The Irony of Colonial Cannibalism

When we think of cannibals, our minds rarely jump to Europe.

The Mummy Issue

From the 15th to the 18th century, many Europeans consumed mummified Egyptian bodies for their presumed medicinal benefits.

Mummies grew so popular that they were used to make paint tints and unwrapping them became a Victorian party favourite.

Carib,

Cannibal,

Caribbean?

Whilst medical cannibalism was being openly practiced in Europe, early colonisers negatively portrayed the peoples of the Americas as cannibalistic to rationalise colonial rule.

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Connecting The Americas