An exploration of the Indian Ocean as a space for movement, encounter, exchange, and cultural fusion between distant shores, through the vast maritime routes that—thanks to trade, craftsmanship, and navigation—connected the ancient societies of Africa, the Middle East, and Europe to South and Southeast Asia, from antiquity to the 17th century.
Spices and Wonders: Sailing the Indian Ocean follows 1,000 years of maritime history and culture, charting the routes that connected the civilisations of Africa, Asia, and beyond.
Crossing these vast waters demanded knowledge, skill, and courage. The catalogue documents the evolution of navigation and the techniques that enabled fearless and adventurous sailors to explore the unknown, guided only by the stars. It also tells of journeys that ended in shipwreck and the treasures carried by vessels.
As people travelled, so did spices, ideas, and cultures, with every encounter bringing new possibilities and opportunities for connection. Through the objects and stories carried across these historic sea routes, Spices and Wonders brings to life a world in motion, where every journey opened the way to new encounters and discoveries.
Published on the occasion of the eponymous exhibition at Louvre Abu Dhabi from 12 October 2026 to 14 February 2027, and at Guimet – Musée National des Arts Asiatiques, Paris, from 12 May to 6 September 2027.
Edited by Guilhem André and Claire Déléry.
Foreword by Mohamed Khalifa Al Mubarak, Matthias Grolier, Sandra Lagumina, Yannick Lintz.
Introduction by
Guilhem André and Pierre Baptiste.
Contributions by Peter Magee, Mary Jane Louise A. Bolunia, Patrick Périn, Thomas Calligaro, Emmanuelle Vagnon, Éric Vallet, Nick Burningham.
Graphic design: Nathalie Franck.
2026 (publication expected by 4th quarter)
English edition
21 x 27 cm
224 pages
ISBN : 978-614-8065-22-4
EAN : 9786148065224
forthcoming
