Although the emphasis at the Scottish Exhibition in 1911 was on Scottish history and culture, the international dimension was not entirely overlooked. The West African Village housed around a hundred natives of various tribes from African colonies. Pictured here is a group of dancers and musicians who performed at the Village; audiences were assured that "decency is maintained throughout."
African trades and crafts were in evidence as the villagers pretended to go about their normal lives. The children attracted particular attention from visitors, who liked to introduce them to the delights of Scottish food.
In contrast was the Arctic Village, inhabited by Laplanders and reindeer. The inducement of as much milk as they wanted was claimed to have been sufficient to entice the Laplanders to Glasgow.
Reference: Mitchell Library, GC 606.4 (1911)
Reproduced with the permission of Glasgow City Council, Libraries and Archives
Keywords:
dancers, drums, exhibitions, music, musicians, Scottish Exhibition of National History, Art and Industry, tom-toms, West African Village
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