“PURE MANLINESS”: THE COLONIAL PROJECT AND AFRICA'S IMAGE IN NINETEENTH CENTURY ICELAND

Abstract

Iceland did not participate directly in the nineteenth century colonial project, but the interwoven racial, gendered, and nationalistic ideologies associated with the colonial project were very much a part of Icelandic identity as shaped by nationalist and imperialist discourses in Europe. This article focuses on representations of Africa in nineteenth century Iceland, claiming that the Icelandic discussions of Africa were not so much concerned with the continent itself, but through descriptions of the exploration and colonization of Africa, European masculinities were affirmed and Icelanders “natural” location within that category. This was particularly important at times when Iceland was seeking independence and acceptance as a “white” European country. I stress these nineteenth century texts as gendered testimonies that show the interaction of various poles of identity, being written by white, Icelandic men and originating from a marginal country within Europe.