A family of Indians being taken to Europe as the new inhabitants of the zoo, 1889

A family of Indians being taken to Europe as the new inhabitants of the zoo, 1889.

With the permission of the Chilean government in 1889, eleven Selk’nam natives including an 8-year-old were taken to Europe to be exhibited in Human Zoos. The Patagonian Indians were a rarity. Between 1878 and 1900, three groups of natives belonging to indigenous groups of Tehuelche, Selknam, and Kawésqar were shipped to Europe to be exposed in Human Zoos.

They were photographed, measured, weighed, and were expected to perform every day. Sometimes 6 to 8 times a day. The Selknams did not receive the best care. Therefore, many of them did not make it back. Some did not even make it to Europe.

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