'Lightning Symbol and Snake Dance: Aby Warburg and Pueblo Art' at the MARKK

A new exhibition titled Lightning Symbol and Snake Dance: Aby Warburg and Pueblo Art opens on 4 March at the MARKK in Hamburg.

The exhibition presents the museum's Aby Warburg Collection in its entirety for the first time. In 1923, the Hamburg-based art and cultural historian elaborated on his journey of 1895/96 through the American Southwest and his encounter with the Pueblo societies there in his famous lecture on the “Serpent Ritual”. Yet, the objects he collected and donated to the Hamburg Museum had fallen into oblivion; they include ornate ceramics, ceremonial dance regalia, and impressive Katsina figures.

The exhibition examines their cultural significance, sheds critical light on their acquisition history, and also incorporates artistic positions of today’s Pueblo societies. It also addresses the issue of non-displayable objects and images, and how to respectfully deal with culturally sensitive content.

The opening weekend from March 4 – 6 includes lectures, panel discussions, and curator tours.

Find out more

Exhibition information

4 March 2022 - 8 January 2023

MARKK opening times
Tuesday to Sunday: 10 am – 6 pm
Thursday: 10 am – 9 pm

Admission charges
Regular: € 8,50
Discounts: € 4,50