Displayed in a human zoo

Oct 04, 2017

The true story of how eight Inuit from Labrador were enticed to travel to Europe in 1880 to become part of a “cultural exhibit,” or human zoo, is nothing short of remarkable. Researcher France Rivet has brought this tragic tale to life in her book entitled In The Footsteps of Abraham Ulrikab, based on the diary of one of the Inuit men and extensive other sources.

Europe’s fascination with global exploration in the 19th century was fueled by traveling zoos established by men like Carl Hagenbeck, a German merchant who captured animals in nearly every continent for exhibition. To highlight the relationships between these exotic animals and human societies, scouts were sent around the world looking for examples of rare cultures. It is estimated that some 35,000 Africans, Asians, Inuit and other indigenous peoples were deceived into accepting a free trip to Europe, where they were put on display in traveling exhibitions so that spectators could view them in their "natural setting.”
Abraham Ulrikab was a well-educated Inuk from Hebron, Labrador, who was curious to see the world. He brought his and another family, eight in all, to Europe for what they thought would be a financially rewarding, one-year adventure. Unfortunately, they did not receive the vaccinations for smallpox that were legally required for new arrivals, and the entire group succumbed to the disease – the first three in Germany and the other five during a stop in Paris. Abraham’s diary of their brief time in Europe was sent home to Labrador shortly after his death.

Years later France Rivet encountered this forgotten diary and was moved to learn more about the fate of the eight Inuit. She was amazed to discover that the skeletons of Abraham and four other Inuit were in storage in a Paris museum, more than 125 years after their deaths. In conjunction with Inuit leaders in Labrador, she is trying to repatriate the skeletons, finally bringing them home to rest. 

Come and hear Ms. Rivet recount this tale on Monday October 16th at the Perth Royal Canadian Legion (26 Beckwith St E, Perth, ON K7H 1B5), starting promptly at 7:00 pm. The talk is free, presented by the Perth & District Chapter of the Canadian Federation of University Women (CFUW). Copies of Ms. Rivet’s book (printed in both English and French) will be on sale for $30.