This photograph shows the French-colonised Moroccan (in the foreground) and West African (in the background) Pavilions along the Avenue of French Colonies during the 1931 Exposition Colonial de Paris. Both pavilions were modelled after native African architecture and featured historical dioramas narrating the process of the French colonial (or ‘civilising’) mission in Africa. To lend authenticity to the display, Africans within the exposition grounds were forbidden to don European clothing. Visitors could also sample native African fare. The Exposition also saw the participation of various colonial powers such as Britain, Portugal and the United States. Most exhibition pavilions showcased indigenous culture from various Asian and African colonies, as well as efforts by the colonialists to improve the lives of the colonised people in an attempt to justify and glorify colonialism. This photograph is part of the album on the Exposition, and is a presentation copy signed by the official exhibition photographer, Marcel Braun.
