This talk focusses on the transethnic dimensions of Creole identity and the Creoles’ role with regard to nation-building in Guinea-Bissau.
After its “discovery” by the Portuguese in the 15th century, Guinea-Bissau became a crosspoint of European, Cape Verdian and African commercial interests. At coastal trading posts, called “praças”, a Creole society emerged. Consequently, new cultural features including a Creole language developed. Colonial seizure started only in the late 19th century. Eventually, the territory’s population was formally divided into “civilized” citizens and “indigenous” subjects, the latter being the vast majority. Henceforth, Creole society included both “civilized” and “indigenous” populations. Starting with the independence war, both groups were united by the independence movement (PAIGC) and its ideology and a strong national consciousness emerged.
The Creole society has undergone processes of indigenisation since then. This can be illustrated by the development that formerly exclusively Creole institutions have passed through. They have been spreading both regionally and socially, thereby contributing to an integrative culture transcending ethnic boundaries and fostering national identity.