Earth Day: Geophagy: A Sensory and Cultural Workshop with Museum of Edible Earth

Across the world, creation stories tell of humans emerging from the Earth—an all-encompassing nurturer of life. As time passed, the Earth has come to be treated as separate to us: a distinct vessel for growing food or extracting materials to tend to our needs. But this is not the case. Have you ever tried to eat the Earth directly?

Geophagy is the scientific name for the intentional custom of eating earth, which includes soil and earth-like substances such as clay and chalk. It is an ancient global practice driven by diverse nutritional, cultural and medicinal factors.

In this workshop, Dr. masharu will present a selection of edible earth samples, sharing their stories, cultural knowledge, and food practices. Participants will be invited to taste the earth, share their sensory experiences, and engage in dialogue around cultural differences and relationships with the environment.

Through creative reflection, the workshop will expand upon the exhibition’s questions of: How do earth-eating traditions differ across cultures? Where does edible earth come from? What are the potential benefits and risks of eating earth? How do the material properties of earth influence its flavour?

DISCLAIMER:

These samples are presented for voluntary tasting for visitors over 16. Tasting is not required for participation in the workshop.

Please follow instructions from the facilitator, and if you experience any discomfort, stop immediately. Consuming these samples is not recommended by food authorities and is at your own risk.

Please do not participate without first consulting a doctor, pharmacist, or other qualified healthcare professional if you are:

- pregnant or breastfeeding

- immunocompromised or have allergies

- taking medication two hours before or after your visit

- uncertain about ingesting natural materials.

We have set aside a limited number of subsidised tickets for those who cannot afford our ticket prices. If there's also anything you require to help make this workshop more accessible for you and your family (eg. BSL interpreter, visual step by step guide etc.) please let us know by emailing visitor@somersethouse.org.uk or calling +44 (0)333 320 2836.