Human Zoo Collection

Colonial Exhibition Paris 1907, Pavillon de Haute Guinee, type of Foulahs women
JAB5036846 Colonial Exhibition Paris 1907, Pavillon de Haute Guinee, type of Foulahs women.; (add.info.: Colonial Exhibition Paris 1907, Pavillon de Haute Guinee)

Egypt, Cairo: Cook Cruise, Nile Coast, Zoo, Giraffes, 1900
LUX4778829 Egypt, Cairo: Cook Cruise, Nile Coast, Zoo, Giraffes, 1900; (add.info.: Egypt, Cairo: Cook Cruise, Nile Coast, Zoo, Giraffes, 1900); Photo © Lux-in-Fine

France, Exterior view of lapons at the garden of acclimatization (human zoo), 1870
LUX4732821 France, Exterior view of lapons at the garden of acclimatization (human zoo), 1870; (add.info.: France, Exterior view of lapons at the garden of acclimatization (human zoo)

Eskimo man on the Bois de Boulogne, for the World's fair of 1878 (photo)
6202823 Eskimo man on the Bois de Boulogne, for the World's fair of 1878 (photo); (add.info.: ANTROPOLOGY Eskimo man on the Bois de Boulogne)

Colonial Exhibition Marseille 1906, village of French Sudan
JAB5036832 Colonial Exhibition Marseille 1906, village of French Sudan.; (add.info.: Colonial Exhibition Marseille 1906, village of French Sudan.); Photo ©Jaime Abecasis

Colonial Exhibition Paris 1907, blacksmith of French Sudan
JAB5036822 Colonial Exhibition Paris 1907, blacksmith of French Sudan.; (add.info.: Colonial Exhibition Paris 1907, blacksmith of French Sudan.); Photo ©Jaime Abecasis

Colonial Exhibition Paris 1907, case and types Cochinchinese
JAB5036825 Colonial Exhibition Paris 1907, case and types Cochinchinese; (add.info.: Colonial Exhibition Paris 1907, case and types Cochinchinese); Photo ©Jaime Abecasis

Colonial Exhibition Paris 1907, Peuls and Foulahs women
JAB5036850 Colonial Exhibition Paris 1907, Peuls and Foulahs women; (add.info.: Colonial Exhibition Paris 1907, Peuls and Foulahs women); Photo ©Jaime Abecasis

Colonial Exhibition 1907 Paris. Entrree Village Cochinchine
JAB5036854 Colonial Exhibition 1907 Paris. Entrree Village Cochinchine.; (add.info.: Colonial Exhibition 1907 Paris. Entrree Village Cochinchine.); Photo ©Jaime Abecasis

Colonial Exhibition 1907 Paris, Touaregs making coffee
JAB5036828 Colonial Exhibition 1907 Paris, Touaregs making coffee; (add.info.: Colonial Exhibition 1907 Paris, Touaregs making coffee); Photo ©Jaime Abecasis

Colonial Exhibition Paris 1907, Case and Laotian types
JAB5036827 Colonial Exhibition Paris 1907, Case and Laotian types; (add.info.: Colonial Exhibition Paris 1907, Case and Laotian types); Photo ©Jaime Abecasis

Colonial Exhibition Paris 1907, warrior of French Sudan
JAB5036814 Colonial Exhibition Paris 1907, warrior of French Sudan.; (add.info.: Colonial Exhibition Paris 1907, warrior of French Sudan.); Photo ©Jaime Abecasis

Colonial Exhibition Paris 1907, the Saharan Chef Abdel Kader
JAB5036847 Colonial Exhibition Paris 1907, the Saharan Chef Abdel Kader.; (add.info.: Colonial Exhibition Paris 1907, the Saharan Chef Abdel Kader.); Photo ©Jaime Abecasis

Colonial Exhibition Paris 1907, Canaque meal, Loyaute Islands
JAB5036855 Colonial Exhibition Paris 1907, Canaque meal, Loyaute Islands; (add.info.: Colonial Exhibition Paris 1907, Canaque meal, Loyaute Islands); Photo ©Jaime Abecasis

Colonial Exhibition of Marseille 1906, Moroccan Types
JAB5036849 Colonial Exhibition of Marseille 1906, Moroccan Types; (add.info.: Colonial Exhibition of Marseille 1906, Moroccan Types); Photo ©Jaime Abecasis

Colonial Exhibition 1907, Paris, Saharan encampment
JAB5036837 Colonial Exhibition 1907, Paris, Saharan encampment.; (add.info.: Colonial Exhibition 1907, Paris, Saharan encampment.); Photo ©Jaime Abecasis

Indochina: Colonial Exhibition in Marseilles in 1906, drawing by A. Vimar
FGL5472412 Indochina: Colonial Exhibition in Marseilles in 1906, drawing by A. Vimar.; Fototeca Gilardi

Colonial Exhibition Paris 1907, family of the Loyaute Islands, New Caledonia
JAB5036821 Colonial Exhibition Paris 1907, family of the Loyaute Islands, New Caledonia; (add.info.: Colonial Exhibition Paris 1907, family of the Loyaute Islands)

The jeweller Gallo-Thiam and cora players in the Senegal and French Sudan section of the Exposition Universelle 1900
3098937 The jeweller Gallo-Thiam and cora players in the Senegal and French Sudan section of the Exposition Universelle 1900, Paris (colour photo) by French Photographer

Cambodian hut at the Exposition Universelle 1900, Paris (colour photo)
3098931 Cambodian hut at the Exposition Universelle 1900, Paris (colour photo) by French Photographer, (20th century); Private Collection; (add.info)

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The concept of a human zoo dates back to the 19th and early 20th centuries when people were put on display in zoos for entertainment. These exhibits often showcased individuals from different cultures and ethnicities, treating them as exotic creatures rather than human beings. The practice of human zoos was dehumanizing and exploitative, perpetuating harmful stereotypes and reinforcing notions of racial superiority. It served to objectify and otherize marginalized groups, reducing them to mere spectacles for the amusement of privileged audiences. While the era of human zoos may be over, their legacy lives on in our collective memory as a dark chapter in history. It serves as a stark reminder of the dangers of dehumanization and exploitation, urging us to confront our own biases and prejudices towards those who are different from ourselves. As we reflect on the horrors of human zoos, let us strive to create a more inclusive and equitable society where all individuals are treated with dignity and respect. Let us learn from the mistakes of the past so that we may build a better future for generations to come.