03.05.2024«Undoing Fetishism»: Talk by Sela Adjei and Marleen de Witte on 7 May

Lecture and discussion with Sela Adjei (Accra) and Marleen de Witte (Utrecht) entitled «Undoing Fetishism: New Perspectives from West African Religion, Art and Anthropology» on Tuesday, 7 May 2024, at 4 pm in lecture theatre SOC-F-106, Rämistrasse 69, 8006 Zurich.

This panel discussion by Sela Adjei and Marleen de Witte will explore the complex history and current implications of the term «fetish» in relation to African religions and sacred artworks. The aim is to promote a productive dialogue that not only critically challenges past misrepresentations of African art and religion as «fetish», but also enlightens through a historically informed and culturally sensitive understanding of African religious and artistic traditions. The panel aims to overcome the colonial shadows of misappropriation and stigmatisation and promote a deeper understanding of the complexity and richness of African religious practices and their artistic expressions.

Organized by Bärbel Küster in the framework of the lecture «Ist eine dekoloniale Geschichte des ‹Primitivismus› möglich?». The event will be held in English. Participation is possible without registration.