The unique exhibition “Faces of Ancestors” which recently opened at the Château de Blois in Loir-et-Cher aroused particular emotion among visitors and delved into the little-known history of former captive slaves from the 19th century. By presenting plaster cast busts made in 1846 of former captives deported from East Africa, this exhibition invites us to delve into the painful and often hidden past linked to slavery and human trafficking.
The history of these busts, carefully preserved for decades, required meticulous and long-term research work. It was the historian Klara Boyer-Rossol who, after more than six years of investigation, succeeded in tracing the origin of this exceptional collection. By delving into the archives and manuscripts of Eugène Huet de Froberville, the ethnographer who created these busts, she was able to reveal the lives and destinies of these former captives.
Through the poignant testimonies of descendants of slaves, such as David Lily from Mauritius, we are offered a deep dive into the experiences of these men and women trapped in slavery. Stories of horror, suffering and resilience combine to form a striking picture of the often ignored history of the slave trade.
The exhibition “Faces of Ancestors” does not just present plaster sculptures, but also highlights the complexity of human and racial relations during the colonial era. By emphasizing the need to abolish slavery and recognize the dignity of each individual, it challenges us on the past and present injustices that continue to mark our society.
As we contemplate these faces frozen in plaster, we are confronted with our own heritage and the responsibilities that come with it. The exhibition at the Château de Blois reminds us of the importance of knowing and acknowledging history, even if it is painful, in order to better build a future based on justice and reconciliation.
In short, “Faces of Ancestors” is much more than a simple art exhibition, it is a vibrant testimony to the need to remember, understand and transmit the lessons of the past in order to build a more just and enlightened future. These busts, silent symbols of a human tragedy, invite us to question our own humanity and our ability to face the injustices of the past.