1 10 29 https://hernando.upenn.domains/files/original/f44918cadc251a7df97cf28750e468e8.jpg 5865a5f33a772f40b2b075171e286b84 https://hernando.upenn.domains/files/original/f3b13dcd9134beaee0b75310d2a1c418.jpg d58c632414178f9af263452dcbbab23f Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource 1. The Temptation of Empire Subject The topic of the resource Equatorial Guinea during the 19th and 20th century Description An account of the resource Archives are not merely sources for extracting knowledge but generators of colonial knowledge. Anthropologist Ann Laura Stoler argues that archives are “cultural artifacts of fact production, of taxonomies in the making, and of absurd notions of what made up colonial authority. Reading along the archival grain opens up enriching readings of them as sites of contested knowledges.” The first section, "The Temptation of Empire,” shows how written records, pavilions, and audiovisual products about Equatorial Guineans during the 19th and 20th centuries served as propaganda to legitimize the imperial project after the loss of Spain's colonies of the Philippines, Cuba, and Puerto Rico. Inspired by the contributions of the issue of Bulletin of Spanish Visual Studies “El archivo colonial bajo el foco: representaciones audiovisuales de Guinea Ecuatorial” [The colonial archive in the spotlight: audiovisual representations of Equatorial Guinea], this part of the exhibition addresses how visual production along the 19th and 20th century not only deal with obvious propaganda messages, but also reveal contradictions and ambiguities within the colonial rule. Most of these resources are relatively still unknown within Hispanic studies and in cultural visual studies on European imperialism. Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Alexis Hernando Cubas Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource August, 2024 Rights Information about rights held in and over the resource Creative Commons Relation A related resource González, Danae G., and Diana Arbaiza. "El Archivo Colonial Bajo El Foco: Representaciones Audiovisuales De Guinea Ecuatorial." Bulletin of Spanish Visual Studies, vol. 6, no. 2, 2022, pp. 159-174. Colmenero, Sara Santamaría. “El Paraíso Perdido: Nostalgias Coloniales En El Archivo Audiovisual de Guinea Ecuatorial (2000–2020).” Bulletin of Spanish visual studies. 6.2 (2022): 303–324. Web. Moriente, David, and Guillermo Navarro. "La Invención De Guinea Ecuatorial En La España De Franco: Una Visión De La Colonia a Través De Los Sellos De Correos." Bulletin of Spanish Visual Studies, vol. 6, no. 2, 2022, pp. 217-237. Stehrenberger, Cécile S. "Science Images and Colonialism in Equatorial Guinea." Bulletin of Spanish Visual Studies, vol. 6, no. 2, 2022, pp. 239-258. López Sanz, Hasan G. "'Guinea. Negocio y Misión': La Fotografía En La Representación Del Poder y La Construcción De Sujetos Coloniales En Las Ferias Muestrario De Valencia De 1942 y 1946." Bulletin of Spanish Visual Studies, vol. 6, no. 2, 2022, pp. 197-215. Language A language of the resource English and Spanish Coverage The spatial or temporal topic of the resource, the spatial applicability of the resource, or the jurisdiction under which the resource is relevant Spain, Equatorial Guinea Moving Image A series of visual representations imparting an impression of motion when shown in succession. Examples include animations, movies, television programs, videos, zoetropes, or visual output from a simulation. Original Format The type of object, such as painting, sculpture, paper, photo, and additional data DVD and Book Duration Length of time involved (seconds, minutes, hours, days, class periods, etc.) 1:48:01 Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Mbini: Cazadores de Imágenes en la Guinea Ecuatorial Subject The topic of the resource The reception of Hermic Films visual materials in the Post-Franco Period Description An account of the resource Mbini: Cazadores de imágenes en la Guinea Ecuatorial is a documentary film spearheaded by Agueda Ortín and Samuel Pereiró, focusing on the historical and visual representation of Equatorial Guinea through the lens of contemporary Spanish filmmakers. The project utilizes archival footage from Hermic Films, a company that documented life in Equatorial Guinea during the colonial period. By revisiting this footage, the documentary aims to explore and critique the narratives and perspectives embedded within the colonial gaze. The primary objective of the documentary is to critically examine how Equatorial Guinea was portrayed by Spanish filmmakers during the colonial era, highlighting the colonial ideologies and perspectives that shaped these representations. In doing so, the project seeks to foster a dialogue about the enduring impacts of colonialism on both the colonizers and the colonized. The DVD include five films. Three are original shorts of the series la Guinea Española (Balele, Una cruz en la selva y Bajo la lámpara del bosque) and other two created and produced by We Are Here! Films (Le Mal d’Afrique y Cazadores de imágenes). At first glance, the films included in the project may appear to reproduce exotic and untamed representations of Guinea from a contemporary Spanish perspective. However, the inclusion of an interview with Guinean writer Donato Ndongo Bidyogo provides a crucial critical counterpoint. Ndongo Bidyogo offers a powerful critique of the colonial gaze evident in the archival footage, pointing out how Africans are often depicted in infantilized and subaltern roles. He argues that the concept of civilization associated with the colony underpins the colonizing discourse found in the visual material, diminishing the role of Africans and framing them within a paternalistic narrative that justifies colonial domination. The documentary also delves into the reactions of contemporary Guinean spectators to the archival footage, revealing a paradoxical alignment with the colonial perspective, especially in the positive perception of modernization and development. Some Guineans, reflecting on the conditions of their ancestors, express a perception of their grandparents as "poor" and "primitive," thereby inadvertently adopting the evolutionary and paternalistic logic of the colonial narrative. This paradoxical appropriation of colonial discourse by some Guineans highlights the need for deeper reflection on the audiovisual material from Hermic Films. Valenciano and Bayre point out that this phenomenon underscores the necessity to critically engage with and deconstruct the colonial ideologies embedded in historical representations. Mbini: Cazadores de imágenes en la Guinea Ecuatorial serves as an important work that resurrects historical footage and prompts critical discussions about the lasting impacts of colonialism on visual culture and collective memory. By juxtaposing archival footage with contemporary critique, the documentary encourages viewers to reflect on the complexities of historical narratives and their modern-day interpretations. Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource We are here! Films Rights Information about rights held in and over the resource Ortín, Pere y Pereira, Vic. Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived Ortín, Pere y Pereira, Vic. Mbini: Cazadores de imágenes. Barcelona: Altair, 2006. Open access to the documentary series Mbini-Cazadores de imágenes en la Guinea Ecuatorial through Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n2Lnn4vYfWw Mañé, Alba Valenciano, and Francesca Bayre. “Cuerpos Naturales, Mentes Coloniales: Las Imágenes de Hermic Films En La Guinea Española.” Afro-Hispanic Review, vol. 28, no. 2, 2009, pp. 245–68. JSTOR, http://www.jstor.org/stable/41349287. Accessed 22 July 2024. Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available Altaïr Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 2006 Format The file format, physical medium, or dimensions of the resource Book/DVD Language A language of the resource Spanish Coverage The spatial or temporal topic of the resource, the spatial applicability of the resource, or the jurisdiction under which the resource is relevant Equatorial Guinea Hermic Films Mbini Cazadores de Imágenes https://hernando.upenn.domains/files/original/6cec0817e2876d9f6b61e65552f7eca2.jpg 6ae7838db554df8d821ad7e3fc3355f7 https://hernando.upenn.domains/files/original/474a02149dd16693b532961505925071.jpg 8bdc29b334549ff2ea1306be8a9e7313 https://hernando.upenn.domains/files/original/8e6ccac0accc763439d8107a075fc073.jpg 966bd67f676123df6f0e12ecc7e58072 https://hernando.upenn.domains/files/original/a422c837cbd96f12f500f54644273282.jpg 14c064a2f3bbf6e0e23212bd390e005c Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource 1. The Temptation of Empire Subject The topic of the resource Equatorial Guinea during the 19th and 20th century Description An account of the resource Archives are not merely sources for extracting knowledge but generators of colonial knowledge. Anthropologist Ann Laura Stoler argues that archives are “cultural artifacts of fact production, of taxonomies in the making, and of absurd notions of what made up colonial authority. Reading along the archival grain opens up enriching readings of them as sites of contested knowledges.” The first section, "The Temptation of Empire,” shows how written records, pavilions, and audiovisual products about Equatorial Guineans during the 19th and 20th centuries served as propaganda to legitimize the imperial project after the loss of Spain's colonies of the Philippines, Cuba, and Puerto Rico. Inspired by the contributions of the issue of Bulletin of Spanish Visual Studies “El archivo colonial bajo el foco: representaciones audiovisuales de Guinea Ecuatorial” [The colonial archive in the spotlight: audiovisual representations of Equatorial Guinea], this part of the exhibition addresses how visual production along the 19th and 20th century not only deal with obvious propaganda messages, but also reveal contradictions and ambiguities within the colonial rule. Most of these resources are relatively still unknown within Hispanic studies and in cultural visual studies on European imperialism. Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Alexis Hernando Cubas Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource August, 2024 Rights Information about rights held in and over the resource Creative Commons Relation A related resource González, Danae G., and Diana Arbaiza. "El Archivo Colonial Bajo El Foco: Representaciones Audiovisuales De Guinea Ecuatorial." Bulletin of Spanish Visual Studies, vol. 6, no. 2, 2022, pp. 159-174. Colmenero, Sara Santamaría. “El Paraíso Perdido: Nostalgias Coloniales En El Archivo Audiovisual de Guinea Ecuatorial (2000–2020).” Bulletin of Spanish visual studies. 6.2 (2022): 303–324. Web. Moriente, David, and Guillermo Navarro. "La Invención De Guinea Ecuatorial En La España De Franco: Una Visión De La Colonia a Través De Los Sellos De Correos." Bulletin of Spanish Visual Studies, vol. 6, no. 2, 2022, pp. 217-237. Stehrenberger, Cécile S. "Science Images and Colonialism in Equatorial Guinea." Bulletin of Spanish Visual Studies, vol. 6, no. 2, 2022, pp. 239-258. López Sanz, Hasan G. "'Guinea. Negocio y Misión': La Fotografía En La Representación Del Poder y La Construcción De Sujetos Coloniales En Las Ferias Muestrario De Valencia De 1942 y 1946." Bulletin of Spanish Visual Studies, vol. 6, no. 2, 2022, pp. 197-215. Language A language of the resource English and Spanish Coverage The spatial or temporal topic of the resource, the spatial applicability of the resource, or the jurisdiction under which the resource is relevant Spain, Equatorial Guinea Physical Object An inanimate, three-dimensional object or substance. Note that digital representations of, or surrogates for, these objects should use Moving Image, Still Image, Text or one of the other types. Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Libro de Oro Ibero Americano. Catálogo oficial y monumental de la exposición de Sevilla Subject The topic of the resource Exposición Iberoamericana Description An account of the resource The Libro de Oro Ibero-Americano is an official and monumental catalog of the Ibero-American Exhibition held in Seville in 1929. Edited by the Unión Iberoamericana, the catalog features contributions from notable figures such as Víctor Espinós, Enrique Díez-Canedo, and Jacinto Benavente. Published by Aldus in Santander, it comprises extensive pages with illustrations, providing a comprehensive overview of the exhibition. This catalog documented the exposition extensively, detailing the exhibits, pavilions, and participants, with a focus on cultural, economic, and technological achievements. It highlighted the shared heritage between Spain and Latin America, emphasizing unity and collaboration. Richly illustrated with photographs and maps, the catalog provided a vivid representation of the event's grandeur and diversity. It also covered the economic and trade aspects, promoting investment and commercial partnerships between Spain and Latin American countries. Serving as an official and monumental record, the catalog underscored the significance of the exposition in fostering cultural and economic ties, while reinforcing Spain's aspirations to reassert its influence and prestige globally. Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available Unión Iberoamericana Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 1929 Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Unión Iberoamericana Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived Carlos, Abelardo de. Libro De Oro Ibero Americano: Catálogo Oficial Y Monumental De La Exposición De Sevilla. [Santander]: [Aldus, s. a., de artes gráficas], 1929. Rights Information about rights held in and over the resource Unión Iberoamericana Format The file format, physical medium, or dimensions of the resource Book, 800 pp. 38x30. Language A language of the resource Spanish Coverage The spatial or temporal topic of the resource, the spatial applicability of the resource, or the jurisdiction under which the resource is relevant Spain Exposición Iberoamericana https://hernando.upenn.domains/files/original/623615739fbca32b8bfe1222719cd11c.jpg 6f61db6eca3ab119a178f8a2d0fb9072 https://hernando.upenn.domains/files/original/2e362ddbc3f1c5a0fcbd3690fe129e28.jpg b9910bc475662441ad83132aee4be527 Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource 3. Alternative Conservation and Heritage Practices in Equatorial Guinea. The Case of the Museum Felipe Osá Angüé Subject The topic of the resource Museum Felipe Osá Angüé Description An account of the resource This section of the exhibit offers a counterpoint to the imperial and colonizing practices in the museum by approaching the case of the Museum Felipe Osa Angüé. This museum illustrates alternative possibilities of narrating the histories of Equatorial Guinean people while taking distance of institutional practices of exhibiting and civilization discourses, all inherited by the current political regime. Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Alexis Hernando Cubas Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available Price Lab for the Digital Humanities, University of Pennsylvania Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource August, 2024 Rights Information about rights held in and over the resource Creative Commons Language A language of the resource Spanish, English Coverage The spatial or temporal topic of the resource, the spatial applicability of the resource, or the jurisdiction under which the resource is relevant Equatorial Guinea Website A resource comprising of a web page or web pages and all related assets ( such as images, sound and video files, etc. ). Original Format The type of object, such as painting, sculpture, paper, photo, and additional data Video Local URL The URL of the local directory containing all assets of the website https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wKVEkHereBE Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Interview to Felipe Osa Angüé Subject The topic of the resource Museum Felipe Osa Angüé Description An account of the resource Felipe Osá Angue was a significant cultural figure in Equatorial Guinea, known primarily for his extensive work in preserving the Fang cultural heritage. He meticulously curated a vast collection of ethnological artifacts and exhibited them in the Museum Felipe Osá Angue. The museum bearing his name serves not only as a repository of traditional artifacts but also as a testament to his dedication to maintaining and promoting the cultural legacy of his people. The story of Felipe Osá Angue's dedication to cultural preservation begins two generations ago with his grandfather. During Spanish control, his grandfather endeavored to pass down as much knowledge as possible about the objects that were part of daily life in the Fang community. He taught his children the names and meanings of each object, ensuring that this knowledge was preserved. This practice of documenting the biography of objects served to give meaning to their social life. When Felipe Osá Angue could not find an heir to continue this tradition, he decided to create a museum in Bidjabidjan to house the collection he had spent years assembling. An interview by Ministerio de Cultura y Promoción Artesanal can be found through the following link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wKVEkHereBE Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Ministerio de Cultura y Promoción Artesanal Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived MUSEO FELIPE OSA ANGÜÉ. Ministerio de Cultura y Promoción Artesanal, GRUPO16NOVENOS. Consulted July 30th, 2024. Url: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wKVEkHereBE Valenciano Mañé, Alba and Llorenç Picornell Gelabert. "Un museo sin vitrinas en la selva ecuatorial. La exposición de una experiencia". Hermes, n.º 1, 2009, pp. 67-76. Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available Ministerio de Cultura y Promoción Artesanal Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 2018 Rights Information about rights held in and over the resource Ministerio de Cultura y Promoción Artesanal Format The file format, physical medium, or dimensions of the resource Video Language A language of the resource Spanish Coverage The spatial or temporal topic of the resource, the spatial applicability of the resource, or the jurisdiction under which the resource is relevant Equatorial Guinea Type The nature or genre of the resource Interview Heritage Practices in Equatorial Guinea Museum Felipe Osa Angüé https://hernando.upenn.domains/files/original/b01f3fe41124d5573202e0086dacedc4.jpg ee84f75342b5a2a05c0edcfbb148a16a https://hernando.upenn.domains/files/original/239e19173716de2a9252b56e099b4949.jpg afaf3d9594e41c6e753a1c2ea1e90425 https://hernando.upenn.domains/files/original/00bcd897b6d61afef30be549e3fcf670.jpg 72093b328797f2d2a68126265d72a6ea https://hernando.upenn.domains/files/original/f972ee809aaebe4f081213261a1ff3a5.jpg ed3719e98cceef72abaec02bd92162d5 https://hernando.upenn.domains/files/original/152f185e7cada1082ad514a7114b5fc0.jpg 1e5afc52d22caa2643f89d61fffc40c5 Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource 3. Alternative Conservation and Heritage Practices in Equatorial Guinea. The Case of the Museum Felipe Osá Angüé Subject The topic of the resource Museum Felipe Osá Angüé Description An account of the resource This section of the exhibit offers a counterpoint to the imperial and colonizing practices in the museum by approaching the case of the Museum Felipe Osa Angüé. This museum illustrates alternative possibilities of narrating the histories of Equatorial Guinean people while taking distance of institutional practices of exhibiting and civilization discourses, all inherited by the current political regime. Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Alexis Hernando Cubas Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available Price Lab for the Digital Humanities, University of Pennsylvania Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource August, 2024 Rights Information about rights held in and over the resource Creative Commons Language A language of the resource Spanish, English Coverage The spatial or temporal topic of the resource, the spatial applicability of the resource, or the jurisdiction under which the resource is relevant Equatorial Guinea Still Image A static visual representation. Examples include paintings, drawings, graphic designs, plans and maps. Recommended best practice is to assign the type Text to images of textual materials. Original Format The type of object, such as painting, sculpture, paper, photo, and additional data Video Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Photographic archive of Felipe Osa Angüé Subject The topic of the resource Museum Felipe Osa Angüé Description An account of the resource Images from the personal photographic archive of Felipe Osa Angüé during an interview by Ministerio de Cultura y Promoción Artesanal of Equatorial Guinea. Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Ministerio de Cultura y Promoción Artesanal Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wKVEkHereBE Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available GRUPO16NOVENOS Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 2018 Rights Information about rights held in and over the resource Ministerio de Cultura y Promoción Artesanal Format The file format, physical medium, or dimensions of the resource Video Language A language of the resource Spanish Coverage The spatial or temporal topic of the resource, the spatial applicability of the resource, or the jurisdiction under which the resource is relevant Equatorial Guinea Heritage Practices in Equatorial Guinea Museum Felipe Osa Angüé https://hernando.upenn.domains/files/original/2cb187591c9de9cfd96881c9a017f6c9.jpg f39d19ab8b19644316de2d2727a9fd6d https://hernando.upenn.domains/files/original/672d75d7e1587f80b3b6c2eac0aaa543.jpg f490e00d298b6c735783c0891c0f776f Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource 2. Neocolonial Politics in the Museum and Conflicting Identities in Equatorial Guinea Subject The topic of the resource Neocolonial Politics in Equatorial Guinea Description An account of the resource The second section of the exhibit, "Neocolonial Politics of the Museum," aims to contextualize and critically examine the materials, texts, and policies that emanate from institutional artistic and educational spaces in Equatorial Guinea during the regime of Teodoro Obiang in the post-independence period. This section departs from a decolonial critique that, despite the end of formal colonial rule by Spain, politics of international collaboration have become an expression of neocolonial forms of cultural and economic influence in Equatorial Guinea. Within the fields of arts and education, intellectual and artistic expression in Equatorial Guinea remain heavily influenced by Western canons. This continues to shape the ways in which art is taught, evaluated, and displayed in museums and galleries, in addition to the cultural narratives that sustain the historical ties to the colonial past. While Western aesthetic standards and curatorial practices often result in the marginalization of black artists, their work is frequently framed through a Eurocentric lens, which can strip it of its cultural and historical context. Similarly, educational materials reflect this ongoing neocolonial influence. Textbooks and curricula often present history from a predominantly Western perspective, emphasizing European achievements while downplaying or distorting the rich histories and contributions of African societies. This not only skews students' understanding of their own heritage but also reinforces a Eurocentric worldview. The political rhetoric and policies of the Obiang regime further complicate the post-independence cultural landscape. The regime's promotion of a homogenized national identity, such as through the myth of Bantu Unity, mirrors colonial strategies of governance that sought to control and assimilate diverse populations. By promoting a unified identity that glosses over cultural diversity, the regime reinforces a simplified and controlled narrative of national identity that serves its own political ends. Igor Cusack’s insights into the regime's manipulation of colonial legacies provide a crucial perspective for this exhibition section. Cusack notes how the regime has "promoted the importance of Hispanic culture in the formation of the ‘nation’s’ cultural identity, while at the same time, it has unashamedly used Spain’s desire to perpetuate its own culture in Africa as a ploy in appealing for development aid." This dual strategy underscores how deeply embedded Western cultural influences remain, shaping both national identity and international relations in ways that benefit the regime. In summary, "Neocolonial Politics of the Museum" aims to uncover and critique these layers of influence, demonstrating how institutional spaces and policies continue to reflect and perpetuate colonial ideologies. By bringing these issues into context, the exhibition encourages viewers to question the narratives presented within these spaces and consider the ongoing impact of neocolonialism in shaping cultural and political life in Equatorial Guinea. Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Alexis Hernando Cubas Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived Cusack, Igor. "Hispanic and Bantu Inheritance, Trauma, Dispersal and Return: Some Contributions to a Sense of National Identity in Equatorial Guinea." Nations and Nationalism, vol. 5, no. 2, 1999, pp. 207-236. Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource August, 2024 Contributor An entity responsible for making contributions to the resource Price Lab for the Digital Humanities, University of Pennsylvania Rights Information about rights held in and over the resource Creative Commons Format The file format, physical medium, or dimensions of the resource Digital Exhibit Language A language of the resource English, Spanish Coverage The spatial or temporal topic of the resource, the spatial applicability of the resource, or the jurisdiction under which the resource is relevant Equatorial Guinea Text A resource consisting primarily of words for reading. Examples include books, letters, dissertations, poems, newspapers, articles, archives of mailing lists. Note that facsimiles or images of texts are still of the genre Text. Original Format The type of object, such as painting, sculpture, paper, photo, and additional data Written text Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Equatorian Guinean literary expression: Juan Balboa Boneke's Unidad Bantú Subject The topic of the resource Equatorial Guinea Conflicting Identities during Obiangs’ Regime Description An account of the resource Juan Balboa Boneke's poetry is recognized for its profound exploration of cultural identity, nationalism, and social justice. Born on October 27, 1938, in Rebola, Bioko Island, Balboa Boneke was a significant literary figure in Equatorial Guinea. His works, written in both Spanish and Bubi, often reflect the sociopolitical struggles and the complex cultural identity of his people. Through his poetry, he delves into the themes of African identity, colonialism, and the post-colonial experience, demonstrating a deep commitment to his cultural heritage and the broader African identity. "Unidad Bantu," one of Balboa Boneke's most celebrated poems, underscores the importance of unity among Bantu-speaking peoples and, more broadly, among all African peoples. Despite his Bubi heritage, Balboa Boneke embraced the myth of Bantu unity as part of his Guinean identity. The poem emphasizes cultural and ethnic solidarity in the face of colonial and post-colonial challenges, aligning with Pan-African ideologies that advocate for the self-determination and solidarity of African nations and peoples. This perspective is particularly significant given the ethnic divisions within Equatorial Guinea, where the dominant Fang group's narrative often marginalizes other ethnicities like the Bubis. Balboa Boneke's embrace of Bantu unity in "Unidad Bantu" is not merely a reflection of state ideology or a tool for the Obiang regime's homogenizing policies. Instead, it articulates a vision of unity that transcends ethnic and linguistic boundaries, advocating for solidarity among all ethnic groups within Equatorial Guinea. His poetry seeks to reclaim a unified cultural heritage fragmented by colonialism, promoting a cohesive national and continental identity. Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Juan Balboa Boneke Language A language of the resource Spanish Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived Balboa Boneke, Juan, et al. Sueños en mi selva: Antología poética. Centro Cultural Hispano-Guineano, 1987. Lewis, Marvin A. Equatorial Guinean Literature in its National and Transnational Contexts. University of Missouri Press, Columbia, 2017. Relation A related resource Bolaños, Antonio B., and Nayra P. Hernández. "Rehabitando el espacio perdido: la desterritorialización en la obra de Juan Balboa Boneke." Hispanic Review, vol. 90, no. 4, 2022, pp. 617-635. García-Alvite, Dosinda. “Paisajes del exilio en la poesía de Juan Balboa Boneke: compromiso social con la patria guineoecuatoriana.” Revista Iberoamericana, vol. 80, no. 248–249, 2014, pp. 813–34, https://doi.org/10.5195/reviberoamer.2014.7198 Hendel, Mischa G. "Conversación con Juan Balboa Boneke." Afro-Hispanic Review, vol. 28, no. 2, 2009, pp. 431-438. Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available Centro Cultural Hispano-Guineano Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 1987 Rights Information about rights held in and over the resource Juan Balboa Boneke Format The file format, physical medium, or dimensions of the resource Book Type The nature or genre of the resource Poetry Coverage The spatial or temporal topic of the resource, the spatial applicability of the resource, or the jurisdiction under which the resource is relevant Equatorial Guinea Bantu Unity Equatorial Guinea Conflicting Identities Juan Balboa Boneke Obiang's Regime https://hernando.upenn.domains/files/original/4084250e1a3ee750293d9ab147f9d5ac.jpg a59dd0b743e132acafba0e544639893e https://hernando.upenn.domains/files/original/d21ea273ec1a13615748268a49aad657.jpg 3f598de22a42be5273bc41c0048416e6 https://hernando.upenn.domains/files/original/3162819598cc0f96b514c60a9408fcab.jpg fee0672b16a632323049535eca44cdde Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource 2. Neocolonial Politics in the Museum and Conflicting Identities in Equatorial Guinea Subject The topic of the resource Neocolonial Politics in Equatorial Guinea Description An account of the resource The second section of the exhibit, "Neocolonial Politics of the Museum," aims to contextualize and critically examine the materials, texts, and policies that emanate from institutional artistic and educational spaces in Equatorial Guinea during the regime of Teodoro Obiang in the post-independence period. This section departs from a decolonial critique that, despite the end of formal colonial rule by Spain, politics of international collaboration have become an expression of neocolonial forms of cultural and economic influence in Equatorial Guinea. Within the fields of arts and education, intellectual and artistic expression in Equatorial Guinea remain heavily influenced by Western canons. This continues to shape the ways in which art is taught, evaluated, and displayed in museums and galleries, in addition to the cultural narratives that sustain the historical ties to the colonial past. While Western aesthetic standards and curatorial practices often result in the marginalization of black artists, their work is frequently framed through a Eurocentric lens, which can strip it of its cultural and historical context. Similarly, educational materials reflect this ongoing neocolonial influence. Textbooks and curricula often present history from a predominantly Western perspective, emphasizing European achievements while downplaying or distorting the rich histories and contributions of African societies. This not only skews students' understanding of their own heritage but also reinforces a Eurocentric worldview. The political rhetoric and policies of the Obiang regime further complicate the post-independence cultural landscape. The regime's promotion of a homogenized national identity, such as through the myth of Bantu Unity, mirrors colonial strategies of governance that sought to control and assimilate diverse populations. By promoting a unified identity that glosses over cultural diversity, the regime reinforces a simplified and controlled narrative of national identity that serves its own political ends. Igor Cusack’s insights into the regime's manipulation of colonial legacies provide a crucial perspective for this exhibition section. Cusack notes how the regime has "promoted the importance of Hispanic culture in the formation of the ‘nation’s’ cultural identity, while at the same time, it has unashamedly used Spain’s desire to perpetuate its own culture in Africa as a ploy in appealing for development aid." This dual strategy underscores how deeply embedded Western cultural influences remain, shaping both national identity and international relations in ways that benefit the regime. In summary, "Neocolonial Politics of the Museum" aims to uncover and critique these layers of influence, demonstrating how institutional spaces and policies continue to reflect and perpetuate colonial ideologies. By bringing these issues into context, the exhibition encourages viewers to question the narratives presented within these spaces and consider the ongoing impact of neocolonialism in shaping cultural and political life in Equatorial Guinea. Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Alexis Hernando Cubas Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived Cusack, Igor. "Hispanic and Bantu Inheritance, Trauma, Dispersal and Return: Some Contributions to a Sense of National Identity in Equatorial Guinea." Nations and Nationalism, vol. 5, no. 2, 1999, pp. 207-236. Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource August, 2024 Contributor An entity responsible for making contributions to the resource Price Lab for the Digital Humanities, University of Pennsylvania Rights Information about rights held in and over the resource Creative Commons Format The file format, physical medium, or dimensions of the resource Digital Exhibit Language A language of the resource English, Spanish Coverage The spatial or temporal topic of the resource, the spatial applicability of the resource, or the jurisdiction under which the resource is relevant Equatorial Guinea Text A resource consisting primarily of words for reading. Examples include books, letters, dissertations, poems, newspapers, articles, archives of mailing lists. Note that facsimiles or images of texts are still of the genre Text. Original Format The type of object, such as painting, sculpture, paper, photo, and additional data Museum Catalog and Dictionary Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Museum Artists and Brief Dictionary of Current Art - Catalog of the Museo Internacional de Arte Contemporáneo. Guinea Ecuatorial Subject The topic of the resource Neocolonial Politics in the Museum Description An account of the resource “The International Museum of Contemporary Art of Equatorial Guinea also has a special significance, to the extent that it constitutes the first high-level artistic contact between Spain and the African continent on a permanent basis”. (7) Hilario Hernández Marqués Secretario General Técnico del Ministerio de Cultura de España The artist catalog and art terminology dictionary provided by the Museo Internacional de Arte Contemporáneo de Guinea Ecuatorial (MIACGE) highlight significant issues related to representation and the perpetuation of neocolonial dynamics. These materials reveal biases that contribute to the marginalization of Equatorial Guinean artists and underscore the continued dominance of Western artistic frameworks. The catalog highlights an "exceptional section of drawing and graphic work" featuring renowned Spanish artists such as Picasso, Millares, Saura, Sempere, Tapies, Serrano, Tharrats, Canogar, Chirinos, and Chillida. It also mentions contributions from Ibero-American artists like Plank, Kreps, Oscar Serra, Patricia Delmar, Farnese de Andrade, Da Rocha, Portales, Lile Spataro, Wilfredo Lam, Guayasamin, Sabillon, Torralba, Zachrisson, Jirnénez, Larios, and Mauro Mejiaz. However, despite these claims, there is a glaring underrepresentation of Equatorial Guinean and African artists. Only two Black African artists from Equatorial Guinea are listed among a total of 228 artists, with the vast majority being from Spain. This disparity underscores a colonial mindset that prioritizes Western and Spanish art over local expressions. The museum's emphasis on Spanish and Ibero-American contributions, while marginalizing African artists, perpetuates the secondary position of Equatorial Guinean art within the broader Hispanic world. This suggests that local art is valued primarily when framed within a Western context, reinforcing colonial hierarchies and diminishing the significance of indigenous artistic traditions. The language used in the catalog compounds this issue. While the museum claims to have a "notable representation of Africans," this representation is skewed towards artists who have left the continent or whose work is internationally recognized, often through Western validation. Mentioning Equatoguinean sculptor Leandro Mbomio and Cuban painter Wilfredo Lam as notable African artists, while important, does not compensate for the overwhelming underrepresentation of local talent. This selective inclusion reinforces the notion that African art gains legitimacy primarily through international, particularly Western, recognition. The art terminology dictionary provided by the museum further illustrates these neocolonial dynamics. Designed to educate readers on basic art categories, the dictionary focuses primarily on European concepts and how these trends have been adopted by Spanish and Latino artists. There is a notable absence of terms and categories specific to Equatorial Guinean or African art traditions. This Eurocentric focus alienates local artists and audiences and perpetuates the dominance of Western art historical frameworks. Rather than reshaping art categories to reflect the diversity of Guinean art, the dictionary reinforces existing Western paradigms. This approach fails to illuminate the unique contributions of Equatorial Guinean artists and does not challenge the prevailing narratives that have historically marginalized non-Western art forms. By neglecting to include terms and concepts intrinsic to Guinean and African art, the dictionary perpetuates a limited and exclusionary understanding of art history. In summary, the artist catalog and art terminology dictionary of the MIACGE exemplify the neocolonial power structures embedded within contemporary cultural institutions. The emphasis on Spanish and Ibero-American artists, coupled with the marginalization of Equatorial Guinean and African artists, reflects a continuation of colonial hierarchies. The Eurocentric focus of the art terminology dictionary further entrenches these dynamics, failing to provide an inclusive and representative framework for understanding art. These materials highlight the need for a critical examination of institutional practices that continue to prioritize Western artistic paradigms over local cultural expressions. Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Hernández Marqués, Hilario. Martínez de Lahidalga, Rosa. España. Ministerio de Cultura Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available Ministerio de Cultura. España Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 1983 Rights Information about rights held in and over the resource Creative Commons - Attribution, Non-Commercial, ShareAlike (BY-NC-SA): http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-sa/4.0/ ISBN: 8474832942 Depósito legal: 12.8211983 Format The file format, physical medium, or dimensions of the resource Print Book Language A language of the resource Spanish Type The nature or genre of the resource Art Catalog Coverage The spatial or temporal topic of the resource, the spatial applicability of the resource, or the jurisdiction under which the resource is relevant Spain, Equatorial Guinea Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived Ministerio de Asuntos Exteriores, Unión Europea y Cooperación. Biblioteca Aecid, Madrid. https://bibliotecadigital.aecid.es/bibliodig/es/consulta/registro.do?id=8500 Museo Internacional de Arte Contemporáneo de Guinea Ecuatorial Neocolonial Politics in the Museum https://hernando.upenn.domains/files/original/6b14be6b576fa3133df15014a90c4189.jpg c094f4fc98d381f7a1b1c17af10d6109 Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource 2. Neocolonial Politics in the Museum and Conflicting Identities in Equatorial Guinea Subject The topic of the resource Neocolonial Politics in Equatorial Guinea Description An account of the resource The second section of the exhibit, "Neocolonial Politics of the Museum," aims to contextualize and critically examine the materials, texts, and policies that emanate from institutional artistic and educational spaces in Equatorial Guinea during the regime of Teodoro Obiang in the post-independence period. This section departs from a decolonial critique that, despite the end of formal colonial rule by Spain, politics of international collaboration have become an expression of neocolonial forms of cultural and economic influence in Equatorial Guinea. Within the fields of arts and education, intellectual and artistic expression in Equatorial Guinea remain heavily influenced by Western canons. This continues to shape the ways in which art is taught, evaluated, and displayed in museums and galleries, in addition to the cultural narratives that sustain the historical ties to the colonial past. While Western aesthetic standards and curatorial practices often result in the marginalization of black artists, their work is frequently framed through a Eurocentric lens, which can strip it of its cultural and historical context. Similarly, educational materials reflect this ongoing neocolonial influence. Textbooks and curricula often present history from a predominantly Western perspective, emphasizing European achievements while downplaying or distorting the rich histories and contributions of African societies. This not only skews students' understanding of their own heritage but also reinforces a Eurocentric worldview. The political rhetoric and policies of the Obiang regime further complicate the post-independence cultural landscape. The regime's promotion of a homogenized national identity, such as through the myth of Bantu Unity, mirrors colonial strategies of governance that sought to control and assimilate diverse populations. By promoting a unified identity that glosses over cultural diversity, the regime reinforces a simplified and controlled narrative of national identity that serves its own political ends. Igor Cusack’s insights into the regime's manipulation of colonial legacies provide a crucial perspective for this exhibition section. Cusack notes how the regime has "promoted the importance of Hispanic culture in the formation of the ‘nation’s’ cultural identity, while at the same time, it has unashamedly used Spain’s desire to perpetuate its own culture in Africa as a ploy in appealing for development aid." This dual strategy underscores how deeply embedded Western cultural influences remain, shaping both national identity and international relations in ways that benefit the regime. In summary, "Neocolonial Politics of the Museum" aims to uncover and critique these layers of influence, demonstrating how institutional spaces and policies continue to reflect and perpetuate colonial ideologies. By bringing these issues into context, the exhibition encourages viewers to question the narratives presented within these spaces and consider the ongoing impact of neocolonialism in shaping cultural and political life in Equatorial Guinea. Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Alexis Hernando Cubas Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived Cusack, Igor. "Hispanic and Bantu Inheritance, Trauma, Dispersal and Return: Some Contributions to a Sense of National Identity in Equatorial Guinea." Nations and Nationalism, vol. 5, no. 2, 1999, pp. 207-236. Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource August, 2024 Contributor An entity responsible for making contributions to the resource Price Lab for the Digital Humanities, University of Pennsylvania Rights Information about rights held in and over the resource Creative Commons Format The file format, physical medium, or dimensions of the resource Digital Exhibit Language A language of the resource English, Spanish Coverage The spatial or temporal topic of the resource, the spatial applicability of the resource, or the jurisdiction under which the resource is relevant Equatorial Guinea Text A resource consisting primarily of words for reading. Examples include books, letters, dissertations, poems, newspapers, articles, archives of mailing lists. Note that facsimiles or images of texts are still of the genre Text. Original Format The type of object, such as painting, sculpture, paper, photo, and additional data Museum Catalog and Dictionary Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Museo Internacional de Arte Contemporáneo de Guinea Ecuatorial / [fotografía, Rosa Martínez de Lahidalga; prólogo por Hilario Hernández Marqués] Subject The topic of the resource Neocolonial Politics in the Museum Description An account of the resource “The International Museum of Contemporary Art of Equatorial Guinea, with content of exceptional category, must serve as a ferment for new concerns and approaches on an aesthetic and human level. It also constitutes the first high-level contact that Spain establishes permanently with the African continent.” (7) Hilario Hernández Marqués Secretario General Técnico del Ministerio de Cultura de España The Museo Internacional de Arte Contemporáneo de Guinea Ecuatorial (MIACGE) is emblematic of new articulations of neocolonial power, particularly through the deceptive language of institutional collaboration. A critical examination reveals how the institution perpetuates neocolonial dynamics under the guise of cultural exchange and development. The Spanish Ministry of Culture’s catalog release highlights the museum's role in fostering new aesthetic and human concerns, describing it as "the first high-level contact that Spain establishes permanently with the African continent." This framing suggests a unilateral initiative, where Spain positions itself as the primary agent of cultural influence, reinforcing a hierarchical relationship reminiscent of colonial times. The museum's establishment is portrayed as a benevolent act of cultural enrichment, ignoring the historical context of colonial exploitation and the complex power dynamics at play. Hilario Hernández Marqués, Secretario General Técnico del Ministerio de Cultura de España, underscores the significance of the museum as a high-level artistic contact with Africa. This statement emphasizes Spain’s self-assumed role as a cultural benefactor, subtly insinuating that Africa’s cultural value is validated through Spanish recognition and support. The narrative reflects a continuation of colonial attitudes, where the former colonizer claims a central role in defining and legitimizing African cultural expressions. The museum's permanent exhibit features an "exceptional section of drawing and graphic work" from renowned Spanish artists like Picasso, Millares, Saura, and Tapies, among others. The inclusion of these prominent names suggests a cultural hierarchy, positioning Western art as the benchmark for quality and significance. The catalog also notes contributions from Ibero-American artists, further emphasizing the Western-centric curation of the collection. While these works are undoubtedly valuable, their prominence within the museum space can overshadow and marginalize local African artists, perpetuating a narrative that places Western art at the forefront of cultural discourse. The museum's representation of African artists is described as notable, with some artists developing their work within Africa and others achieving synthesis while residing in Europe or America. The catalog mentions Equatoguinean sculptor Leandro Mbomio and Cuban painter Wilfredo Lam, highlighting their international recognition. However, the emphasis on their international acclaim and residence outside Africa subtly suggests that African art gains legitimacy primarily through Western validation and exposure. The museum's concept and execution reflect a neocolonial framework, where cultural exchange is mediated by the former colonizer, reinforcing existing power structures. The language of institutional collaboration masks the underlying dynamics of control and influence, presenting a façade of mutual benefit while maintaining asymmetrical relationships. The MIACGE, rather than serving as a space for genuine cultural dialogue and equitable exchange, risks becoming a site where colonial legacies are reasserted under the pretext of cultural development. Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Hernández Marqués, Hilario. Martínez de Lahidalga, Rosa. España. Ministerio de Cultura Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available Ministerio de Cultura. España Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 1983 Rights Information about rights held in and over the resource Creative Commons - Attribution, Non-Commercial, ShareAlike (BY-NC-SA): http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-sa/4.0/ ISBN: 8474832942 Depósito legal: 12.8211983 Format The file format, physical medium, or dimensions of the resource Print Book Language A language of the resource Spanish Type The nature or genre of the resource Art Catalog Coverage The spatial or temporal topic of the resource, the spatial applicability of the resource, or the jurisdiction under which the resource is relevant Spain, Equatorial Guinea Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived Ministerio de Asuntos Exteriores, Unión Europea y Cooperación. Biblioteca Aecid, Madrid. https://bibliotecadigital.aecid.es/bibliodig/es/consulta/registro.do?id=8500 Museo Internacional de Arte Contemporáneo de Guinea Ecuatorial Neocolonial Politics in the Museum https://hernando.upenn.domains/files/original/330fe9236c6e85ada00a2034c178d243.jpg c0b3fa873b96232201d77b050822d5de https://hernando.upenn.domains/files/original/e1efea7c3c0226092e5a3ac25205c068.jpg 0059f12c4964eb50a0c24bc1a3b4894c https://hernando.upenn.domains/files/original/0b9076cabd69ea6fddc6c13791af8df0.jpg 913481e76e7bbb540c48de3083318df4 https://hernando.upenn.domains/files/original/49c89d85f9ddff68ed477e3ff0fa55b9.jpg 7681867aac89366a7de51b30d40f4756 https://hernando.upenn.domains/files/original/0226d277dc26a4de24bd52142f237ca3.jpg 98efc4c02b1555ac299ca09d78118d0e https://hernando.upenn.domains/files/original/f315f4cc7d491e3b0abf0a5fd64c6a81.jpg a962fd9d4f30494c5f29bf83fc8f317b https://hernando.upenn.domains/files/original/d7bde037f31209c58805d0d86c49627a.jpg 45f840db1cb3a277ae00972dd76bb661 https://hernando.upenn.domains/files/original/660babf05c2dfc5b6cbe5537ee922810.jpg 5494d8d265e0bbd1a7869bde41a97ce8 https://hernando.upenn.domains/files/original/8aeb497c80c7ac33f66eedecc8544171.jpg 5a4a4990ac3c334b9ec451234a5337eb Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource 1. The Temptation of Empire Subject The topic of the resource Equatorial Guinea during the 19th and 20th century Description An account of the resource Archives are not merely sources for extracting knowledge but generators of colonial knowledge. Anthropologist Ann Laura Stoler argues that archives are “cultural artifacts of fact production, of taxonomies in the making, and of absurd notions of what made up colonial authority. Reading along the archival grain opens up enriching readings of them as sites of contested knowledges.” The first section, "The Temptation of Empire,” shows how written records, pavilions, and audiovisual products about Equatorial Guineans during the 19th and 20th centuries served as propaganda to legitimize the imperial project after the loss of Spain's colonies of the Philippines, Cuba, and Puerto Rico. Inspired by the contributions of the issue of Bulletin of Spanish Visual Studies “El archivo colonial bajo el foco: representaciones audiovisuales de Guinea Ecuatorial” [The colonial archive in the spotlight: audiovisual representations of Equatorial Guinea], this part of the exhibition addresses how visual production along the 19th and 20th century not only deal with obvious propaganda messages, but also reveal contradictions and ambiguities within the colonial rule. Most of these resources are relatively still unknown within Hispanic studies and in cultural visual studies on European imperialism. Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Alexis Hernando Cubas Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource August, 2024 Rights Information about rights held in and over the resource Creative Commons Relation A related resource González, Danae G., and Diana Arbaiza. "El Archivo Colonial Bajo El Foco: Representaciones Audiovisuales De Guinea Ecuatorial." Bulletin of Spanish Visual Studies, vol. 6, no. 2, 2022, pp. 159-174. Colmenero, Sara Santamaría. “El Paraíso Perdido: Nostalgias Coloniales En El Archivo Audiovisual de Guinea Ecuatorial (2000–2020).” Bulletin of Spanish visual studies. 6.2 (2022): 303–324. Web. Moriente, David, and Guillermo Navarro. "La Invención De Guinea Ecuatorial En La España De Franco: Una Visión De La Colonia a Través De Los Sellos De Correos." Bulletin of Spanish Visual Studies, vol. 6, no. 2, 2022, pp. 217-237. Stehrenberger, Cécile S. "Science Images and Colonialism in Equatorial Guinea." Bulletin of Spanish Visual Studies, vol. 6, no. 2, 2022, pp. 239-258. López Sanz, Hasan G. "'Guinea. Negocio y Misión': La Fotografía En La Representación Del Poder y La Construcción De Sujetos Coloniales En Las Ferias Muestrario De Valencia De 1942 y 1946." Bulletin of Spanish Visual Studies, vol. 6, no. 2, 2022, pp. 197-215. Language A language of the resource English and Spanish Coverage The spatial or temporal topic of the resource, the spatial applicability of the resource, or the jurisdiction under which the resource is relevant Spain, Equatorial Guinea Moving Image A series of visual representations imparting an impression of motion when shown in succession. Examples include animations, movies, television programs, videos, zoetropes, or visual output from a simulation. Transcription Any written text transcribed from a sound From the Film Una cruz en la selva: “acquire an education that allows them to redeem themselves from their dark destiny. Faced with the helplessness of other times, in which women were considered almost like slaves, today the protection and affection of our devoted religious women rises, who have come to dignify them and to place them in the position that corresponds to them, as companions of man and creators of the family.” Manuel Hernández Sanjuán From the Film Al pie de las banderas: “When in Spain we talk about Guinea, when pronouncing the name of the jungle and mentioning the climate of our possessions, the image of a country always appears in the imagination where life for the white man is extremely dangerous; Without denying that the risk does indeed exist, we are going to give you a more exact idea of ​​how our colonials live, using the camera, which only captures reality.” Manuel Hernández Sanjuán From the film Misiones en Guinea: “It has always been a Spanish vocation to walk paths far from the homeland, to see exotic countries and open the channel of civilized life in them. As a nursery for these traditions, today we have in equatorial Africa the possessions of the Gulf of Guinea, where our ancient colonizing virtues continue to be active and fertile. Colonization means maintaining a bloodless but permanent fight against the backward customs of virgin peoples. Guinea is an example in this regard.” “Going through the towns it is easy to witness the indigenous baleies, who often express extravagant beliefs and absurd superstitions; By contemplating these dances one acquires an approximate notion of the attraction that primitive life still retains for its performers. However, in contrast to such rude scenes, others emerge that show the great transformation that the presence of Spain has produced in these lands, the beneficent hand of the Church that is spreading Catholic doctrine.” Manuel Hernández Sanjuán Original Format The type of object, such as painting, sculpture, paper, photo, and additional data Documentary Series Director Name (or names) of the person who produced the video Hernández-San Juan, Manuel Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Documentary Series "Spanish Guinea" Subject The topic of the resource Hermic Films Description An account of the resource The "Spanish Guinea" documentary series, created by Hermic Films and directed by Manuel Hernández Sanjuán between 1944 and 1946, explores the history and impact of Spanish colonial rule in Equatorial Guinea. The series, comprising ten films, aims to provide a comprehensive view of the region's culture, geography, and daily life under Spanish rule. Each film focuses on different aspects of life in Equatorial Guinea, from traditional ceremonies to hunting practices, offering a detailed visual and narrative account of various facets of the local culture and environment. The titles include "El Lago de los Reyes," "La Boda de Eucatrifé," "Entre bubi y fang," "Ebéyaba," "Aventuras de Fang y los bubis," "El pescador pescao," "Cazadores de elefantes," "Crónicas del país de los bubis," "La misión de Efulan," and "Los poblados lejanos." However, these films must be critically analyzed within the context of colonialism, imperialism, and orientalism. Produced during the colonial period, the series inherently reflects the biases and objectives of Spanish colonial rule. The narratives and visuals are filtered through the colonial gaze, emphasizing Spanish influence and control and often portraying the colonized as passive subjects. The films likely serve to justify and legitimize colonial rule by depicting it as a civilizing mission, portraying local cultures as exotic and backward, thereby rationalizing the need for Spanish governance and intervention. This element of propaganda aims to present a positive image of Spanish colonial efforts to both domestic and international audiences. The "Spanish Guinea" series also exemplifies orientalism by exoticizing and simplifying local cultures. By focusing on rituals, traditional dress, and "primitive" lifestyles, the films reduce complex societies to mere curiosities for the Western viewer, reinforcing the idea of the non-Western "Other." The portrayal of indigenous people often lacks depth and agency, depicting them as static and timeless, dependent on Western intervention. The series is narrated from a Western perspective, with little input from the indigenous people themselves, perpetuating the orientalist practice of speaking for and about the "Other" without granting them their own narrative agency. This approach implicitly conveys a sense of Western cultural superiority. While the series provides valuable historical records of life in Equatorial Guinea during the colonial period, it must be critically evaluated for its cultural sensitivity and accuracy. Modern viewers and scholars need to recognize the context in which these films were made and approach them with an understanding of the power dynamics and prejudices inherent in colonial documentation. The portrayal of the colonized people and their cultures should be scrutinized for biases and misrepresentations to gain a more balanced and accurate understanding of the history and culture of Equatorial Guinea. Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Hermic Films Rights Information about rights held in and over the resource Colección Filmoteca Española Format The file format, physical medium, or dimensions of the resource Video Language A language of the resource Spanish Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived Hernández-Sanjuán, Manuel. Bajo la lámpara de bosque. 1946 (serie La Guinea Española 71) M bini: Cazadores de imágenes en la Guinea colonial Ed. Pere Ortín, Vic Pereiro. Barcelona: Altair, 2006. Balele. (serie La Guinea Española núm. 25). 1948 En Mbini: Cazadores de imágenes en la Guinea colonial. Pere Ortín y Vic Pereiró. Barcelona: Altair, 2006. En las chozas de nipa. (serie La Guinea Española 66). Filmoteca Española, 1946. En el trópico huele a azahar. (serie La Guinea Española 27). Filmoteca Española, 1945. Misiones de Guinea (serie La Guinea Española 64). Filmoteca Española, 1948. Una cruz en la selva. (serie La Guinea Española 72). 1946. En Mbini: Cazadores de imágenes en la Guinea colonial. Pere Ortín, y Vic Pereiró. Barcelona: Altair, 2006. Al pie de las banderas. (serie La Guinea Española 79) Filmoteca Española, 1946. Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available Hermic Films Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 1944-1946 Coverage The spatial or temporal topic of the resource, the spatial applicability of the resource, or the jurisdiction under which the resource is relevant Spain, Equatorial Guinea Colonial Documentary Francoism Hermic Films https://hernando.upenn.domains/files/original/928b03fccd3a9e8d51747ecd28e5e594.jpg d4af16a8d26bbd7ff852391ab2823e6e https://hernando.upenn.domains/files/original/549322e2a7c4a1078e213f6e4221b068.jpg cc0994a745ee66aeb849e1dc85b51e51 https://hernando.upenn.domains/files/original/a4ffe5b33482f92f1d4e51cb3c074794.jpg 7fdc417c75a721bd3c3e404f1f745dcb https://hernando.upenn.domains/files/original/e1e827a6d0d99b257e01311a37395e38.jpg 0aefd4e18f61549f392ffe89a477ebe0 https://hernando.upenn.domains/files/original/8a0bc94d24044bcc58c15ae6d715dfcb.jpg edcfe55286d3dae7f5669a323d3dd402 https://hernando.upenn.domains/files/original/66b98605dd8c7cd07906b8a87a9def72.jpg 0e33b3e5c4c92edbaf2dc7c0a6cad93c https://hernando.upenn.domains/files/original/b56da2e18ac523f1353f0ade2f87d8e8.jpg b40f91392a7160eb7de9d982dc49c28b https://hernando.upenn.domains/files/original/fbd552dbbccf2a81fac01667e11e5fd4.jpg f3a1c31ebbade45b32b68a2ff161e027 https://hernando.upenn.domains/files/original/9974a6f780e691d10fd29465b8e4d350.jpg 2852951cba97b4a3d309207ddeb09243 https://hernando.upenn.domains/files/original/c0ba96029bdf5e8f376dc5dff6ad7ddb.jpg 4a595b8e2733496430921ba72531047e https://hernando.upenn.domains/files/original/39cc66a788524fcbbc9091d8eb59f1d5.jpg 9b2f7395d3acbb01bb8be5e016a68a7f Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource 1. The Temptation of Empire Subject The topic of the resource Equatorial Guinea during the 19th and 20th century Description An account of the resource Archives are not merely sources for extracting knowledge but generators of colonial knowledge. Anthropologist Ann Laura Stoler argues that archives are “cultural artifacts of fact production, of taxonomies in the making, and of absurd notions of what made up colonial authority. Reading along the archival grain opens up enriching readings of them as sites of contested knowledges.” The first section, "The Temptation of Empire,” shows how written records, pavilions, and audiovisual products about Equatorial Guineans during the 19th and 20th centuries served as propaganda to legitimize the imperial project after the loss of Spain's colonies of the Philippines, Cuba, and Puerto Rico. Inspired by the contributions of the issue of Bulletin of Spanish Visual Studies “El archivo colonial bajo el foco: representaciones audiovisuales de Guinea Ecuatorial” [The colonial archive in the spotlight: audiovisual representations of Equatorial Guinea], this part of the exhibition addresses how visual production along the 19th and 20th century not only deal with obvious propaganda messages, but also reveal contradictions and ambiguities within the colonial rule. Most of these resources are relatively still unknown within Hispanic studies and in cultural visual studies on European imperialism. Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Alexis Hernando Cubas Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource August, 2024 Rights Information about rights held in and over the resource Creative Commons Relation A related resource González, Danae G., and Diana Arbaiza. "El Archivo Colonial Bajo El Foco: Representaciones Audiovisuales De Guinea Ecuatorial." Bulletin of Spanish Visual Studies, vol. 6, no. 2, 2022, pp. 159-174. Colmenero, Sara Santamaría. “El Paraíso Perdido: Nostalgias Coloniales En El Archivo Audiovisual de Guinea Ecuatorial (2000–2020).” Bulletin of Spanish visual studies. 6.2 (2022): 303–324. Web. Moriente, David, and Guillermo Navarro. "La Invención De Guinea Ecuatorial En La España De Franco: Una Visión De La Colonia a Través De Los Sellos De Correos." Bulletin of Spanish Visual Studies, vol. 6, no. 2, 2022, pp. 217-237. Stehrenberger, Cécile S. "Science Images and Colonialism in Equatorial Guinea." Bulletin of Spanish Visual Studies, vol. 6, no. 2, 2022, pp. 239-258. López Sanz, Hasan G. "'Guinea. Negocio y Misión': La Fotografía En La Representación Del Poder y La Construcción De Sujetos Coloniales En Las Ferias Muestrario De Valencia De 1942 y 1946." Bulletin of Spanish Visual Studies, vol. 6, no. 2, 2022, pp. 197-215. Language A language of the resource English and Spanish Coverage The spatial or temporal topic of the resource, the spatial applicability of the resource, or the jurisdiction under which the resource is relevant Spain, Equatorial Guinea Still Image A static visual representation. Examples include paintings, drawings, graphic designs, plans and maps. Recommended best practice is to assign the type Text to images of textual materials. Original Format The type of object, such as painting, sculpture, paper, photo, and additional data Stamp Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Ideological Uses of Colonial Stamps Subject The topic of the resource Colonial Stamps of the Spanish Guinea during Francoism Description An account of the resource Colonial stamps of Equatorial Guinea, particularly those produced during the Franco dictatorship in Spain (1939-1975), are a significant part of the country’s philatelic history. These stamps, created by the Fábrica Nacional de Moneda y Timbre (National Mint and Stamp Factory) of Spain, offer a visual narrative that reflects the colonial and ethnocentric perspectives of the era, which included representations of the mainland region (Río Muni) and the island region (Fernando Pó). The designs of these stamps often carried an ethnocentric and colonial message. According to David Moriente and Guillermo Navarro, these stamps portrayed a landscape discourse that depicted Equatorial Guinea as a "vacant paradise" rich in natural resources, ripe for Spanish exploitation and settlement. The stamps featured several recurring themes, which can be summarized as follows: Natural Landscapes and Riches: These stamps often depicted the lush, wild nature of Equatorial Guinea, highlighting its natural resources and portraying it as an unspoiled land of plenty. Indigenous Peoples: The activities and physical characteristics of the Bubi and Fang peoples were commonly illustrated. These depictions were framed from a colonial perspective, emphasizing the 'civilizing' influence of Spanish colonizers. Colonial and Evangelizing Activities: Stamps frequently showcased the various ways in which Guineans engaged in work under colonial rule, often highlighting the impact of Spanish 'civilizing' and evangelizing missions. This included scenes of agricultural work, construction, and religious activities, presenting a narrative of colonial dominance and acculturation. Binary Opposition: The designs clearly displayed a binary opposition between the Spanish dominators (portrayed as superior and enlightened) and the Guinean dominated (portrayed as inferior and in need of civilization). Artist include: Teodoro Miciano, Germán Calvo, Emilio Marín, Emiliano Salamanca, Vicente Vila, Vicente D'Urosa. Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Fábrica Nacional de Moneda y Timbre [National Mint and Stamp Factory of Spain] Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 1951-1961 Type The nature or genre of the resource Stamp Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived Moriente, David, and Guillermo Navarro. "La Invención De Guinea Ecuatorial En La España De Franco: Una Visión De La Colonia a Través De Los Sellos De Correos." Bulletin of Spanish Visual Studies, vol. 6, no. 2, 2022, pp. 217-237 F. Núñez de Celis, Paisajes y efigie del General Franco. Bahía de Santa Isabel (1951). Sello postal. Guinea Española. Vicente D’Urosa, Día del sello. Porteadores (1961). Sello postal. Fernando Poo. Teodoro Miciano, Conferencia Internacional de Africanistas Occidentales (1951). Sello postal. Guinea Española. Teodoro Miciano, V Centenario de Isabel la Católica. Espíritu Santo e indígena (1951). Sello postal. Guinea Española. Teodoro Miciano, Mujer con paloma (1953). Sello postal. Guinea Española Germán Calvo, Tipos indígenas. Hombre con tam-tam (1953). Sello postal. Guinea Española. Emilio Marín, Centenario de la Prefectura Apostólica de Fernando Poo, Annobón y Corisco. Bautismo (1955). Sello postal. Guinea Española. Mariano Salamanca, Pro-infancia. Hombre indígena ante crucifijo (1961). Sello postal. Fernando Poo. Vicente Vila, Proinfancia. Mujer indígena y bendición (1961). Sello postal. Fernando Poo. Juan José de Castro, Niño indígena y misionero (1960). Sello postal. Río Muni. Vicente D’Urosa, Pro-indígenas. Misionero (1958). Sello postal. Guinea Española. Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available Fábrica Nacional de Moneda y Timbre [National Mint and Stamp Factory of Spain] Museo Casa de la Moneda, Madrid (España) Moriente, David, and Guillermo Navarro. "La Invención De Guinea Ecuatorial En La España De Franco: Una Visión De La Colonia a Través De Los Sellos De Correos." Bulletin of Spanish Visual Studies, vol. 6, no. 2, 2022, pp. 217-237 Rights Information about rights held in and over the resource Fábrica Nacional de Moneda y Timbre [National Mint and Stamp Factory of Spain] Format The file format, physical medium, or dimensions of the resource Physical Medium Language A language of the resource Spanish Coverage The spatial or temporal topic of the resource, the spatial applicability of the resource, or the jurisdiction under which the resource is relevant Equatorial Guinea Colonial Stamps Fábrica Nacional de Moneda y Timbre https://hernando.upenn.domains/files/original/b1c41c227ded96eac4ae180eca5466dc.jpg 4381b5f5ab0e9188942ce56b65669521 Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource 2. Neocolonial Politics in the Museum and Conflicting Identities in Equatorial Guinea Subject The topic of the resource Neocolonial Politics in Equatorial Guinea Description An account of the resource The second section of the exhibit, "Neocolonial Politics of the Museum," aims to contextualize and critically examine the materials, texts, and policies that emanate from institutional artistic and educational spaces in Equatorial Guinea during the regime of Teodoro Obiang in the post-independence period. This section departs from a decolonial critique that, despite the end of formal colonial rule by Spain, politics of international collaboration have become an expression of neocolonial forms of cultural and economic influence in Equatorial Guinea. Within the fields of arts and education, intellectual and artistic expression in Equatorial Guinea remain heavily influenced by Western canons. This continues to shape the ways in which art is taught, evaluated, and displayed in museums and galleries, in addition to the cultural narratives that sustain the historical ties to the colonial past. While Western aesthetic standards and curatorial practices often result in the marginalization of black artists, their work is frequently framed through a Eurocentric lens, which can strip it of its cultural and historical context. Similarly, educational materials reflect this ongoing neocolonial influence. Textbooks and curricula often present history from a predominantly Western perspective, emphasizing European achievements while downplaying or distorting the rich histories and contributions of African societies. This not only skews students' understanding of their own heritage but also reinforces a Eurocentric worldview. The political rhetoric and policies of the Obiang regime further complicate the post-independence cultural landscape. The regime's promotion of a homogenized national identity, such as through the myth of Bantu Unity, mirrors colonial strategies of governance that sought to control and assimilate diverse populations. By promoting a unified identity that glosses over cultural diversity, the regime reinforces a simplified and controlled narrative of national identity that serves its own political ends. Igor Cusack’s insights into the regime's manipulation of colonial legacies provide a crucial perspective for this exhibition section. Cusack notes how the regime has "promoted the importance of Hispanic culture in the formation of the ‘nation’s’ cultural identity, while at the same time, it has unashamedly used Spain’s desire to perpetuate its own culture in Africa as a ploy in appealing for development aid." This dual strategy underscores how deeply embedded Western cultural influences remain, shaping both national identity and international relations in ways that benefit the regime. In summary, "Neocolonial Politics of the Museum" aims to uncover and critique these layers of influence, demonstrating how institutional spaces and policies continue to reflect and perpetuate colonial ideologies. By bringing these issues into context, the exhibition encourages viewers to question the narratives presented within these spaces and consider the ongoing impact of neocolonialism in shaping cultural and political life in Equatorial Guinea. Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Alexis Hernando Cubas Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived Cusack, Igor. "Hispanic and Bantu Inheritance, Trauma, Dispersal and Return: Some Contributions to a Sense of National Identity in Equatorial Guinea." Nations and Nationalism, vol. 5, no. 2, 1999, pp. 207-236. Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource August, 2024 Contributor An entity responsible for making contributions to the resource Price Lab for the Digital Humanities, University of Pennsylvania Rights Information about rights held in and over the resource Creative Commons Format The file format, physical medium, or dimensions of the resource Digital Exhibit Language A language of the resource English, Spanish Coverage The spatial or temporal topic of the resource, the spatial applicability of the resource, or the jurisdiction under which the resource is relevant Equatorial Guinea Still Image A static visual representation. Examples include paintings, drawings, graphic designs, plans and maps. Recommended best practice is to assign the type Text to images of textual materials. Original Format The type of object, such as painting, sculpture, paper, photo, and additional data Print Book Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource El laberinto guineano Subject The topic of the resource Equatorial Guinea Conflicting Identities during Obiangs’ Regime Description An account of the resource Emiliano Buale Borikó, a prominent Bubi nationalist from Equatorial Guinea, critically challenges the notion of Bantu unity in his work "El laberinto guineano" (The Guinean Labyrinth). Borikó's argument, grounded in historical and cultural analysis, emphasizes the distinctiveness and incompatibility between the Bubi people of Bioko Island and the Fang people from the mainland. Borikó rejects the idea that the Bubi and Fang share common origins or a unified Bantu identity. He contends that such notions are mythologized and fail to reflect the true historical and cultural realities of these groups. Instead of accepting a romanticized view of a harmonious pre-colonial period where different ethnic groups coexisted peacefully, Borikó posits that the Bubi had a distinct and advanced civilization on Bioko Island, separate from the Fang and other mainland groups. According to Borikó, the Fang people originated from the savannah regions and migrated to their current locations. This migration narrative underscores the differences between the Fang and the indigenous Bubi of Bioko Island. To support his claims, Borikó draws on the writings of Spanish colonial figures, such as Luis Trujera Incera. These sources often contain ethnographic and administrative observations that highlight the distinctions and perceived incompatibilities between the Bubi and Fang. However, the reliance on colonial sources like those of Trujera Incera can be problematic. Colonial administrators and ethnographers, including Trujera Incera, often had biased views shaped by the colonial agenda. Their writings frequently depicted African societies in ways that justified colonial rule and presented the colonizers as superior. These sources relied on stereotypes and broad generalizations, leading to misrepresentations of ethnic groups. Utilizing these sources without critical analysis risks perpetuating these biases. While Borikó's challenge to the myth of Bantu unity offers a valuable critique, his conclusions require cautious consideration due to the reliance on potentially biased colonial sources. A more balanced perspective necessitates cross-verifying colonial accounts with other types of evidence, including oral traditions, archaeological findings, and contemporary ethnographic studies conducted by independent researchers. Incorporating the voices and narratives of the Bubi and Fang people themselves can provide insights that colonial sources might overlook or misrepresent. Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Emiliano Buale Borikó Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available IEPALA Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 1989 Rights Information about rights held in and over the resource Emiliano Buale Borikó, IEPALA Format The file format, physical medium, or dimensions of the resource Print Book Language A language of the resource Spanish Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived Buale Boriko, Emiliano. El laberinto Guineano. Madrid: Iepala, 1989. Relation A related resource Buale Boriko, Emiliano. Guinea Ecuatorial: Las aspiraciones bubis al autogobierno. Madrid: Iepala, 1988. Coverage The spatial or temporal topic of the resource, the spatial applicability of the resource, or the jurisdiction under which the resource is relevant Equatorial Guinea Bantu Unity Emiliano Buale Borikó Equatorial Guinea Conflicting Identities Obiang's Regime