Alexis Malefakis

About the Author

Alexis Malefakis is a distinguished scholar and cultural historian whose work bridges the gaps between global heritage, postcolonial studies, and museum practices. With a keen eye for the intersections of art, identity, and power, Malefakis explores how artifacts from African nations like Benin find new contexts in European institutions, challenging narratives of ownership and representation. Drawing from extensive fieldwork in Switzerland and West Africa, her research illuminates the ethical dilemmas of cultural repatriation and the role of museums in preserving—or distorting—historical legacies. A frequent contributor to academic journals and international conferences, Malefakis advocates for decolonial approaches to curation, making complex socio-political issues accessible to both specialists and the wider public. Her insightful analyses continue to influence debates on global cultural equity.