Video | 6:42 Impersonating Indigeneity
Jonathan Lainey explains how, in the mid-19th and early 20th centuries, the elite would dress up as “Indians” at costume balls.
May 20, 2025
Jonathan Lainey, Curator, Indigenous Cultures, explains how, in the mid-19th and early 20th centuries, members of society’s elite, those very close to politics and power, would dress up as “Indians” a costume balls. For him, it is no coincidence that people in positions of power, those who worked unrelentingly to control and eradicate Indigenous cultures, chose to dress up as the very people they were trying to oppress.
Costume Balls: Dressing Up History, 1870-1927
A century and a half ago, extravagant costume balls and skating carnivals were the pinnacle of society entertainments, bringing forth a kaleidoscopic array of fanciful costumed characters and providing a unique opportunity to reinvent oneself as a historical figure. But, beneath all the anachronistic exuberance, these balls reinforced core myths of colonial destiny and imperial futures.
Step into the world of the exhibition!
Creating the exhibition Costume Balls: Dressing Up History, 1870-1927 is the result of a monumental effort. Meet the Museum’s teams of experts and learn more about their work and their discoveries through blog articles, video interviews, behind-the-scenes photos, and much more!
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