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The tragic life of Ota Benga

The tragic life of Ota Benga
Jun 6 2021 Share

Young Ota Benga was placed in a zoo exhibit in the Bronx Zoo in 1906. His was a popular attraction, with myths surrounding his very existence as having originated from a tribe of cannibals. But how did Ota Benga come to be in this situation? His story, which unveils the worst of colonialism, racism and oppression, is one that deserves to be remembered.

Ota Benga was known (or more rather rumoured) to have been born as a member of the Mbuti people who resided near the Kasai River in what was then the Congo Free State. His people were attacked by King Leopold II of Belgium’s militia who were tasked with controlling the natives and exploit the supply of rubber in the Congo.

Benga was eventually discovered by American businessman and explorer Samuel Phillips Verner. Verner was tasked by the St. Louis World Fair to bring back an assortment of pygmies for an exhibition of ethnic peoples. Verner stated that he rescued Benga, but no accounts from Benga himself exist.

Benga was promoted as the ‘only genuine African cannibal in America’. HIs sharpened teeth were pointed out as being crafted for cannibalism, with Verner ‘rescuing’ him from the lifestyle and his eventual fate of being devoured by other people. Following this, Benga accompanied Verner when returning to the Congo. But the story does not stop there.

Benga was explained to have ‘not felt at home’ among the Batwa people and so ‘decided’ to return with Verner. He was eventually given residence in the American Museum of Natural History but caused ruckus by throwing a chair and attempting to escape. He was eventually taken to the Bronx Zoo in 1906.

William Hornaday, the director of the zoo, initially arranged for Benga to maintain the animal habitats. However, people seemed to take more notice of Benga himself and this resulted in Benga himself getting his own exhibition. It was littered with bones and the zoo encouraged him to shoot arrows from a bow he made.

After several controversies, Benga was allowed to roam around and eventually removed from the grounds and given to Reverend Gordon’s custody. He was placed in Howard Coloured Orphan Asylum, a church-sponsored orphanage. His teeth were capped and donned with American-style clothes. Unfortunately, World War 1 was just around the corner.

When the war broke out in 1914, returning to Congo became impossible. Benga was reported to have become depressed and on March 20th 1916, Benga built a ceremonial fire, chipped off the caps of his teeth and shot himself in the heart. He was around 32 to 33 years old.

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9 COVID-19 cases registered overnight with 7 recoveries

Jun 5 2021 Share

Malta has registered 9 new cases of COVID-19 in the past 24 hours from 2,764 swab tests, while 7 patients have recovered. No deaths were registered in the past 24 hours. This information was announced by the official Facebook page of Malta’s Ministry for Health.

As of Friday 4th June 2021, 546,637 vaccine doses were administered of which 325,511 were 1st doses. 230,594 people are currently fully vaccinated.

To date, Malta has registered 30,568 COVID-19 cases in total, of which: 30,073 have recovered, 419 died and 76 are still active.

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Singles believe they succeeded in life more than married people

Singles believe they succeeded in life more than married people
Jun 5 2021 Share

In the latest ‘State of the Nation’ survey, over 60% of respondents stated that they believe that they were successful in life with 69.2% of single individuals and 83.3% of youths between 16 and 25 being in the top-most category.

Close to 40% (38.4%) believe that they could have been more successful in their lives while 18.2% of unemployed respondents stated that they believe in their success.

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The survey, which was published on Friday, attempts to illustrate Malta’s cultural norms and beliefs and is based on responses from 1,064 people.

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6 local spots which serve great cocktails

Jun 5 2021 Share

Summer is literally just around the corner and after months of waiting for the revival of our social lives, many local establishments have opened their doors to welcome a (hopefully) busy summer 2021…

…and what better way to celebrate the turning of a new page than with COCKTAILS! That’s why we’ve compiled a list of some of Malta’s most prominent cocktail hotspots where you could grab a cold one with your friends.

Surfside

An iconic Sliema spot and home to many boozy afternoons in the sun, Surfside is an unmistakeable classic.

Enjoy tasty cocktails and a wide food menu while you enjoy a beautiful seaside view with your friends.

Posted by Surfside on Tuesday, 11 May 2021

Café del Mar

Where luxury meets entertainment, Café del Mar is one of the islands most scenic locations – offering lush drinks and decadent dishes suitable for everyone.

Forming part of the Malta National Aquarium complex, Café del Mar bring together breathtaking views and delicious dining experiences and is the ideal location for your summer chill-out session

The ideal place to relax, take in the breathtaking views while enjoying the sunset 🌅 🍹 🍱 ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀🍽 Serving dinner every day from 19:00 onwards🌅 Best sunset spot on the island📷 @thomastricarico

Posted by Café del Mar Malta on Wednesday, 2 June 2021

Medasia Playa

A household name in rest & relaxation, this Qui-Si-Sana hotspot offers good food, great drinks and gorgeous views.

The definition of summer of summer in the Mediterranean, you can’t miss out on a day at Medasia Playa.

We are super excited to be opening the summer season at MedAsia Playa on the 15th of May! ☀️💦👙🏖️ Bookings are now open…

Posted by MedAsia Playa on Friday, 7 May 2021

Nine Lives

A true beachside location in bustling Bugibba, Nine Lives’ banging cocktails are only complemented by their luxurious food dishes.

Complementing your cocktails with a couple of platters under the Maltese summer sun – sounds like a perfect summer day!

The sun is shining and the water is warming up! We can't wait until the situation improves and we can welcome you back…

Posted by Nine Lives on Monday, 26 April 2021

Hugo’s Lounge

Hugo’s Lounge is an iconic Paceville location known for a vast range of cocktails and a tantalising list of sushi, Indian and Asian fusion dishes.

Opening its doors back in 2005 and never looking back since, this lounge is an iconic location and well-deserving of a visit

Recipe for a perfect night out : friends + sushi + 2'4'1 on selected cocktailsFor reservations, please call +356…

Posted by Hugo's Lounge on Saturday, 29 May 2021

Tex Mex South

Located in the scenic south side of Malta, Tex Mex South American Bar & Grill offers some of the finest American and Mexican food and bold, decadent cocktails suitable for everyone.

Enjoy views of the south of Malta while you chow down and drink up on some of the best drinks and dishes the south has to offer.

In view of the the recent reopening of our establishments we are looking to hire CHEFS DE PARTIE both on a full time…

Posted by Tex Mex South on Saturday, 29 May 2021

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