Lot 127 Dα

The Brussels World’s Fair of 1958 (Exposition Universelle et Internationale de Bruxelles), was held from 17 April to 19 October. Best known for the Atomium, it is today also remembered for the Congolese Village, one of the last examples of the long practice of dehumanizing Africans at universal exhibitions by displaying them in a ‘primitive’ state to be observed by visitors - a “human zoo”. No traditional Congolese art was exhibited but rather works made by Europeans in a Congolese style. In mid-July the Congolese “exhibits” protested the condescending treatment they were receiving from spectators and demanded to be sent home, abruptly ending the exhibit.