07.05.2024"Undoing Fetishism: Fresh perspectives from West African Religion, Art and Anthropology", Talk by Sela Adjei and Marleen de Witte

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.