Collections coloniales: à l'origine des fonds anciens non européens dans les musées suisses.

The article examines the historical context and significance of ethnographic collections in Switzerland, particularly those acquired during the colonial era by Swiss mercenaries, merchants, and missionaries. It highlights the work of museologist Claire Brizon, who explores collections from Asia, the Americas, and the Pacific that were deposited in various Swiss cities between the mid-seventeenth and late eighteenth centuries. The text discusses the colonial implications of these collections, the evolution of collecting practices, and the role of institutions in preserving these artefacts, while also addressing the need for greater visibility and recognition of colonial collections in contemporary discourse. Brizon's research contributes to the understanding of Switzerland's involvement in colonialism and the complexities surrounding the representation of non-European cultures. [Extracted from the article]