Dadikwakwa-kwa come out to play

Enjoy a rare chance to play with actual museum objects.

Dadikwakwa-kwa are shell dolls made by the Anindilyakwa People of Groote Eylandt in Australia’s Northern Territory.

A set of these incredible dolls were gifted to Manchester Museum when an Anindilyakwa delegation visited us in September 2023 for the return of 174 cultural heritage items that had previously been held within the collections at the Museum.

But they were gifted to us with one major condition – they need to come off display once a year to be played with.

So we’re looking for families to help us play with the dolls during a series of sessions as part of our Easter Play Programme. They’ll be limited to four families per session and will need to be booked in advance.

Each Family ticket covers up to 2 children & their adult. At least one adult and one child is required. Recommended age 4 yrs + and younger siblings welcome.

Adults must be accompanied by a child or children, and children must be accompanied by an adult. Each Ticket is a family ticket which can accommodate up to 2 children playing. If you have more than two children please book at additional ticket.

For children 3 and under coming with an older sibling is welcome. We have one toddler box available per session that can be booked for younger siblings ahead of time. This sandbox has some fun fossils and shells that toddlers can play to their hearts content with if that makes parents more comfortable.

If you are an adult interested in the sessions please contact the organisers before booking to check availability. This session is for children first and foremost.

There will be sessions at 2-3pm on Tuesday 8 April, Wednesday 9 April, Thursday 10 April, Tuesday 15 April, Wednesday 16 April and Thursday 17 April.

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