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quent events, such as the Sami political
movement in the early 1900s.
Transformed into a tourist
industry
Living exhibitions were held over the
whole of the Western world, yet they
show a fascinating similarity in practice,
according to Baglo.
"There were similar kinds of exhibitions
in different areas over a long period. The
high point was between 1880 to about
1910, with the Exposition Universelle
of 1889 in Paris. During this period, the
practice was seen as a legitimate way
to disseminate scientific and cultural
information. But during the next 10 to
20 years, the exhibitions fell in stature,
and the big exhibitioners were quickly
criticized," says Baglo.
"Around 1930, up until about 1950, the
exhibitions ended, but I think there was
a gradual transition to the ethnic tourist
industry we see today, that the Sami
themselves control," she says.
Something other than a "Freak
show"
The so-called "freak show", where people
with various physical malformations
were put on display, was also a child of
the same times as the exhibition of the
Sami.
"But these were something altogether
different. A freak show is a display of
individual differences, while the exhibi-
tions of the Sami and other aboriginal
peoples was a display of collective dif-
ferences. An accurate representation of
cultures, which showed normal
family life, was generally the central goal
for many exhibitors.
"And the Sami themselves participated
in creating the scenarios. They in no way
sold their souls, but sold exhibitions of
their lives and culture, exhibitions that
they themselves, through being there,
helped to shape."
12
•••
Labyrint E/11
– University of Tromsø
"Travelling cultural outreach: Sami men from Frostviken (individuals unknown)." Source: Tromsø Museum.
"South Sami at the Hagenbeck Zoo, 1926, with Mathias Mortensson and family." Source: Hagenbeck archive,
Hamburg
"Trygve Danielsen with reindeer in Odense, circa 1933" Source: private photo