A new exhibition in Bradford is set to shed light on a controversial chapter of the city’s history, revisiting a live display of Somali culture that attracted over 350,000 visitors during the Great Exhibition of 1904. This event, which featured 57 Somali men, women, and children showcasing their daily lives through cooking, weaving, and dancing, is being re-evaluated in the context of Britain’s colonial past. The exhibition seeks to not only recognise the historical significance of this Somali village but also to confront the complexities of colonialism that shaped the cultural landscape of Bradford.
The Historical Context of the Somali Village
At the Great Exhibition over a century ago, the Somali village was a striking attraction, drawing massive crowds eager to witness what was marketed as a glimpse into the lives of “little known but interesting people.” For six months, visitors observed the daily activities of the Somali troupe, which included sheep slaughtering, education in Arabic, and Qur’anic studies. This display, while popular, raises important questions about the ethics of such exhibitions, often described as “human zoos.”
Guest curator Abira Hussein emphasises that the term oversimplifies the reality faced by the Somali people, many of whom were active agents in their own representation. Sultan Ali, the troupe’s leader, was instrumental in negotiating contracts and wages, and even protested after a devastating fire damaged their living quarters. Some members chose to return to Somalia, while others embarked on further tours across Europe and North America.
