Human Zoos 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)

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Human zoos were a dark chapter in history where people from indigenous cultures were put on display for the entertainment of Western audiences. These exhibitions dehumanized individuals and perpetuated harmful stereotypes. The practice was popular in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, with exhibits featuring individuals from Africa, Asia, Oceania, and the Americas. Visitors would gawk at these "exotic" displays, reinforcing notions of racial superiority and othering those who were different. The human zoo phenomenon reflected a disturbing trend of colonialism and exploitation that sought to objectify non-Western peoples as curiosities rather than recognizing their humanity. Many participants were coerced or tricked into participating in these exhibits, enduring humiliation and degradation for the sake of profit. Thankfully, they have largely been relegated to history books as society has evolved to recognize the inherent dignity and worth of all individuals regardless of their cultural background. It serves as a stark reminder of the dangers of dehumanizing others based on superficial differences and underscores the importance of empathy, understanding, and respect for all members of our global community. Let us learn from this dark period in our past so that we may strive towards a more inclusive and compassionate future for all humanity.