Trajectories of Empire: Transhispanic Reflections on the African Diaspora

Trajectories of Empire explores the legacy of empire and colonialism in Latin America, focusing on the experiences of contemporary Latin Americans of African descent and their ancestors. The book examines various aspects of this history, including the role of medical science in the objectification and nullification of Black female personhood during slavery, the deployment of visual culture to support insurgency, and the experiences of the first generations of forced African migrants. Contributors come from various fields and the book will be of interest to researchers and graduate students in Iberian or Hispanic Studies, Africana Studies, Postcolonial Studies, and Transatlantic Studies.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 270 pages
Publication date: 30 June 2022
Publisher: Vanderbilt University Press

Trajectories of Empire: A Multi-Disciplinary Exploration of the Iberian Expansion and its Legacy

From the mid-fifteenth century, when the Iberian Peninsula embarked on its expansionist journey, to the twentieth and twenty-first centuries, when Latin American republics grappled with the legacies of colonialism and slavery, Trajectories of Empire weaves a rich tapestry of historical narratives. At its core, the book delves into the profound question of empire and its enduring impact, as reflected in the lives of contemporary Latin Americans of African descent and their ancestors caught up in the intricate historical process of Iberian colonial expansion, colonization, and the Atlantic slave trade.

The book's chapters offer a captivating exploration of the experiences of Black individuals in the so-called racial democracies of Brazil, Colombia, and Cuba. They shed light on the complex dynamics of race, identity, and power in these nations, highlighting the challenges and triumphs faced by Black communities. The contributors also examine the role of medical science in the objectification and dehumanization of Black female personhood during slavery in Brazil in the nineteenth century, emphasizing the ways in which scientific knowledge was used to justify and perpetuate the brutal system of exploitation.

In Cuba, the book explores the deployment of visual culture as a tool for resistance against colonial domination. It examines how visual representations, such as paintings, sculptures, and photographs, were used to convey messages of resistance and empowerment to a largely illiterate slave body. The chapters also delve into aspects of discourse that promoted the colonial project as evangelization, highlighting the ways in which religious beliefs and missionary zeal were intertwined with the pursuit of territorial expansion.

Furthermore, Trajectories of Empire examines the experiences of the first generations of forced African migrants into Spain and Portugal in the fifteenth and sixteenth centuries. It explores the ways in which these individuals were subjected to a discursive template that defined their social roles as enslaved or formerly enslaved people. The book sheds light on the complex negotiations and adaptations that these individuals made as they navigated a new world that was shaped by the legacy of empire.

Contributors to Trajectories of Empire come from diverse fields, including literary criticism, visual culture, history, anthropology, popular culture (rap), and cultural studies. This interdisciplinary collective brings a wealth of expertise and perspectives to the book, ensuring a comprehensive and multifaceted exploration of the subject matter.

Trajectories of Empire is a valuable resource for researchers and graduate students in Iberian or Hispanic Studies, Africana Studies, Postcolonial Studies, and Transatlantic Studies. It offers a rich tapestry of historical narratives and analytical insights that will deepen our understanding of the complex legacies of empire and their impact on contemporary societies. Moreover, the book's accessible and engaging style makes it accessible to a broader audience, including the general public interested in history, culture, and social justice.

In conclusion, Trajectories of Empire is a groundbreaking work that sheds light on the multifaceted and enduring legacies of the Iberian expansion. Through its multi-disciplinary approach, the book provides a rich and nuanced understanding of the historical processes that shaped the world we live in today. It is a testament to the power of scholarship and interdisciplinary collaboration in unraveling the complexities of our shared past.

Dimension: 229 x 152 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780826504593