Rituelen onder Afrikanen die nabij Kaap de Goede Hoop wonen 1729

Bernard Picart created this print, “Rituelen onder Afrikanen die nabij Kaap de Goede Hoop wonen,” using etching and engraving techniques. Born in France, Picart never traveled to Africa. As such, this print, depicting rituals of indigenous African people near the Cape of Good Hope, presents an interpretation filtered through a European lens. The scenes offer a glimpse into the external views of African spirituality during the 18th century. The term "Cafres," is derived from Arabic, later adopted by the Portuguese. The term was historically used by Europeans to refer to South African Bantu-speaking people and reflect the complex relationship between European colonizers and African communities. How do you feel when considering the power dynamics inherent in the portrayal of one culture by another? The imagery and text reflect colonial-era attitudes. It invites us to consider how historical representations shape our understanding of cultural identities.