From L-R: Dr. Norbert Peabody, Ms. Binney Hare, Shriji Dr. Lakshyaraj Singh Mewar and Dr. Mayank Gupta

Echoes: A Ceremonial Heritage in Wood

The City Palace Museum, Udaipur presented 'Echoes: A Ceremonial Heritage in Wood' an international exhibition showcased in India for the first time at Chota Darikhana from 14th February to 14th April 2026. Organised in association with the Maharana of Mewar Charitable Foundation, Alliance Francaise Jaipur, and the French Institute in India, the exhibition brought together over 60 ceremonial objects in wood and metal from Benin, Togo, and Nigeria, offering visitors a rare insight into the ritual heritage and cultural traditions of West Africa.

Curated and presented by Prof. Philippe Charlier, the exhibition explored how ceremonial practices help sustain a balance between humankind, nature, and the divine, creating meaningful resonances with India's own ceremonial and metaphysical traditions. Prof. Charlier, a forensic anthropologist, medical doctor, former Director of Research at the Musee du quai Branly, and Professor at Universite Paris-Saclay, brought a unique interdisciplinary perspective to the exhibition.

The exhibition was inaugurated by Shriji Dr. Lakshyaraj Singh Mewar, Chairman and Managing Trustee of the Maharana of Mewar Charitable Foundation in the presence of Mrs. Nivritti Kumari Mewar and Prof. (Dr) Toolika Gupta, Design Institute in India, Arts and Design Colleges & Schools in India -IICD

By bringing together objects of art, history, and spirituality, Echoes offered audiences an intercultural experience and encouraged dialogue across traditions, making it an opportunity for all those interested in heritage, belief systems, and global cultural connections.

Exhibition: Echoes: A Ceremonial Heritage in Wood at Chota Darikhana, The City Palace Museum, Udaipur

Prof. Philippe Charlier briefing the details of art to Shriji Dr. Lakshyaraj Singh Mewar

From left: Prof. Philippe Charlier, Shriji Dr. Lakshyaraj Singh Mewar, Mrs. Nivritti Kumari Mewar and Prof. (Dr) Toolika Gupta