A case of dual identity, jewish and catholic, in the capeverdean economic and cultural space of the second half of the 19th century

Abstract

The Jewish presence in Cape Verde left little trace: a few graves, surnames, oral memories and a couple of place names. However, this micro-history is emblematic of Cape Verdean identity, of 'Cape Verdeanness' (caboverdianidade), which can be defined as intrinsically intercultural. Over the centuries, Jewish elements have mixed with Christian and other elements in an original way. This article presents a peculiar case study, namely the figure of a man with a dual identity, Jewish and Catholic, who lived in the second half of the 19th century, mainly on the island of S. Nicolau, where his tomb is still preserved today. The article contains the first known decipherment of the Hebrew inscription on the aforementioned tomb.