Headless, embalmed parrot. Alexandre-Franconie Departmental Museum, Cayenne, French Guiana.

According to Maroon tradition, forest animals are often associated with divinity. They are considered vehicles for spirits, such as Komanti, Diadja & Opete. During colonization, these animals were studied, analyzed, ranked, and finally, placed at the service of colonial propaganda to show the richness and biodiversity of French Guyana. Some of these animals are now preserved at the former colonial museum Alexandre-Franconia, Cayenne, French Guiana.