News

Bokutani: The Journal of the African Studies Association of Africa - Call for Papers (Issue 2): “Repatriating Africa: Old challenges & critical insights,”

Bokutani: The Journal of the African Studies Association of Africa

Bokutani: The journal of the African Studies Association of Africa is pleased to announce a call for papers for its second issue, “Repatriating Africa: Old challenges & critical insights,”

to revisit the question of repatriation from an Africa-centered framework.

Recently, the revival of the old question of repatriation has taken center-stage as a crucial step for de-linking and restoring African agency. This recent call for repatriation is provoked by the development of the decolonization movement across Africa and its diaspora, particularly in the political, economic, cultural, and epistemic spheres. Deepening appeals for decentering colonial orthodoxies and centering Africa has given an impetus to a call for a reappropriation of African cultural heritages, knowledges, and what some consider a quest for regeneration necessary for African agency. As art objects and archives begin journeys of return and old and new diasporas resettle on the continent, there is a need for deeper conversations about the meaning, relevance, potential, and possible consequences of physical returns, cultural repatriation, spiritual restoration, and reparation.

This special Issue explores the multifaceted dimensions of repatriation, particularly in the context of Africa's engagement with Euro-Modernity and its implications for Africa’s economic, cultural, and historical futures. By examining both tangible and intangible aspects of heritage, we seek to extend old reflections on the restitution of African cultural heritage initiated by Africans in the aftermath of independence along four lines: restitution, reparation, restoration, and repatriation.  We seek to delve into how African Studies, as a discipline and a method, addresses the complexities and provides a nuanced exploration of the question of repatriation. We welcome submissions that engage with themes pertaining to the repatriation of cultural and historical artifacts, knowledges, spiritualities, histories, archives, concepts, theories, methodologies, languages, etc.

Original research articles, theoretical papers, and case studies that explore the following themes are particularly welcome:

Theoretical engagements with repatriation/restitution, reparation, and restoration

  1. The concept of reparation: prospects and perspectives
  1. Methodological engagement with the question of repatriation/restitution
  2. New challenges, critical insights, and radical strategies
  3. New and emerging questions as looted heritage begins journeys ‘home’
  4. The place/role of research, cultural heritage, archives, knowledges, and knowledge production in the project to restore African agency

Repatriation/restitution Axis

  1. Restituting Knowledges
  2. Repatriation, Sovereignty, and justice (historical, epistemological, and transgenerational justice)
  3. Reappropriation of African Artworks
  4. Museums and restoration
  5. Repatriation and New African Personality

Restoration Axis

  1. From restoration to revolution
  2. Restoring Knowledges
  3. Cultural Forms & Praxis
  4. Politics of Restoration

 

Reparation Axis

  1. Moral, ethical and spiritual dimensions of reparation
  2. Socioeconomics and reparation
  3. Philosophical presuppositions and subjugation of African governments
  4. Reparation, Science and technology
  5. Knowledges and Ideologies

Submission Guidelines

  • Manuscripts should be between 5,000 to 7,000 words, including references, tables, and figures.
  • Citation style for submission is APA
  • Abstracts of up to 250 words should accompany each submission.
  • All submissions must adhere to Bokutani’s style guide and formatting requirements.
  • Submissions should be made by September 1st, 2024

Important Dates

  • Submission of abstract: October 15th , 2024
  • Submission of paper: December 15th, 2024
  • Notification of Decision: January 15th, 2025
  • Publication Date: April 15, 2025

Review Process

All submissions will undergo a rigorous double-blind peer-review process to ensure the highest standards of academic quality and relevance.

Contact Information

For paper submissions, kindly click here

For inquiries and further information, please contact Cheikh Thiam: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.