Archetypal analysis of the Orishas in Cuban contemporary culture
This research project pays particular attention to the presence of the Orishas as integrative archetypal models of consciousness within Cuba’s rich corpus of oral, scriptural and performative narratives, ranging from Yoruba historiography and cosmogony (patakis: mythical stories; oddun treatises), to Catholic hagiographic tradition, as well as Cuban literary, musical, dramatic and cinematographic imaginary.
It has a multi-disciplinary approach, falling at the crossroads between:
- Cultural Studies
- Psychology & Philosophy
- Creative Arts
- Hispanic Literatures
Publications
Herrero-Martin, R. “Olokun, or the Caribbean Quantum Mind: An Analysis of Transculturated Metaphysical Elements within Rita Indiana’s Novel Tentacle”. Journal of West Indian Literature (Online ISSN 2414-3030), Vol 27, No. 2 November 2019. https://www.jwilonline.org/downloads/vol-27-no-2-fall-2019/
Herrero-Martín, R. “The Unconscious Archetypal Expression through the Dancing and Sculpted Body in Eugenio Hernández-Espinosa’s Afro-Cuban Mythological Theatre”. Opening Keynote paper delivered at the 2nd International Conference on Caribbean Anthropology, History and Arts, at The University of Veracruz (Universidad Veracruzana), Xalapa, Mexico, December 2-6, 2019.
Herrero-Martín, R. “The Hyper-Masculinisation of Shangó in Cuba: Reflections on the Sexual Polarisation of the Divinity in the Cultural Imaginary”. Festival del Caribe – Academic Program Santiago de Cuba, Cuba, July 6, 2019.
Herrero-Martin. R. “Orisha Tantra or the Integration of Feminine and Masculine Polarities in the Ocha-Ifa Rule in Cuba”. Caribbean Studies Association 43rd Annual Conference, Havana, Cuba, June 4-8, 2018.
Herrero-Martin. R. & Victor Mora “Tarot Orisha: Exhibit & Install-Action”. Caribbean Studies Association 43rd Annual Conference, Havana, Cuba, June 4-8, 2018.
Herrero-Martín, R. “The Decolonizing Expression of the Archetypal Unconscious through the Dancing and Sculpted Body in Eugenio Hernández-Espinosa’s Afro-Cuban Mythological Theatre”. 3rd Biennial International Conference “Decolonizing Bodies: Engaging Performance”, EBCCI – UWI, Cave Hill, May 23-28, 2018.
Herrero-Martin, R. “Maria Antonia, Unwilling Daughter of Oshun, Unaccomplished Mistress of Herself.” Caribbean Quarterly, 14 August 2017, pp. 234-250, doi: 10.1080/00086495.2017.1352274.