S6 E7: The making of the "African barbarian" cliché: the stuffed African of Banyoles

S6 E7: The making of the "African barbarian" cliché: the stuffed African of Banyoles

Author: Dr Teju Baba October 26, 2020 Duration: 9:46

My African cliché of the day is a question "How many? ".  How many generations of tourists from all over the world had seen "El Negro"? How many have left this museum with the simplistic association at the head of "Black or African = barbaric?" ". did I just say Barbaric? Who is really is the barbaric here? Is it the Bechuana? or rather those who stole a dead buried body, who stuffed it, those who sold it, bought and exhibited it, those who took a picture of him without batting an eyelid, those who posed in front of it and shrugged their shoulders before going to taste tapas, those who refused to send him back home, in short, all those who failed to see an anomaly of their culture and history, to acknowledge human suffering.  Come on, we are talking about the end of the 1990s, it was like yesterday! And yet since 1947, Birago Diop, the great Senegalese poet, already said it, in his sublime poem titled Spirits, which I allow myself to slightly change hoping the purists will forgive me.


Dr. Teju Baba hosts My African Cliches (English), a podcast that moves through time much like the Sankofa bird-looking thoughtfully at the past while steadily progressing forward. Each episode is a journey into the layers of African history, culture, and society, designed to challenge oversimplified narratives and uncover the continent's profound complexity. You’ll hear detailed explorations of specific events, figures, and cultural movements that are often glossed over or misunderstood, connecting historical roots to contemporary realities. This isn't just a recounting of dates and names; it's an engaging conversation about how centuries of rich, diverse experiences shape modern life across Africa. By unpacking these deep histories, the podcast provides essential context, helping listeners move beyond superficial stereotypes. Tune in for a nuanced and enlightening perspective that honors Africa's glorious past and its dynamic present, all within a single, thoughtfully produced podcast. Dr. Baba’s expertise guides you through these stories, making each episode a step toward a more informed and respectful understanding of a continent whose story is still being written.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 50

My African Cliches (English)
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