Documentation
Systematically photographing and cataloguing classical sub-Saharan African art from private and institutional collections worldwide.
We also manage important archives containing over 100,000 photographs and texts.
About AHDRC
Preserving Africa's Cultural Legacy
The African Heritage Documentation & Research Centre is a non-profit founded in 2016 in Brussels, Belgium, building the world's most comprehensive archive of classical sub-Saharan African art.
Our Story
Knowledge of classical sub-Saharan African art is scattered across museums, universities, private collections, auction catalogues, and academic publications worldwide. For researchers, this fragmentation creates enormous barriers to comprehensive study.
300,000+ records across all archive types.
Our archive sources material from private and museum collections, art dealers, general archives, and scholarly publications. Through partnerships with institutions in Europe, the US, and across Africa, we support collection documentation, provide technical guidance, and offer hosting solutions.
What We Do
Access
Providing a centralised, structured digital archive that bridges fragmented knowledge across institutions, publications, and private holdings.
Research
300,000+ records across all archive types.
Partnerships
Collaborating with museums and institutions across Europe, the US, and Africa to support collection documentation and offer hosting solutions.
The Archive
An unparalleled collection
The most comprehensive online database of classical sub-Saharan African art, covering published and unpublished material from institutions and private collections across three continents.
300,000+ Records across all types
Photographic records of classical sub-Saharan African art from collections worldwide.
20,000+ Who's Who
A comprehensive biographical database of artists, collectors, scholars, and dealers.
Advanced Search
Search by culture, country, material, provenance, publication, and more.
Published & Unpublished
Access material from scholarly publications, private collections, and museum archives.
Every Contribution
Preserves a Legacy
AHDRC is a non-profit. 100% of donations go directly to expanding the archive, supporting researchers, and partnering with African institutions.