Prominent Intellectual Natalia Bolívar Passes Away

November 19, 2023

The writer, painter, anthropologist and ethnologist Natalia Bolívar Aróstegui passed away at the age of 89.

Her contributions to the research of African roots and their influence on national culture and history will remain an essential legacy for present and future generations, highlights the Cubadebate website.

For years, Natalia Bolívar investigated as an anthropologist and ethnologist the traditions and beliefs of African roots in Cuba, leaving an extensive scientific and cultural body of work reflected in the books The Orishas in Cuba, Myths and Legends of Afro-Cuban Cuisine and other essential reference works.

Numerous messages of condolence mourn the death of Natalia Bolívar, including one from the Cuban Institute of Cinematographic Art and Industry.

On its X social network account the institution expressed: «From Icaic we regret the passing of Cuban researcher and essayist Natalia Bolívar, may the documentary that bears her name, made by Ernesto Daranas in 2019 serve as a tribute from Cuban cinema».

The Palomas Project also expressed its condolences on social networks for the passing of the writer, painter, anthropologist and ethnologist.

It highlighted her contributions to the research of African roots and their influence on national culture and history and noted that «they will remain as an essential legacy for present and future generations».