The museum Kumbukumbu, founded in 1931 by the Finnish Evangelical Lutheran Mission, presents the collections purchased by Finnish missionaries mainly from Africa and Asia. As a specialized museum it exhibits other cultures and religious traditions, and illustrates the encounter between Finnish Christians and natives of other cultures.

Items from the China collection.

Main exhibition

Kumbukumbu’s main exhibition presents the traditions of the Ovambo peoples of South Western Africa in Namibia and Angola, and imperial Chinese culture during the last years of the Qing dynasty in early 20th century. These were the first destinations of Finnish missionaries: work began in Ovamboland in 1870 and 1902 in China.

On display there is also an outline of the history of FELM and an introduction to the world’s largest religions.

Special exhibitions

The first roads in Owamboland stretched across treacherous soft sands. Photo from the collections of Aatu and Alma Järvinen.

In the midday heat the trees provide a cool shadow for travellers to rest in. Photo from the collections of Hannu Kivinen.

Jump behind the wheel of a tough old Land Rover at our exhibition! Photo Tapani Pentikäinen.

Tukutuku – Speed Across the Savannah

16.4.2010 - 13.3.2011

The motor vehicle, or “tukutuku” in the Kwanyama language, is more than just a mode of transportation. It has provided freedom of movement and the thrill of speed, and it has always been both a symbol of progress and a reason to be proud. Owning a motor vehicle has demonstrated a belief in technology, while the condition of one’s vehicle has reflected one’s own technical prowess and problem-solving abilities.

Obtaining a motor vehicle for the Finnish Evangelical Lutheran Mission’s work in Owamboland in the upper savannah of northern Namibia was by no means taken for granted. In 1911 it was still believed that no motor vehicles should be brought to the area until the railway had been built and an engineering workshop established. Nevertheless, the first motor vehicle appeared only three years later, and by 1930s they were relatively commonplace. By comparison, it would be almost another hundred years before the railway was completed!

The motor vehicle facilitated everyday life in many ways, not least by making it much faster to get from point A to point B. A journey of 275 kilometres that would take 2 weeks by donkey and cart could soon be completed in just 18 hours. Motor vehicles also kept on going for as long as there was fuel in the tank. Travellers were no longer reliant on waterholes or the health of their ox, and dangerous predators were less of a threat. However, these concerns were replaced by new problems, such as flat tyres, broken gearboxes and overheating engines. A new profession of motor vehicle mechanics was needed to cure these ailments.

Today motor vehicle are a matter of fact. Nevertheless, they still need an expert hand to repair faults and carry out routine maintenance. Automotive men and women are needed to solve technical problems and to keep the wheels rolling.

Opening Hours:

See the exceptions to normal opening hours on the right-hand side of this page.

Contact us:

Admission:

Getting here:

The museum is within 10 minutes' walk from the South Harbour of Helsinki. From the city centre: tram No. 10 / terminal point or tram No. 3 T/B / Neitsytpolku stop.

Exceptions to normal opening hours

Closed

1.1. New Years Day

6.1. Epiphany

11.-18.1. week 2

25.-26.1.

2.-5.4. Easter

13.5. Ascension Thursday

11.-14.6. Mission fest

24.6. the day before Midsummer Eve, museum closes at 15 pm.

25. - 28.6. Midsummer

23.12. the day before Christmas Eve, museum closes at 15 pm.

24. - 27.12. Christmas

31.12. New Years Eve, museum closes at 15 pm.

Open

1.5. Free entrance. May Day, bazaar at the Mission House

27.8. from 12.00 to 18.00. Free entrance. Night of the Arts, Helsinki Festival.

6.12. Free entrance. Independence Day, bazaar at the Mission House