Temporary exhibition 2021-2022

Bijoux, cailloux, Papous ...
Two Prehistorians in New Guinea

This exhibition relates the scientific expeditions of two prehistorians, Anne-Marie and Pierre Pétrequin, to the Highland regions of West Papua, New Guinea.
The exhibition allows you to enter into the colorful Papuan universe that is soon doomed to disappear...

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Exposition temporaire Bijoux, cailloux, Papous

A scientific and human expedition  !

The exhibited objects were collected during scientific missions that took place between 1984 and 2002: carrying nets, axes, daggers, bows and arrows, cassowary feather headdresses, pottery and symbolic objects. The couple began working with Papuan societies in order to broaden their ideas and thinking about the prehistoric artefacts found in Europe, as a way of opening up new possibilities concerning the use and meaning of these artefacts.
The two archeologists lived and mixed with the local populations, observing their everyday lives over the course of 26 missions. They learnt more about their skills and also developed close friendships.
The data they gathered has increased our understanding of ancient societies, demonstrating that an object cannot be reduced merely to its practical use.
"Bijoux, cailloux, Papous" relates their experience, using a scenography that is both educational and immersive, making it accessible to everyone.

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The exhibition

There are several themes: everyday life, axes and polished stone adzes, women’s and men's traditions and taboos, ornaments, pottery, symbolic and sacred items. Large detailed panels explain the culture, skills, clothing and food of these societies. These are completed by the screening of short documentary films, numerous photos and a large array of exhibited objects. The large printed screens transport the visitor into the New Guinea landscape.

In association with the National Archeology Museum - Domaine national de Saint-Germain-en-Laye

Thanks to this temporary exhibition, we honor a promise we made to the Papuan tribes: to show to the world their way of life before globalization destroys their ancient societies.
Anne-Marie and Pierre Pétrequin