There are two exhibition openings at the Quai Branly Museum (near our hotels) this week – Beyond Anthropology which looks at the life and work of three militant and artistic women who made an important impact on anthropology in the 20th century, and Ilimb, the Essence of Tears, an immersive installation with sound, by Myriam Mihindou.

Beyond Anthropology explores a different approach to anthropology, telling the story of the African-American women:

— dancer Katherine Dunham (1909-2006) who used dance to show her political commitment,

— journalist Eslanda Robeson (1895- 1965), anti-colonialist and antifascist activist who fought racial segregation, and

— writer Zora Neale Hurston (1891-1960) who collected and recorded old proverbs, legends and worker stories in Florida.

Their daring and innovative stances made these three women important figures in the fight against colonialism, racism and the defence of women’s rights in the 20th century.

It’s a fascinating subject for an exhibition, and more information can be gleaned from the English leaflet that accompanies it, available to read below. Simply click the button to the bottom right of the image to enter ‘fullscreen’ mode.

The exhibition Ilimb, the Essence of Tears presents a brand-new installation by the Franco-Gabonese artist Myriam Mihindou constructed using musical instruments and sounds taken from the museum’s collections.

The “complete, performative, organic and corporal” work pays hommage to the punu mourners, woman from the south of Gabon who guide the dead to the afterlife and aid the living in their grief.

The artist is one of these women, and you can learn more about the installation in the English leaflet for the exhibition below. Simply click the button to the bottom right of the image to enter ‘fullscreen’ mode.

A small catalogue (48 pages, 26 images, 14.90€) accompanies the exhibition and is available on the museum’s website, or at your local amazon.

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The exhibition Déborder l’anthropologie (Beyond Anthropology) is at the Quai Branly Museum (here) from 6th February – 12th May 2024

L’exposition Myriam Mihindou. Ilimb, l’essence des pleurs (Ilimb, the essence of tears) runs from 6th February – 10th November 2024

Open every day except Mondays from 10.30am-7pm (10pm Thursdays)

Admission: 14€ / 11€

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