European Views on Elmolo Ethnic Group (Kenia, 1887-1975)

The Normalization of Vanishing Africa

Authors

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.62161/revvisual.v18.5943

Keywords:

Elmolo, Kenya, Expeditions, European views, Photography, Vanishing África

Abstract

This article examines thirteen journeys undertaken between 1887 and 1973 to Kenya by explorers, anthropologists, and artists, in order to assess the image they conveyed of the Elmolo People through their writings, illustrations, and photographs. It reveals how each expedition inherited a distorted view, shaped by ideas such as poverty, risk of extinction, fishing, silence, shyness, hospitality, ritual hippo hunting, and interethnic relations. Colonial stereotypes — notably the notion of a Vanishing Africa — became normalised. The article offers a new perspective by incorporating the photographic gaze, whose static and often stereotyped depictions contrast with the supposed progress of textual knowledge.

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Author Biographies

Ismael Martínez Sánchez, Universidad Complutense de Madrid

Ismael Martínez-Sánchez, who holds a degree in Information Sciences (University of Navarra) and a Master's degree in Philosophy (Strahmore University), is currently pursuing his doctorate on Mohamed Amin.

As an international documentary filmmaker, he has worked in more than 30 countries in corporate and humanistic communication on visual anthropology in conflict zones (Ukraine, Syria, DR Congo, India, Colombia, Lebanon, Philippines, Armenia, Georgia, Israel, Peru, etc.).

Ignacio Nevado Hernández, Universidad Complutense de Madrid

Ignacio Nevado holds an international PhD in Audiovisual Communication from the Complutense University of Madrid (UCM); a Master's Degree in Audiovisual Heritage: History, Recovery and Management (UCM); a Diploma in Acting (William Layton Theatre Laboratory) and a Degree in Communication (International University of La Rioja).

He is currently an Assistant Professor at the Complutense University of Madrid, where he teaches courses on the History of Communication and Documentary Film.

His main lines of research revolve around the presence of hate speech in the media, as well as its representation in film and television fiction.

He also has publications in high-impact journals related to script analysis, characters, and television programming.

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Published

2026-01-30

How to Cite

Martínez Sánchez, I., & Nevado Hernández, I. (2026). European Views on Elmolo Ethnic Group (Kenia, 1887-1975) : The Normalization of Vanishing Africa. VISUAL REVIEW. International Visual Culture Review Revista Internacional De Cultura Visual, 18(1), 211–226. https://doi.org/10.62161/revvisual.v18.5943

Issue

Vol. 18 No. 1 (2026)

Section

Research articles

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