Epistemologies from Latitude Zero: Games, Plays and Toys from São Tomé and Príncipe

Abstract

This article is an invitation to discover the epistemologies of latitude zero. That is to say, the knowledge of those who do not know: either because they are children or African, because they are marginalized by adult-centrism, or because they are made invisible by Eurocentrism. Both the theoretical framework of sociology of childhood and the scope of postcolonial theories share the assumptions of reflexivity, collaboration and participation, which are also incorporated in the use of visual methodologies. Thus, this paper employs photographic records to disclose the knowledge of the children from São Tomé and Príncipe’s, and their provocative questions: the normalization of the children’s games and the assessment of the game itself; the preservation of the relationship between children and nature as their privileged stage of play; and finally the promotion of meaningful relationships with children, acknowledging their ludic cultures.