“Journey in My Head” exhibition in Paris

“I am neither a passenger nor an ethnologist,” says the director of the Maison Rouge in Paris, Antoine de Galbert, of the magnificent exhibition “Journey in My Head” which he is currently curating. Galbert has the spirit and excitement of a big obsessive collector, which led him to gather more than 400 indigenous headresses from the farthest corners of the world. “Journey in my head” is an ethnographic world tour guided by one of Galbert´s great passions, and one of the most interesting exhibitions you will find in Paris this summer.

These devices/garments/ accessories exhibited at the Maison Rouge testify to the rich imagery of the different ethnic groups represented in the sample, and point out their most idiosyncratic features. What fascinated Galbert and pushed him to embark on this exhaustive search for the most rare and beautiful headdresses, was his first acquisition, a headdress decorated with huge Papuan bird feathers that belonged to a statue and was in fact too small to be worn by a human. It was this first experience that opened the door to a fascinating world of shamans, guerrillas and hunters and the ornaments they wore in ceremonies, either for protection or social distinction.

Thus the exhibition shows the headdress in their many forms and uses, starting, for example, with headdresses of female seduction, such as decorated bridal veils or gorgeous veils designed to arouse male curiosity. On the other hand, there is a vast library filled with feather headdresses, or those made from animal bones, beads or ape skulls which symbolize virility and the bearer´s strength as a hunter or fighter. You will also find headdresses worn by priests and shamans, which have a sacred and ritualistic value.

You have until September 26th to take advantage of the opportunity to appreciate this exquisite collection that offers you a glimpse into fantastic and unknown worlds. Rent apartments in Paris and begin a journey in your head though the most interesting cultural artefacts.

Tags: anthropology, art, Exhibit, Exhibit Journey in my head Paris, head, Journey in my head, orientalism, paris, travel