problems in presenting a holistic view of Belarusian history was the lack of real museum artifacts, which could serve as material proof, evidence of historical events and achievements of the ancestors. To solve this problem the museum community used reproductions to show a new image of Belarusian history and culture in local and state museums.