https://hernando.upenn.domains/files/original/66d5e1252f98d6e64d1dd77b61982c95.jpg 792e4e9a0deb24fc49d2e4470f59e277 https://hernando.upenn.domains/files/original/0fb55b3f2cf6725bd2b9db6f4bbc2774.jpg b9b02f123890d5943a89f4250aa0f6f0 https://hernando.upenn.domains/files/original/bfbc9a5064a5f313d5cd48f1e5e93183.jpg d18178e92ed1f9b6b76f23b2b76130a4 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. 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 Fang Intellectual Perspectives on Bantu Unity: "El proceso democrático de Guinea Ecuatorial" and "Tradiciones del pueblo Fang" Subject The topic of the resource Equatorial Guinea Conflicting Identities during Obiangs’ Regime Description An account of the resource The concept of Bantu unity in Equatorial Guinea has served as a tool for shaping national identity, deeply intertwined with the country's political landscape and historical narratives. The political and ideological implications of this myth regarding nation-building policies under Obiang's regime have been evaluated by Igor Cusack, who contrasts the different positions of Equatoguinean intellectuals. Rooted in the idea that all native peoples of Equatorial Guinea are Bantu, this concept is part of a broader tale of migration and cultural heritage. According to this myth, Bantu peoples undertook a great migration from Northeast Africa, traversing regions like the Nile and Congo valleys before settling in the dense jungles of Equatorial Africa. Their culture is often portrayed as having significant parallels with that of the Hebrews in the Bible, establishing a link with antiquity and a revered historical lineage. This narrative is more than just a cultural story; it intertwines with the ideologies of Pan-Africanism and African unity. The Pan-African movement, which emphasizes solidarity and self-determination among African peoples, finds specific expression in the promotion of Bantu culture. Institutions such as the Centre International des Civilisations Bantu (CICIBA) in Gabon, supported by UNESCO, the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), and the European Union, exemplify the international community's endorsement and valorization of Bantu heritage. These efforts highlight a recognition of Bantu cultural unity as a significant component of African identity. Prominent figures like Alejandro Evuna Owono Asangono and Constantino Ocha'a Mve Ben have played crucial roles in propagating this myth within national and international contexts. In his book "El Proceso Democrático de Guinea Ecuatorial," Evuna Owono underscores the notion that Equatorial Guinea's population is entirely part of the Bantu family, reinforcing a unified national identity grounded in Bantu roots. He writes: "...existen costumbres, prácticas y creencias determinantes de la cultura del pueblo africano de Guinea Ecuatorial, en particular, y de toda la familia Bantú, en general, que a través de milenios se han venido tranmitiendo de familia en familia y de generación a generación hasta nuestra días, las cuales coinciden exactamente con las prácticas del pueblo hebreo ... que revelan cierto casamiento o paratesco entre las razas judía y bantú." (27). Additionally, his diplomatic role as the ambassador to Spain amplified this narrative on an international stage, aligning national identity with broader themes of Bantu and African unity. Similarly, Constantino Ocha'a Mve Ben, in his work "Tradiciones del Pueblo Fang," argues that African and Bantu traditions merged during the period of Spanish colonization, creating a unique Guinean identity. He posits that this fusion of traditions has given rise to a national community whose identity is inherently Guinean. This idea persists in his later publication "Guinea Ecuatorial, polémica e identidad": "...se aprecia una tendencia cosmopolita en la evolución del substrato poblacional espontáneo, lo que constituye una conquista para la guineidad." (38) Once again, this perspective supports the idea of a homogeneous national culture emerging from a shared Bantu heritage, further solidifying the myth of Bantu unity. Ultimately, the instrumentalization of the Bantu unity myth by the regime has significant political implications. The dominant Fang ethnic group uses this narrative to assimilate other ethnicities, such as the Bubis, who do not share the same Bantu roots. The emphasis on a unified Bantu identity marginalizes these groups, undermining their unique cultural and historical narratives, and reinforcing the Fang-dominated government's political and cultural hegemony. The international community's support for Bantu cultural initiatives, although well-intentioned, inadvertently bolsters this homogenizing agenda, further entrenching the regime's position. 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 Format The file format, physical medium, or dimensions of the resource Digital text Language A language of the resource English Spanish Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived Cusack, Igor. "Nation-Builders at Work: The Equatoguinean 'Myth' of Bantu Unity." Nationalism & Ethnic Politics, vol. 7, no. 3, 2001, pp. 77-97. Evuna Owono Asangono, Alejandro. El Proceso Democrático de Guinea Ecuatorial. Ediciones CEIBA (Lucas Nfuema), 1993. Ocha’a Mve Bengobesama, Constantino. Tradiciones del pueblo Fang. Madrid: Ediciones Rialp, 1981. Ocha’a Mve Bengobesama, Constantino. Ocha’a Mve Bengobesama, Constantino. Guinea Ecuatorial: polémica y realidad. Madrid: Ediciones Guinea, 1985. 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 Fang Nation Obiang's Regime