Fêtes himalayennes les derniers Kalash, Exhibition, Musée des Confluences, Lyon: 23 January 2018-1 December 2019

This is archived material. It is for reference purposes only.

This exhibition at the Musée des Confluences, Lyon, centres on the Kalash people of Pakistan, exploring their sacred relationship with nature.

This 3000 strong community use Kalasha language, considered unique among the people of Pakistan. According to legend, blue-eyed members of the Kalash community are thought to be descendants of the soldiers of Alexander the Great. However, all of them are devotees of Animism – a form of ancient Hinduism which perceives all things – animals, plants, rocks, rivers, weather systems – as animated and alive.

The exposition presents the people of the Kalash in large, colourful photos, which help you to visualise their rituals and customs, as well as their everyday lives. There are also examples of traditional, handmade Kalash clothing, shoes and artefacts which help us to imagine life in the Himalayan mountains.

At the end of the exhibition, there is a screening of a documentary, which tells us about the essential role in this community of the shaman, who is part of many rituals and festivals. It goes into further detail about Animism, and explains the religious belief that objects, places, and creatures all possess a distinct spiritual essence. The documentary also exposes the controversial stance of the Kalash people, that female menstruation is impure, which highlights the differences between the traditional beliefs of the Himalayan mountain community and the modern, Western world. 

The documentary ends with a glimpse into the parts of the community which are evolving and modernising - leaving us to decide whether it is a good or bad thing.

For those interested in culture, geography and feminism - this exhibition is immersive and fascinating in the context of the modern world.

Musée des Confluences

86 Quai Perrache, 69002 Lyon

Fêtes himalayennes les derniers Kalash, Musée des Confluences, Lyon: 23 January 2018-1 December 2019
Fêtes himalayennes les derniers Kalash, Musée des Confluences, Lyon: 23 January 2018-1 December 2019
Fêtes himalayennes les derniers Kalash, Musée des Confluences, Lyon: 23 January 2018-1 December 2019
Fêtes himalayennes les derniers Kalash, Musée des Confluences, Lyon: 23 January 2018-1 December 2019
Fêtes himalayennes les derniers Kalash, Musée des Confluences, Lyon: 23 January 2018-1 December 2019
Fêtes himalayennes les derniers Kalash, Musée des Confluences, Lyon: 23 January 2018-1 December 2019
Fêtes himalayennes les derniers Kalash, Musée des Confluences, Lyon: 23 January 2018-1 December 2019
Fêtes himalayennes les derniers Kalash, Musée des Confluences, Lyon: 23 January 2018-1 December 2019
Fêtes himalayennes les derniers Kalash, Musée des Confluences, Lyon: 23 January 2018-1 December 2019
Fêtes himalayennes les derniers Kalash, Musée des Confluences, Lyon: 23 January 2018-1 December 2019
Fêtes himalayennes les derniers Kalash, Musée des Confluences, Lyon: 23 January 2018-1 December 2019
Fêtes himalayennes les derniers Kalash, Musée des Confluences, Lyon: 23 January 2018-1 December 2019
Fêtes himalayennes les derniers Kalash, Musée des Confluences, Lyon: 23 January 2018-1 December 2019
Fêtes himalayennes les derniers Kalash, Musée des Confluences, Lyon: 23 January 2018-1 December 2019

Opening Hours

Monday:
Closed
Tuesday:
11:00 - 19:00
Wednesday:
11:00 - 19:00
Thursday:
11:00 - 22:00
Friday:
11:00 - 19:00
Saturday:
10:00 - 19:00
Sunday:
10:00 - 19:00