2 10 29 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/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/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/93ec0267c4e786421228ddabec1b4839.jpg e616f166a567894a9fa8008efd76da19 https://hernando.upenn.domains/files/original/c8a5a9bb05ac6fab4a858f514aa82ad4.jpg 43f8ab766f04520e91f8096c0c8eecd1 https://hernando.upenn.domains/files/original/e3cd22c5b6df001c4aec3fee7832e3fe.jpg fb91eed0c4e5c0ab2af0e252602d748c https://hernando.upenn.domains/files/original/70fb19bbb00477d53caaa197e0949e26.jpg 915c177ef73c8d35f46afd82d77904fe https://hernando.upenn.domains/files/original/a96b49a04e91a82054cef59b94284778.jpg 43f8ab766f04520e91f8096c0c8eecd1 https://hernando.upenn.domains/files/original/e5831c7242a0f16aee6942f3a68c6db0.jpg ffe2363f24bacea8aa2058c7de7cfbae 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 Hyperlink A link, or reference, to another resource on the Internet. URL https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_Jt-3Df2gTE 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 Technology and neocolonial Imperialism: the arrival of the Spanish TV to Equatorial Guinea, Fernando Poo (1968) Subject The topic of the resource Spanish Postcolonial Imperialism Description An account of the resource In 1968, just after Equatorial Guinea gained independence from Spain, the introduction of Spanish television marked a significant moment in the nation's media landscape. Despite the newfound political autonomy, Spain's cultural and ideological influence persisted, manifesting through various institutions and visual media. This continued presence highlighted Spain's neocolonial intentions, thinly veiled under the rhetoric of collaboration and progress. The arrival of Spanish television services in Equatorial Guinea was framed by Spain as a gesture of goodwill, aimed at fostering development and modernization. The Spanish Minister of Communications, in his inaugural speech, likely emphasized this collaboration, presenting the new television services as a symbol of shared progress. This narrative, however, subtly reinforced Spain's cultural and technological dominance, suggesting that Equatorial Guinea's advancement depended on Spanish contributions. Local elites in Equatorial Guinea played a crucial role in sustaining this neocolonial enterprise. Their cooperation with Spanish authorities helped legitimize Spain's ongoing influence, portraying it as beneficial for the country's growth. This collaboration underscored the complex power dynamics between the former colonizer and the newly independent state. The Head of State of Equatorial Guinea, in his address during the inauguration, probably expressed gratitude for the new television services, framing them as a positive contribution from Spain. This expression of appreciation, while diplomatically necessary, also reflected the lingering influence of Spain in the post-independence era. The speech likely echoed the modernization narrative, suggesting that Spanish technology and media would propel the country into a new era of progress. This perspective often marginalized indigenous forms of knowledge and communication, privileging Western media and content. The integration of Spanish television services into Equatorial Guinea's media landscape symbolized the country's incorporation into the global (Western-dominated) media sphere. While presented as a step towards development, this move reinforced Spain's cultural hegemony, maintaining control over the narratives and identities within Equatorial Guinea. The original clip announcing the arrival of the Spanish TV is available of Youtube through the following link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_Jt-3Df2gTE&t=10s You can find attached the written versions of the speeches by both the Minister of Communications of Spain and the Head of State of Equatorial Guinea, as part of the diplomatic, media, and political activities related to the arrival of Spanish TV. Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived 1968 La Televisión llega a Guinea Ecuatorial - Spain TV arrives to Equatorial Guinea Fernando Poo. Published by Retroclips. Consulted July 22th, 2024. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_Jt-3Df2gTE Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 1968 Language A language of the resource Spanish Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Alexis Hernando Cubas Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available RTVE (Radiotelevisión Española) Rights Information about rights held in and over the resource RTVE (Radiotelevisión Española) Format The file format, physical medium, or dimensions of the resource Video Text 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 Francoism Neocolonialism and Technology Spanish TV in Equatorial Guinea https://hernando.upenn.domains/files/original/8e134fa904778f77d8fa34400b835b81.jpg 11f14d07229da51e9be2f37cd0c4ec33 https://hernando.upenn.domains/files/original/4c3ad8c7ef7b03a4ab372c2298c7c259.jpg a1d6bf66e33b1be8c86bbc399acb7e7c https://hernando.upenn.domains/files/original/19ef190fdbea7bb03dc7aaf81b339103.jpg 75ac560aa7f558b6bbc33985fe3b6928 https://hernando.upenn.domains/files/original/6117a8b5d84cc209545a5b2141f344c4.jpg 8546393cfcca8cb4e434619e8a5f2965 https://hernando.upenn.domains/files/original/144142f9ec90b956f4c2c7f6977a55d5.jpg b9a5e3051b72e22fc5ba8c4f61c59da0 https://hernando.upenn.domains/files/original/c1cba12d535d613ca2bafbfc21af64da.jpg 2155709ae9852f23954ce4c35da38de4 https://hernando.upenn.domains/files/original/b94769f10602cb3cde30775bc885cbe6.jpg 494bca64b3e2541a92c72389d544a934 https://hernando.upenn.domains/files/original/af08f8492547034b1ea179f2de2d2e0d.jpg 8e92781b9a71640cc3d375555b694e43 https://hernando.upenn.domains/files/original/3788876bc8da58680002335026f09960.jpg 6ef9ca7cf0d44f0400a3bf7de95e1f13 https://hernando.upenn.domains/files/original/f3f2b8b7a948910fa7171d03b8c2a510.jpg b48285416d3a06209757b4178d750ed5 https://hernando.upenn.domains/files/original/f3c479e9238ea573263180fabea6e959.jpg 63ac4834e2fa059effa135795d1712f1 https://hernando.upenn.domains/files/original/a98341948dc085056b236ad66cc95674.jpg 68f8162fc07702db720a61b6e7b13ea7 https://hernando.upenn.domains/files/original/6e0ba3b6cc11b08119a944ad240ee3e1.jpg b33e9aa87e989cb7c19bfe2d1a1cfe79 https://hernando.upenn.domains/files/original/516bd4015e3ffff9f30e36c77a133022.jpg 6fdd42c2df12e44f3a7f261fe81d3532 https://hernando.upenn.domains/files/original/1892fab72705511cb2faf8297905a167.jpg 49bd3a2aa85e57de840e7ae561f70f58 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. Text Any textual data included in the document Documento reservado. Informe técnico. PP/1988-89/XI N.' de serie: F M R / C C / A E B / 9 0 / 1 0 6 Informe preparado para el Gobierno de la República de Guinea Ecuatorial por la Organización de las Naciones Unidas para la Educación, la Ciencia y la Cultura (Unesco) Original Format The type of object, such as painting, sculpture, paper, photo, and additional data Written technical report 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 Creación de un centro de investigación y desarrollo del arte Bantú y Negroafricano Subject The topic of the resource Neocolonial Politics in the Museum Description An account of the resource “The idea behind the project is evidently the promotion of authentic art that is being lost with the internationalization of culture and aesthetic and artistic habits. For this reason, the future Research and Development Center for Bantu and Black African Art will be made up of different areas dedicated to research, promotion, training, as well as the exhibition of works of art. With respect to these different functions of the planned center, the consultant foresees that the following services should be created: a library on Bantu and Black African art, a photo library that also includes documents on Western and Asian art, and a sound library on Bantu music. In the area of ​​training, the consultant recommends that the following workshops be created: ceramics, painting, fiber, screen printing, foundry, ivory and wood carving workshops; in addition to a didactic workshop, a living museum workshop and a printing press. Finally, the center will include a museum, a room for temporary exhibitions, as well as a conference room.” Agustín de la Casa Rivas, Spanish Consultant The document outlining the "Plans for the Creation of a ‘Research and Development Center for Bantu and Black African Art" is a technical report drafted by Spanish architect and consultant Agustín de la Casa Rivas as part of the Programs of Participation and Technical Cooperation promoted by the Office of Education, Science, and Culture of the United Nations in 1990. While the Center was never built, the document serves as an engaging example of how neocolonial politics operates on the international stage in the fields of art, science, and education. The document prepared by La Casa Rivas presents several issues that warrant a critical decolonial examination, particularly regarding how the museum space is conceptualized through dominant approaches to art and cultural preservation. This critique aims to unpack these problems and highlight the implications for the representation of Bantu and Black African art within this proposed center. One of the primary issues with the document is its adherence to a Western model of what a museum should be. The proposed center is structured around traditional Western divisions and functions, such as libraries, photo libraries, sound libraries, and various workshops. The creation of specific workshops for ceramics, painting, fiber, screen printing, foundry, ivory and wood carving, and the inclusion of a didactic workshop, a living museum workshop, and a printing press all point to a compartmentalized approach typical of Western art institutions as well. This format emulates international museum standards, which may not be entirely appropriate for the representation of Bantu and Black African art. This segmentation can strip the art of its cultural and historical context, reducing it to mere aesthetic objects rather than expressions of living traditions and practices. The imposition of these Western categories on a center dedicated to African art risks reinforcing a colonial mindset that prioritizes Western epistemologies and modes of organization over local ones, especially considering that no local artists or cultural agents were involved in the project design or its conceptualization. On the other hand, the center's focus on Bantu art, as promoted by the Obiang regime, places this particular identity in a privileged institutional status. This approach can be problematic as it may marginalize other cultural expressions and identities within Equatorial Guinea and the broader African context. The promotion of a homogenized Bantu identity as representative of Black Art echoes the regime's political agenda of creating a unified national identity, which often glosses over the rich cultural diversity of the region. By institutionalizing Bantu art in this manner, the center could risk becoming a tool for political propaganda rather than a space for genuine cultural and artistic expression. Finally, the consultant's recommendation to include documents on Western and Asian art in the photo library underscores the pervasive influence of international, particularly Western, perspectives. This inclusion suggests an underlying assumption that Bantu and Black African art needs to be contextualized within a broader, predominantly Western, art historical framework. Such an approach can undermine the autonomy and integrity of African art by constantly measuring it against foreign standards. In summary, the plans for the Research and Development Center for Bantu and Black African Art reflect a deep-seated reliance on Western models of museum spaces and art organization. This approach not only reproduces colonial mentalities but also risks perpetuating the marginalization of Guinean forms of knowledge and cultural expression. The institutional privileging of Bantu identity, aligned with the political agenda of the Obiang regime, further complicates the center's role as a space for authentic artistic representation. To honor and promote Black African art, it is essential to develop new models that break away from these Western paradigms and embrace the diverse and dynamic nature of African cultural expressions. Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Agustín de la Casa Rivas Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available Organización de las Naciones Unidas para la Educación, la Ciencia y la Cultura Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 1990 Contributor An entity responsible for making contributions to the resource Guinea Ecuatorial. Programas de participación y de cooperación técnica Rights Information about rights held in and over the resource Organización de las Naciones Unidas para la Educación, la Ciencia y la Cultura Format The file format, physical medium, or dimensions of the resource PDF Document Language A language of the resource Spanish Type The nature or genre of the resource Written Coverage The spatial or temporal topic of the resource, the spatial applicability of the resource, or the jurisdiction under which the resource is relevant Paris, Equatorial Guinea Neocolonial Politics in the Museum Research and Development Center for Bantu and Black African Art 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/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 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 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 The Myth of Bantu Unity and Equatorial Guinea Conflicting Identities during Obiangs’ Regime Subject The topic of the resource Neocolonial Politics in the aftermath of the Imperial Enterprise Description An account of the resource At this point, my curation aims to illustrate how the conflict regarding the Bantu myth has added an extra layer of complexity to the operation of neocolonial politics, with local elites acting as their conduits in the aftermath of Francoism and the Spanish imperial project. The materials included in this curation—textbooks, poems, intellectual research, and material culture—provide a comprehensive overview of the varied reactions, both critical and supportive, to Obiang’s cultural and ethnic enterprise. The Guinean-Ecuadorian state itself is a product of colonial engineering aimed at homogenizing a diverse society. The colonial powers attempted to create a unified social organization, disregarding the unique histories and commitments of the different ethnic groups. This homogenizing effort has made it challenging for Equatorial Guinea to function as a unified state accepted by all its ethnic constituents (Muakuku Rondo, 19). Precisely, Teodoro Obiang Nguema Mbasogo’s regime has intricately woven the myth of Bantu unity and the influence of Hispanic culture into its political and cultural framework, creating a narrative that attempts to foster national cohesion while navigating the country's complex ethnic landscape. Equatorial Guinea, with its diverse array of ethnic groups, including the Fang, Bubi, Ndowe, and Annobonese, has been a fertile ground for such manipulation. The Fang, a Bantu-speaking people, form the majority and dominate the mainland region of Río Muni. The Bubi primarily inhabit Bioko Island, the Ndowe reside along the coastal areas, and the Annobonese live on the island of Annobón. The regime has leveraged the notion of Bantu unity to propose a shared cultural heritage among these groups, institutionalized through initiatives like the 'Centre International des Civilisations Bantu' (CICIBA) in Libreville, Gabon, with support from UNESCO, the UNDP, the EU, and other organizations (Cusack, 79). The international backing of Bantu cultural unity adds a veneer of legitimacy to the regime's narrative. However, this narrative of unity belies the deep-seated ethnic divisions within the country. The Fang ethnic group, to which Obiang belongs, has maintained political dominance since independence, leading to perceptions of favoritism and marginalization among other groups, particularly the Bubi. The Bubi have a distinct identity and have historically resisted assimilation into the broader Bantu identity promoted by the Fang. This resistance has often been met with repression and violence, especially following the discovery of oil on Bioko Island, which heightened the island’s economic importance. The regime’s exploitation of ethnic divisions extends to other groups as well. The Ndowe, primarily coastal dwellers, frequently feel excluded from the political and economic developments that favor the mainland and Bioko Island. Similarly, the Annobonese, isolated on a distant island, have limited political influence and access to national resources. The discovery and exploitation of oil have further exacerbated these tensions, as the wealth generated has not been evenly distributed. This uneven distribution of resources fuels grievances among marginalized groups who see the benefits accruing predominantly to the Fang elite and their associates. In parallel, Obiang’s regime has actively promoted the importance of Hispanic culture in shaping the nation’s identity. This strategy serves a dual purpose: it reinforces a sense of shared cultural heritage with Spain and appeals to Spain’s interest in perpetuating its cultural legacy in Africa, often as a means of soliciting development aid. This linkage between Hispanic and African cultures can be traced back to Francoist ideologies such as "hispanotropicalismo" (Cusack, 214). In summary, the following section of the collection offers a comprehensive overview of the varied reactions to Obiang’s cultural and ethnic enterprise. These materials illustrate the complex ways in which neocolonial politics operate in Equatorial Guinea, with local elites acting as the conduits of these policies. Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Alexis Hernando Cubas Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived Muakuku Rondo Igambo, Fernando. Conflictos étnicos y Gobernabilidad: Guinea Ecuatorial. Ediciones Carena, Barcelona, 2006. Cusack, Igor. "Nation-Builders at Work: The Equatoguinean 'Myth' of Bantu Unity." Nationalism & Ethnic Politics, vol. 7, no. 3, 2001, pp. 77-97. Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available Price Lab for the Digital Humanities 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 Bantu Unity Equatorial Guinea Conflicting Identities Obiang's Regime 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 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