Human Zoos: A Dark Chapter in History
Once upon a time, real people were displayed in exhibitions as if they were objects. These “human zoos” were popular in Europe, showcasing individuals from foreign lands, especially African countries, as curiosities.
An exhibition in Paris titled “Inventing the Savage” explored this shameful history, showing how these displays contributed to racism and the idea of racial superiority.
How Human Zoos Began
For over 400 years, starting from the age of exploration, Europeans became fascinated by people from faraway lands. Explorers brought individuals back to cities like Paris, London, and Berlin, where they were shown to the public. At first, this was simply out of curiosity. People marveled at the “exotic” cultures and appearances of these individuals.
However, by the mid-1800s, this curiosity turned into something darker. Scientists began using these displays to support racist theories, claiming that some races were superior to others. This shift paved the way for the “human zoos” seen during international trade fairs in the late 19th and early 20th centuries.
Performances and Displays
Human zoos were elaborate shows. Entire villages of people from colonies, like Kanaks or Senegalese, were recreated. These individuals were paid to perform rituals, dances, and everyday tasks for audiences. Visitors were encouraged to view these people as primitive and inferior, reinforcing colonial ideas of domination.
One of the most famous organizers of such shows was Buffalo Bill Cody, known for his Wild West performances. These shows featured Indigenous Americans acting out battles and traditional activities, further stereotyping them for entertainment.
A History of Dehumanization
The exhibition in Paris traces this story with paintings, photographs, posters, and films. Curator Nanette Snoep explained that the goal was to uncover how stereotypes were created and used to justify colonialism. By portraying people as “savages,” Western societies made their domination seem acceptable.
Former footballer Lilian Thuram, who now runs an anti-racism foundation, helped inspire the exhibition. Thuram emphasized that racism is a human-made concept, and understanding its origins is key to dismantling it.
Early Encounters
In the beginning, these encounters between Europeans and people from other lands were somewhat mutual. For example, in 1664, four Greenlanders were brought to Denmark by a Dutch sailor. A painting of them shows their names written above, suggesting they were seen as individuals at the time.
Another example is Omai, a Tahitian man brought to London in the 18th century by explorer Joseph Banks. Omai was admired for his charm and intelligence. However, even then, people debated whether he was treated as a guest or merely a “trophy.”
The Tragic Case of Saartjie Baartman
As colonial attitudes hardened, these interactions became exploitative. One of the saddest stories is that of Saartjie Baartman, also known as the “Hottentot Venus.” Born in South Africa around 1780, she was brought to London in 1810 and displayed because of her unique physical features, including steatopygia (protruding buttocks).
Audiences gawked at her body, and scientists studied her as a “specimen” to support racist theories. After her death, her remains were displayed in a museum in Paris until 1974. In 2002, her remains were finally returned to South Africa for a proper burial.
The Peak of Human Zoos
Human zoos became most popular during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. At international trade fairs, Europeans flocked to see recreated villages and staged performances by people from Africa, India, and other colonies. These displays reinforced the idea that Western culture was superior.
Around 35,000 people participated in these shows over the years. While many were paid, the performers were often treated as “others,” with barriers separating them from the audience. This separation emphasized the idea of racial difference.
The End of Human Zoos
Human zoos gradually disappeared after World War II. Ironically, Adolf Hitler was among the first to ban them. The last known human zoo was in Belgium in 1958.
Historians estimate that 1.4 billion people attended these exhibitions over the years. The influence of these displays on modern racism cannot be overstated. They helped create a view of non-Western peoples as inferior, a belief that lingers in some forms even today.
Criticism of the Exhibition
While the “Inventing the Savage” exhibition has been praised for shedding light on this dark chapter, some critics argue it simplifies history. For example, it doesn’t explore how the “exhibits” felt about their experiences or how audiences truly reacted.
Columnist Marcela Iacub suggested that the exhibition’s approach mirrors the same moral superiority it criticizes. She argued that assuming all audiences were racist or colonialist might ignore more complex realities.
The history of human zoos serves as a stark reminder of how societies can dehumanize others. By understanding this past, we can work to dismantle harmful stereotypes and promote equality. As Lilian Thuram said, racism is a human creation—and therefore, it can be undone.
The Paris exhibition offered an opportunity for reflection, showing how important it is to confront uncomfortable truths about history.
FAQ: Human Zoos – When Real People Were Exhibits
1. What were human zoos?
Human zoos were exhibitions where people, mostly from colonized regions, were displayed as curiosities or “specimens” for public entertainment. These events showcased individuals in recreated villages or performances to portray them as “primitive” or exotic.
2. Where were human zoos held?
Human zoos were popular in Europe, especially in cities like Paris, London, and Berlin. They were also part of international trade fairs and traveling shows, including in the United States.
3. Who were the people displayed in human zoos?
The people featured were often from Africa, Asia, the Americas, or the Pacific Islands. Entire villages or groups of individuals were brought to Europe to act out rituals, dances, and daily activities.
4. Why were human zoos created?
Initially, these exhibitions were meant to satisfy European curiosity about foreign cultures. Over time, they became a tool for colonial powers to reinforce racist ideologies by portraying non-Western people as inferior or “uncivilized.”
5. Were the performers paid?
Some performers were paid, but their roles were often scripted to reinforce stereotypes. They had little freedom and were treated as exhibits rather than as equals.
6. What was the impact of human zoos on society?
Human zoos played a significant role in shaping racist ideologies. By portraying colonized people as “others,” they reinforced the belief that some races were superior to others, legitimizing colonialism and discrimination.
7. Who was Saartjie Baartman, and why is her story significant?
Saartjie Baartman, also known as the “Hottentot Venus,” was a South African woman displayed in Europe because of her unique physical features. After her death, her remains were studied and displayed in museums. Her story highlights the dehumanization and exploitation of individuals in human zoos.
8. When did human zoos end?
Human zoos declined after World War II. The last known human zoo was held in Belgium in 1958.
9. What does the exhibition “Inventing the Savage” aim to achieve?
The exhibition, held at the Quai Branly Museum in Paris, aimed to expose the history of human zoos and show how they contributed to racism. It sought to educate people about the stereotypes and ideologies created during colonial times.
10. Why is it important to learn about human zoos today?
Understanding the history of human zoos helps us confront past injustices and recognize how harmful stereotypes were created. It’s a step toward dismantling racism and promoting equality in modern society.
11. Were human zoos unique to Europe?
While most human zoos were held in Europe, similar exhibitions were also organized in the United States and other parts of the Western world as part of traveling shows and fairs.
12. How many people visited human zoos?
Historians estimate that around 1.4 billion people attended human zoos over the centuries, showing their widespread popularity and influence.
13. What criticisms exist about the exhibition on human zoos?
Some critics argue that the exhibition oversimplifies history by presenting those displayed as mere victims and not exploring their perspectives. Others believe it imposes a modern moral framework on historical events.
14. How can societies move past the legacy of human zoos?
By acknowledging and learning from this dark chapter, societies can challenge lingering stereotypes and work toward equality. Education and open discussions about history are key steps in addressing the lasting impacts of racism.
15. Are there any books or resources to learn more about human zoos?
Yes, several resources are available. Books like The Age of Wonder by Richard Holmes and exhibition materials from “Inventing the Savage” are excellent starting points for understanding this history.