A human zoo is a public display of people, usually in a so-called "natural" or "primitive" state. They were most prominent during the 19th and 20th centuries. These displays sometimes emphasized the supposed inferiority of the exhibits' culture, and implied the superiority of "Western society", through tropes that purported marginalized groups as "savage".
The first human zoo was opened in Belgium in 1876. It featured a group of Congolese people who were displayed in cages. Other human zoos soon followed in Europe and the United States. Some of the most famous human zoos included:
- The World's Fair of 1893 in Chicago, which featured a group of "Pygmies" from Africa.
- The Jardin d'Acclimatation in Paris, which featured a group of "Hottentots" from South Africa.
- The Bronx Zoo in New York City, which featured a group of "Eskimo" people from Alaska.
Human zoos were often justified on the grounds of scientific research or education. However, they were also used to promote racism and colonialism. The exhibits often portrayed the people on display as being less intelligent and civilized than Europeans. This helped to justify the European conquest and exploitation of these peoples.
The last human zoo in the United States closed in 1958. However, they continued to operate in Europe until the 1970s. Human zoos are now considered to be a form of racism and exploitation. They are a reminder of the dark side of European colonialism and the prejudice that still exists today.
In recent years, there have been calls to address the legacy of human zoos. In 2019, the city of Brussels removed a statue of King Leopold II, who was responsible for the deaths of millions of Congolese people during his rule. The statue had been erected in front of the Royal Museum for Central Africa, which had previously housed a human zoo.
The fight against racism and colonialism is ongoing. Human zoos are a reminder of the dark past, but they can also be a source of inspiration for the future. We must work to create a world where all people are treated with dignity and respect, regardless of their race, ethnicity, or origin.
