This exhibition presents around 130 works, including pendants, necklaces, bracelets and armbands, penis sheaths, ornaments placed in the orifices of the face, head gear, combs and headbands, as well as amulets and ceremonial dress and clothes for war and hunting. All this will be accompanied by documentary evidence such as drawings, engravings and photographs.

Men rarely appear without ornamentation in either Africa or Oceania… Worn on a daily basis or for cultural ceremonies, the embellishments and symbols record real-life experiences, especially initiation rites marking the various stages of an individual’s life.

These objects and body markings display the person’s identity and place them within a group where their status depends on their age, their gender and their role. All these ornaments emphasize the body and attract the attention of others, especially as part of courtship. They also express social practices and behaviours.