To organise, trade and create.
The exhibition entitled “Societies, the theatre of mankind” demonstrates the immense capacity of societies to organise, trade and create.
This exhibition explores the major challenges resolved by human groups when they want to establish a common, durable social structure.
You will discover the way in which certain peoples represent their territory, how others maintain order or the way in which knowledge is transmitted from one generation to another. Faced with this material evidence gathered on every continent, you will be surprised by the variety of solutions imagined by humans. Between utopia and innovation, human societies have never ceased to re-design the world.
Portrait of a monk (Fin époque Muromachi, époque de Momoyama, 16e siècle)Musée des Confluences
Portrait of a monk
This statue is presented in the permanent exhibition on “Societies, the theatre of mankind” in a display case dedicated to Buddhism in Japanese society.
Ceremonial axe (Début 19e siècle)Musée des Confluences
Ceremonial axe
Tools for military strategy in Japan, this armoured helmet enabled generals to be identified and to direct the complex movements of troops from behind.
Double roll of red feathers
Up until the 19th century, this object made of precious stone, a real treasure, was exchanged among only the major chiefdoms.
Luminous wedding dress (2013-14) by Mongi Guibane (creator), Brochier Technologie (manufacturer)Musée des Confluences
Luminous wedding dress
This dress made for the musée des Confluences was designed to be a collector’s item. It illustrates the connection in the Lyon textile industry between the silk tradition, weaving on Jacquard looms and fabrics. This dress made for the musée des Confluences was designed to be a collector’s item. It illustrates the connection in the Lyon textile industry between the silk tradition, weaving on Jacquard looms and innovative fabrics.
Fluorite
Fluorine chemistry developed at the beginning of the 20th century and contributed to improving techniques of production of aluminium and the processing of uranium.
Azurite (dragon)
Azurite is presented in the permanent exhibition of “Societies, the theatre of mankind” in the minerals display case, under the section on transforming raw materials.
