Short Abstract

This panel invites papers which, by combining rigorous historical research with sociological, anthropological or political analysis, contribute to a re-examination of the relationship between political aims and the (instrumental) value of cultural artefacts in the creation of national communities.

Long Abstract

In the colonial era, approaches to cultural dimensions in African societies could only be oppressive or inconsequential, not least because the colonised were deprived of the possibility of asserting their self-determined culture.

However, would the struggles and the subsequent independences put an end to the constraints on cultural self-expression?

During the anti-colonial struggles, the potential antagonism between ideology and cultural artefacts was avoided. A cultural melting pot capable of mobilising against oppression was valued. Yet, whilst culture was being enshrined, processes of singular cultural affirmation mattered little in the face of the impending political and social transformation, based on an ideology that would generally override supposed traditions or cultural facets listed as indicators of undeniable specificity or unrivalled creative capacity – such as that allegedly evident in the visual arts or literature placed at the service of the ‘people’.

Following independence, the intervention in the construction of the nation—based on culture and history—proved to be limited. It is therefore important to assess the evolving relationship between nationalist sentiments and values of identity and culture. For example, nationalist sentiments are no longer linked to unambiguously African cultural values.

Today, African societies are integrated into the (dis)rhythms of the world, which, in their own way, point to the relativity of claims to cultural singularity.

This panel invites submissions that employ innovative methods which, drawing on historical experiences, contribute to a rethinking of the relationship between political aims and the (instrumental) value of cultural artefacts in the (aspired-to) creation of national communities.

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