Paghahanap kay Maura | An illustrated investigation from The Washington Post

Introduction to Maura and the 1904 World's Fair00:00:12

Maura, a Kankanaey woman from Suyoc, was brought to the 1904 St. Louis World's Fair along with over 200 other Filipinos. The exhibit was intended to justify U.S. expansionism by showcasing the new territory, often treating the indigenous Igorot participants as subjects of curiosity rather than human beings.

The Journey and Hardships00:02:55

The Filipinos endured a grueling journey across the Pacific and through the U.S. by train. Upon arriving in St. Louis, many fell ill due to harsh climate changes and poor living conditions, leading to several deaths, including Maura, who died of pneumonia shortly before the fair opened.

Exploitation and the 'Racial Brain Collection'00:07:07

The Philippine Exposition forced participants into degrading displays. Ales Hrdlicka, an anthropologist, exploited these deaths to conduct autopsies and add human remains to his 'racial brain collection' at the Smithsonian, allegedly taking Maura's cerebellum.

The Search for Answers00:11:28

Filipino-American activist Janna Añonuevo Langholz uncovered Maura's story and initiated a long-term investigation into the missing remains and the dehumanizing practices of the Smithsonian. Her efforts eventually pressured the institution to address its history of unethical collections.

Resolution and Legacy00:15:11

Investigations revealed that Maura's remains were likely returned to the Philippines in 1905. The project led the Smithsonian to apologize for its past collection practices and commit to the repatriation of remaining human remains, marking a significant step toward historical reckoning.