Undoing “Fetishism”: Fresh Perspectives from West African Religion, Art and Anthropology

Description

Invited talk organized by prof. Bärbel Küster in the framework of the Spring Semester 2024 lecture: Ist eine dekoloniale Geschichte des "Primitivismus" möglich?
This panel discussion by Sela Adjei and Marleen de Witte delves into the complex history and current implications of the term "fetish" as it relates to African religions and sacred artworks. It aims to foster a productive dialogue that not only critically reexamines past misrepresentations of African art and religion as “fetish”, but also educates through a historically informed and culturally sensitive understanding of African religious and artistic traditions. Moving beyond the colonial shadows of misappropriation and stigma, the panel seeks to foster a deeper appreciation of the complexity and richness of African religious practices and their artistic expressions.

Period	7 May 2024
Held at	Universität Zürich, Kunsthistorisches Institut
Degree of Recognition	International