Mdina exhibition traces fashion's evolution from animal skins to modern synthetics
A new Heritage Malta exhibition at the Mdina Natural History Museum explores how human use of animal materials evolved from necessity to status symbol.
Heritage Malta has opened a new exhibition at the Mdina Natural History Museum that traces the long relationship between human habits and nature, focusing on how animal materials evolved from practical necessities to symbols of wealth and status.
The exhibition, which runs until 30 September, features a range of items including hats, accessories and other materials. Among the most striking exhibits is a head ornament from North America made by a black American bear, used in ritual contexts.
Noel Zammit, Executive Head of Heritage Malta, said the exhibition shows the nature of selection in life and reflects the modern world. It illustrates how humans have always chosen materials based on need and status.
The exhibition also delves into local fashion history. Anna-Maria Gatt, Curator of Costumes and Textiles at Heritage Malta, explained that in prehistoric times skin, fur and feathers played important roles for practical reasons. Mammals and reptiles were captured not only for food but also for their composition.
A notable local figure featured is Marie Thérèse Xavièr Cauvin, the first known seller of hats in Malta, who operated a shop in front of St John’s Co-Cathedral. Her story highlights the commercial evolution of fashion accessories.
The exhibition moves from exotic feathers and furs to modern synthetic materials, showing how fashion has adapted over centuries. For Malta’s business community, such cultural attractions are a key draw for tourism, bringing visitors to Mdina and supporting local enterprises.
Heritage Malta continues to invest in cultural exhibitions that blend education with heritage preservation. This exhibition underscores the commercial value of historical narratives in attracting both local and international audiences.