Bruno Manser (1954–2005) was Switzerland’s best known environmentalist and human rights activist during his own lifetime. He ventured to Borneo in Malaysia to study the language and culture of the Penan, one of the last nomadic peoples on earth. As an activist he was committed to exposing the fate of indigenous peoples living in the rainforest, the machinations of the logging industry, and the human rights situation in Malaysia. The Malaysian government declared Manser an enemy of the people and refused to grant him another entry permit. Undeterred, he again embarked on a journey to the Penan in May 2000 – and has not been seen since.

This small presentation (one showcase 6 x 2 metres, 18 objects) developed in collaboration with the Bruno Manser Fonds and the Museum der Kulturen Basel sets out to paint a portrait of this influential Basel native, who through his actions heightened our awareness of environmental issues and human rights with lasting effect.