African Ballast

doi:10.1017/9781009554824.011

Chapter 10 - African Ballast

Actions in the Poetic Tone of Alejo Carpentier

from Part II - The Polymath

Published online by Cambridge University Press: 07 May 2026

Bárbaro Martínez-Ruiz

Edited by

Anke Birkenmaier

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Anke Birkenmaier: Affiliation:
Indiana University

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Summary

This essay explores Alejo Carpentier’s engagement with Afro-Cuban culture in his literary works, analyzing how he incorporates African languages and cultural elements. It examines Carpentier’s perspective on African art and religion, revealing his interpretations and potential misunderstandings of Afro-Cuban traditions. The analysis includes discussions of his poems, essays and novels, focusing on his use of language, imagery and cultural references. Ultimately, the essay contextualizes Carpentier’s work within the broader discourse of Afro-Cuban identity and cultural representation.

Keywords

Alejo Carpentier Nicolás Guillén Afro-Cuban culture African art ¡Ecué-Yamba-Ó!Abakuá society Poemas afrocubanos Motivos del son

Information

Type: Chapter
Information: Alejo Carpentier in Context , pp. 114 - 128
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1017/9781009554824.011 [Opens in a new window]
Publisher: Cambridge University Press
Print publication year: 2026

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References

Works Cited

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Carpentier, Alejo ¡Ecué-Yamba-Ó!. Obras completas, vol. 1. Siglo Veintiuno Editores, 1983, pp. 21–193.Google Scholar

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