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The Return of El Negro, by Caitlin Davies (used)

The Return of El Negro, by Caitlin Davies (used)

Regular price R 140.00 ZAR
Regular price Sale price R 140.00 ZAR
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"El Negro" was the name given to a southern African man whose body was stolen from his grave almost 200 years ago. The body was stuffed in exactly the same way trophy animals were stuffed and taken to Europe to entertain the public. In the 1990s, after a decade of protest and protracted diplomatic intervention, it was finally agreed that the body be repatriated to southern Africa. In October 2000 El Negro was laid to rest in a sombre state burial at Tsholofelo Park in central Gaborone, capital city of Botswana. Even though his true identity remains unknown, El Negro came to symbolize all those murdered, excavated and stolen from Africa and taken to Europe in the name of exploration, science and entertainment. In the Victorian era, it was common for bodies and body parts of Native Americans, Australian Aboriginals and African Bushmen to be dug up and transported across the globe to be hung in glass cases in museums, or put on show for the "scientific" education of a curious, fee-paying public. Even live exhibits were by no means uncommon as the tragic story of Sarah Baartman testifies. Is it still acceptable for them to be on display in the 21st century?

Some damage to the page edges, but overall in good condition.

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