With “My Misnamed Witch”, Daoulas Abbey is pursuing what Véronique Bourbigot describes as “a cultural policy accessible to the greatest number of people”. “With all the mystery and magic that surrounds this theme”, the vice-president of the Department assures that this is an exhibition “of international level”. To bring together more than 350 objects, the abbey was able to count on the contribution of 45 lenders, including the Louvre and Quai Branly museums.
2 Here and there
Faithful to its desire to treat a subject through the prism of cultural anthropology, Daoulas Abbey explores the different faces that the witch wears across the ages and continents. Thus, from room to room, we travel between here and elsewhere, between near and far, between then and now. But, the witch is not alone in this story. Because the exhibition also summons other figures with whom it shares some points in common: ancient goddesses (Diane or Hecate), fairies, magicians, voodoo priestesses… Their common potion is made up of magic, spells, divinatory practices, dark nights and secrets.
3 It is he who says…
But, then, what distinguishes the witch from her “cousins”? One of her particularities is that she masters the laws of nature: she is believed to have powers over life and death, over births and fertility. We can also say that in terms of hatred and bad press, she is a little ahead! But above all, “The term witch is particular in that it is used by the one who designates and not by the one who names herself!”, points out Edith Joseph, the curator of the exhibition.
Even if it lasted several centuries, witch hunting really took root in the 15th century. This is the beginning of trials, burnings, persecutions and other tortures. This hunt for heretics will give rise to a whole literature which will give the clergy and the legal apparatus something to grind when it comes to justifying the executions. Numerous books on demonology (study of demons and evil spirits) and other trial reports visible in Daoulas.
If, at the margins, she was sometimes able to provoke a certain fascination nourished by the mystery, the witch did not truly experience rehabilitation until the 20th century. The figure is taken up by several feminist movements who see in it a rebellious woman, emancipated, revolted and victim of male authority. Its representation in popular culture, presented in a large showcase, will reinforce this relative return to favor. The witch becomes almost sympathetic in Hollywood films and productions, in series, in comics or children’s literature. Because, despite an unattractive physique, Cornebidouille is ultimately not that scary.
Practical
“My poorly named witch”, until November 29, at Daoulas Abbey. Open: until July 3, from September 2 to October 16 and from November 4 to 29, Wednesday to Sunday, from 2 p.m. to 6 p.m.; during the two summer months, every day, from 2 p.m. to 7 p.m.; from October 17 to November 1 (holidays, every day, from 2 p.m. to 6 p.m. The ticket office closes 30 minutes before the site. Entrance: from 5 to 11 € (excluding free: under 7 years old, job seeker, person with minimum social security, disabled person and a accompanying…).
