posted
Ghana: Why Ghanaians Need to Know Their History
Public Agenda (Accra)
OPINION 1 February 2008 Posted to the web 1 February 2008
Dr. Kwame Osei
"A people without knowledge of their own history, culture and identity are a lost people. They are like lifeless leaves that drift aimlessly with neither direction nor destiny over the ocean of time." (Makgabuka K Kola)
"A people without knowledge of their history is like a tree without roots" (Hon. Marcus Mosiah Garvey).
The above quotations underline the importance and significance of celebrating the immense contribution that Afrikan people have made to human civilization and culture.
February is Afrikan History month and events have been planned for the whole of February to educate, inform and enlighten Ghanaian people of the rich historical legacy that Afrikan people and their descendants have given to the world.
Throughout February my group the Afrikan Conscious Study Group will be holding special presentations every Sunday at 4.30pm at the Dubois centre and will be hosting a one hour Afrikan history radio programme on VIBE FM between 9am and 10am every Friday in February. For more details please call 024 698 4635.
I would strongly encourage every Ghanaian to go to the Dubois centre and attend the events plus tune in into VIBE FM for the Afrikan history radio shows.
Black History - which is effect Afrikan history, is the world's best kept secret. It is important to recognize at this juncture that the history of Afrikan people has in the main been written by White/European people who due to their own prejudice have been loathed to tell the true history of Afrikan people.
Many Ghanaian people today, even African descendants, are unaware of this immense contribution. This is even so for Ghanaian children who know next to nothing of their Afrikan history.
This is primarily because of the Eurocentric education system that is prevalent in Ghana. This leaves many Ghanaians to wrongly assume that white people or Obroni has invented everything and that Afrikan/Ghanaian people are not capable of inventing anything.
This of course is complete nonsense for it has been proven beyond all doubt with DNA and anthropological evidence and Europeans themselves admit this, that Afrikan people were the first known humans to inhabit the earth and that civilization and culture began in Afrika.
Chemistry, physics, mathematics, medicine, science, architecture, astronomy, technology, forms of communication, agriculture, and commerce were all established by the ancient Egyptians - and the civilization of Ancient Egypt was an Afrikan Black civilization. By the way the Akan people of Ghana ARE the direct descendants of the ancient Egyptians.
Some of the most creative inventions that have revolutionized the world we live in for example, the telephone, the mobile phone, the PC, the light bulb, the railway system, the traffic lights, the internet etc. were all invented by Afrikan descendants - I have the dates and the patent numbers of these inventions and many more to prove this.
The hiding of Afrikan history from the world has been maintained by European historians, Egyptologists, anthropologist and theologians who wish to perpetuate the myth that before the European invasion, Afrika had been a 'dark' continent of savages living in primitive jungles with other animals and that Afrikans were without industry, religion, spirituality and even without the capacity of reason.
This has also been fostered by a Euro-centric worldwide education system and a control of the information via the cable and satellite media to the masses of the people.
It is precisely because of this gross mis-representation of Afrikan history that the late great African-American Historian Dr Carter G Woodson (December 1875 - April 1950) first initiated Black History Month in the United States. He strongly believed that black history - which others have tried so carefully to erase from the annals of human history - is a firm foundation for young black people to build on in order to become productive citizens of our society.
Known as the "Father of Black History", Carter G Woodson holds an outstanding position in early 20th century American history. Woodson authored numerous scholarly books on the positive contributions of black people to the development of America. He also published many magazine articles analyzing the contributions to, and role of African-Americans.
He reached out to schools and the general public through the establishment of several key organizations and founded Negro History Week (the precursor to Afrikan History Month). His message was clear that people of Afrikan descent should be proud of their heritage and that other people should also understand it.
Woodson's best known work is The Mis-Education of the Negro, originally published in 1933 and still relevant today.
In the Mis-Education of the Negro Dr. Woodson said: "When you control a man's thinking you do not have to worry about his actions. You do have to tell him to stand here or go yonder. He will find his 'proper place' and will stay in it. You do not need to send him to the back door. He will go without being told. In fact, if there is no back door, he will cut one for his special benefit. His education makes it necessary."
The above quotation is so true when one sees the actions of our political elite who because of their own mis-education are quick to call European, Indian and Chinese 'consultants' to Ghana to 'solve' our problems not recognizing that only Ghanaians can solve their own problems.
Afrikan history can empower us as Ghanaian people to continue to make positive contributions to an unstable world.
It is therefore essential that Ghanaian people should know their history. History tells us where we have been, what we have been, where we are, where we still must go and what we still must be.
It is in this context that history, as the late great African-American historian Dr John Henrik Clarke states - becomes a clock that people can use to tell their time of day and a compass that the people use to find themselves and discover their identity on the map of human geography.
Thus history becomes the most powerful and effective means of cultural transmission, liberation, emancipation and a reliable means in the ability of the people into a state of self-awareness that leads to a re-discovery of ones inner-self, roots and identity.
It is through the teaching of history that Ghanaian people will come to realise and accept that like their forebears, they also have the ingenuity, power and ability to continue with the making of positive contributions to the welfare of the society.
It is within this context that the study of Afrikan history from an Afrikan dynamic is to enlighten the Ghanaian and Afrikan descendants throughout the world, to the truth of the history of humanity without prejudice and distortions.
As a result of this Afrikan and Ghanaian people will be equipped with and encouraged by the knowledge and assurance that they belong to a people whose contribution to science, medicine, architecture, chemistry, physics, astronomy, religion, philosophy and commerce have become major assets in the advancement of human civilization from ancient to modern times.
One such is example is the Harakuti (The Great Pyramid)) in Chem (Giza) by Per-Ao Khufu. This was the tallest building in the world up until the early 20th century.
The right-angles have been measured with laser and the 'inaccuracy' is not even half a minute of a degree at 90 degrees. The Harakuti is over 4,000 years old and is situated in an area that is earthquake prone.
The structure was built with 2.3 million stones that were dressed and put together without mortar with each stone weighing an average of 2.5 tons. This structure is over 480ft high with a base that covers 13.1 acres. To this day no-one has been able to determine how Afrikans built this great feat of architecture!! - Not even the Japanese whose Nikon corporation sponsored attempt to replicate the pyramids failed spectacularly.
The French aristocrat Count C F Volney in his book Ruins of Empire wrote about the significant contribution to humanity that Afrikan people have made - he said: "There are a people now forgotten, discovered while others were yet barbarians, the elements of the arts and sciences. A race of men now rejected from society for their sable/dark skin and woolly hair founded on the study of the laws of nature those civil and religious systems which govern the universe."
History should not be hidden under the cloak of racism and prejudice. Truth is bound to be the final victor irrespective of all the desperate attempts by the Europeans and their cohorts to distort, hide or destroy Afrikan peoples' achievements.
Ghanaians, Afrikans on the continent and in the Diaspora must continue to make their positive contributions and impact on world affairs as champions and teachers in the preservation of human values, justice and peace in a world that has lost its human ethics, spirituality and morality.
As Malcolm X once said, black people must:
"Recapture our heritage and our identity if we are ever to liberate ourselves from the chains of mental slavery. We must launch a cultural revolution to unbrainwash an entire people as culture is an indispensable weapon in the freedom struggle. We must take hold of it and forge the future."
posted
So what are the points of Ghanaian history that we should be remembering? I am aware that West Africa has had many great civilizations, but nothing about them was mentioned here.
Posts: 8891 | Registered: May 2005
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posted
Gnanaians are not descendants of the ancient Egyptians. Why is it that every great West African people have to be their descendants? first Nigerians like the Yoruba and the Igbo. Then the Kuba people of Central Africa. Wolofs. Even the Dogon. Now Ghanaians.
Posts: 603 | From: Mobile, Alabama | Registered: Jan 2007
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posted
^^Indeed. This is why "afrocentrism" (which has become a pejoritive) is often not taken seriously today lol. In many respects the emphasis must be removed from entirely ancient egypt and other areas of africa should be focused on,such as coastal swahili city-states or the west african savannah. Especially if they are geographically relevant, such as mali/burkina faso to the medieval songhai/mali states.
And I wish people stop using "empire" in the context of african complex societies lol. It is annoyingly cliched and sometimes inaccurate depiction of african civilisations. Some societies displayed nothing close to what europe would call an "empire". "Federation" is is more of an apt term.
-------------------- Dont be evil - Google Posts: 426 | From: Cali-for-nia | Registered: Jan 2006
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quote: This is why "afrocentrism" (which has become a pejoritive) is often not taken seriously today
Afrocentrism is a Social Science which is taken Seriously, In fact serious enough for Amateurs to attack it like Mary Lefkowitz
Posts: 567 | From: USA | Registered: Nov 2005
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First, I agree that this nonsense like ancient West African kingdoms claiming descent from Egyptians is among the several main reasons why 'Afrocentrism' is not taken seriously in academia. It all goes back to the diffusion myths that whenever an advanced culture is found its roots must be attributed to elsewhere instead of the local people. Yes the ancient Egyptians were black Africans but that doesn't mean every sophisticated black African culture must be in someway derived from Egypt.
Another thing is the way 'Afrocentrism' itself is viewed. Afrocentrism is what the term means that is centered around Africa. This need not mean focus on Egypt or Egyptocentrim, let alone African supremacy. In the way that Eurocentrism does not necessarily mean European supremacy or focus on Greece!
And lastly, the whole idea of black history or African history being celebrated on a one month basis is something that I do not like at all and am very disturbed by it. The fact that they now have an Asian and Pacific American month has pissed me off even more. Why isn't there a white or European history month?? Answer: because white or European history is not so easily reduced or trivialized the same way the history of non-white non-European peoples are! I say we must put an end to such nonsense and put the the histories of non-white peoples into mainstream history as you cannot segregate a peoples' history! African and Asians have played a significant and even more significant role in world history than have whites so this reduction or trivializing of non-white history into certain months must end!
Posts: 26243 | From: Atlanta, Georgia, USA | Registered: Feb 2005
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posted
Actually, there are Africans who claim that they received influence from ancient Egypt. The idea is not far fetched as the ancient cultures of the Sahara were one link between the two rivers cultures along with with the now extinct branch of the Nile that flowed through Chad. There is no doubt if one looks at the material artifacts that Egypt has had an influence on Africa as much as anywhere else. As an example, when I was doing some research on bead making in Africa, there were people in West and Central Africa who claimed that the Egyptians taught them some of their bead making skills. This is not a completely far fetched idea, as Egyptian glass making influence many OTHER cultures outside of Africa. Another example of such influence is the fact that many writers state that after the Muslim invasions of Northern Africa, many of the peoples there dressed like Egyptians. Not only that, but many of the traditions that were to be the spark behind Islamic Spain and Islamic North Africa also came from Egypt. But the issue here is the idea of whether this means that west Africa is "descended" from ancient Egypt. The answer is no.
West African culture does indeed show cultural characteristics that possibly show influence and contact with Egypt. These characteristics could also simply be the result of a common African origin for both Egypt and other African cultures. So one should not rule out the possibility of influence or even contact with Egypt and other parts of Africa. Even if there wasn't direct contact, many aspects of Egyptian culture did indeed influence other Africans, whether directly or not. Egypt did not exist in a vacuum so one should not be shocked to find traces of Egyptian cultural elements elsewhere in Africa just as one shouldn't be shocked to find traces of cultural elements from elsewhere in Africa in Egypt.
But the key here is cultural continuity within an African frame of reference. It shouldn't be about trying to make everyone a descendant of the ancient Egyptians. If anyone looks at the processions and festivals of Western Africa, you will see many elements of African culture that was also found in Egypt. The point is to STUDY more African culture across Africa to learn how Egypt was INDEED African and the richness and depth of African culture and history OUTSIDE of Egypt.
In fact, there is much African continuity across Africa that can be observed once someone gets deep into the history and culture of Africa. I once remember reading about an ancient Aghlabid fortress city that was destroyed in Medieval times, where they found a staff that looked no different than many of the falcon headed staffs carried in West Africa and elsewhere. There were also other artifacts that had many of the motifs found elsewhere in Africa. The point is to study and find the facts in order to tie these threads and cultures together.
Some areas that would provide insight into the cross continental aspects of African culture:
1: The technology of warfare and the spread of horse warfare across Africa, possibly from Egypt (Many cultures along the Nile and into central and western Africa seem to have picked up some of the traditions of cavalry seen often in ancient Egypt).
2: Bead making and the technology of glass beads across Africa, possibly influenced by or originating in Egypt (beads and jewelry in ancient Egypt have many similarities to jewelry found elswhere in Africa, especially jewelry that has a counterweight down the back like a menat).
3: Textile traditions across Africa, again possibly influenced by Egypt (many African women wear traditional tight fitting dress styles that are highly reminiscent of those from ancient Egypt, not to mention the styles of Ethiopian dress.)
4: Priesthoods and religious rituals across Africa, with the same possibility of influence or origin in Egypt (some traditions of the various cultures in West Africa include the wearing of simple white wraps or toga like costumes very similar to those found in Egypt)
And many, many more....
Posts: 8891 | Registered: May 2005
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posted
But there is also the very distinct possibility that cultural similarities between African peoples and the AEs/Kushites derive from a pre-pharonic culture core that was in existence before the more recent treks from Central East Africa westwards and southwards. The French cultural anthropologist Henri(?) Lhoti made this point many years ago.
Consider as a similar hypothesis the Bantu expansion--mainly culture but with some migrations-- from Central Africa to Southern and South Eastern Africa.
Posts: 5492 | Registered: Nov 2004
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And lastly, the whole idea of black history or African history being celebrated on a one month basis is something that I do not like at all and am very disturbed by it. The fact that they now have an Asian and Pacific American month has pissed me off even more. Why isn't there a white or European history month?? Answer: because white or European history is not so easily reduced or trivialized the same way the history of non-white non-European peoples are! I say we must put an end to such nonsense and put the the histories of non-white peoples into mainstream history as you cannot segregate a peoples' history! African and Asians have played a significant and even more significant role in world history than have whites so this reduction or trivializing of non-white history into certain months must end!
Yup.
quote:Mmkay:
this is why "Afrocentrism"
I agree that an Africanist's credibility is very crucial.
However, the majority of times I see it [Afrocentrist] used, it's used as an ad-hominem/pejorative, immature, irrelavant, intellectually shallow, side-show distractionary term.
After the use of which, red-herring arguments are almost sure to follow. The sheer fact that relegation to "Afrocentrist" is often reserved for:
anything or anyone that asserts to a certain degree, either directly or indirectly, that what can be called "blacks", were responsable for any notable event in history
or other times reserved for:
someone who even holds that blacks were other than slaves,
just goes to show you how BIASED the world we live in really is.
Although we need to differentiate between our view and the Afrocentric extremist view, and clarify that we are more thruth-centric, we also need to remind everyone not to assume that what they assume to be true is often the result of bias, that way they can at least try to come up with a rationalization for their views, and in the process end up taking a look at theirselves and the REASONS behind their views.
The problem is too many assume what's "mainstream" to be un-biased, and whatever's not, to be biased, and whatever's Eurocentric is mostly mainstream, and so there is no "Eurocentric" in the 'pejorative' sense.
quote:The problem is too many assume what's "mainstream" to be un-biased, and whatever's not, to be biased, and whatever's Eurocentric is mostly mainstream, and so there is no "Eurocentric" in the 'pejorative' sense.
^^Very well put and right on target. Often
times "afrocentrists" finds themselves and tehir
positions to be on the defensive, because of the
assumed authority of the eurocentric worldview,
i.e.,---> the current establishment.
We as africanists and correctors of historical
distortion (sometimes pejoritavely
called "revisionsists"), should do our part in
educating and informing people of the truth and
its not neccessary to carry any shrill or
divisive tones in relating the facts, simply
stating them objectively. That is the truth.
Posts: 426 | From: Cali-for-nia | Registered: Jan 2006
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quote:Originally posted by Doug M: Actually, there are Africans who claim that they received influence from ancient Egypt. The idea is not far fetched as the ancient cultures of the Sahara were one link between the two rivers cultures along with with the now extinct branch of the Nile that flowed through Chad. There is no doubt if one looks at the material artifacts that Egypt has had an influence on Africa as much as anywhere else. As an example, when I was doing some research on bead making in Africa, there were people in West and Central Africa who claimed that the Egyptians taught them some of their bead making skills. This is not a completely far fetched idea, as Egyptian glass making influence many OTHER cultures outside of Africa. Another example of such influence is the fact that many writers state that after the Muslim invasions of Northern Africa, many of the peoples there dressed like Egyptians. Not only that, but many of the traditions that were to be the spark behind Islamic Spain and Islamic North Africa also came from Egypt. But the issue here is the idea of whether this means that west Africa is "descended" from ancient Egypt. The answer is no.
West African culture does indeed show cultural characteristics that possibly show influence and contact with Egypt. These characteristics could also simply be the result of a common African origin for both Egypt and other African cultures. So one should not rule out the possibility of influence or even contact with Egypt and other parts of Africa. Even if there wasn't direct contact, many aspects of Egyptian culture did indeed influence other Africans, whether directly or not. Egypt did not exist in a vacuum so one should not be shocked to find traces of Egyptian cultural elements elsewhere in Africa just as one shouldn't be shocked to find traces of cultural elements from elsewhere in Africa in Egypt.
But the key here is cultural continuity within an African frame of reference. It shouldn't be about trying to make everyone a descendant of the ancient Egyptians. If anyone looks at the processions and festivals of Western Africa, you will see many elements of African culture that was also found in Egypt. The point is to STUDY more African culture across Africa to learn how Egypt was INDEED African and the richness and depth of African culture and history OUTSIDE of Egypt.
In fact, there is much African continuity across Africa that can be observed once someone gets deep into the history and culture of Africa. I once remember reading about an ancient Aghlabid fortress city that was destroyed in Medieval times, where they found a staff that looked no different than many of the falcon headed staffs carried in West Africa and elsewhere. There were also other artifacts that had many of the motifs found elsewhere in Africa. The point is to study and find the facts in order to tie these threads and cultures together.
Some areas that would provide insight into the cross continental aspects of African culture:
1: The technology of warfare and the spread of horse warfare across Africa, possibly from Egypt (Many cultures along the Nile and into central and western Africa seem to have picked up some of the traditions of cavalry seen often in ancient Egypt).
2: Bead making and the technology of glass beads across Africa, possibly influenced by or originating in Egypt (beads and jewelry in ancient Egypt have many similarities to jewelry found elswhere in Africa, especially jewelry that has a counterweight down the back like a menat).
3: Textile traditions across Africa, again possibly influenced by Egypt (many African women wear traditional tight fitting dress styles that are highly reminiscent of those from ancient Egypt, not to mention the styles of Ethiopian dress.)
4: Priesthoods and religious rituals across Africa, with the same possibility of influence or origin in Egypt (some traditions of the various cultures in West Africa include the wearing of simple white wraps or toga like costumes very similar to those found in Egypt)
And many, many more....
Makes sense!!!
Posts: 8804 | From: The fear of his majesty had entered their hearts, they were powerless | Registered: Nov 2007
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Read this first! An overlooked African Civilization:
The splendid Africa with it's wealth of culture, knowledge and resources has played the GREATEST role in the built,formation,culture and life of the most today's civilizations and societies worldwide. If depriving African from their sources, resources and culture has been practiced for centuries, it is high time to stop it.. There was more than one Great African Civilization, the Nubian is the Greatest African Civilization. It has been recently recognized as a rival to the other Great African Civilization of Egypt. Both are African ,one got more publicity (Egyptian) and the second (Nubian ) has been overlooked in favor of the other . Egyptians are not to be blamed for this. They had a great Old Civilization and with their enormous media sources (compared to others) they promoted their own Old Egyptian civilization despite that part of lower Nubia lies in Today's Egypt and some few thousands of Nubian live in Egypt.. Nubian Civilization had been always a rival and a 'bugging' neighbor to the Old Egyptian. So there is no logic to expect Egyptians to promote such a civilization. Add to this that some parties wanted to classify Egypt ethnically as a non-African (non-black) as they didn't like the idea of Black Africa being a first run in all world civilization. It is the role of Sudan which had been the Homeland of the Nubian Civilization to tackle the responsibility of promoting Nubian Civilization. Africans have to contribute positively in promoting one of their greatest civilizations which had been overlooked for centuries. This will help all Africans to prove to the world that they had several great civilizations which had contributed positively to the human culture as a whole.
Nubians are Africans but All Africans are not Nubian:
Nubian are not Cyper-isolated! The way Nubia had dominated the world civilization for centuries as 'The Greatest African Civilization' has encouraged several 'netters' -who admires this Splendid African Culture, as well as these who are proud being African or from African origin (African Disapora)- to establish an Internet presence with 'Nubia' or'Nubian' associated with the names of their Web Sites and homepages...That's Great! and seems to be a kind of recognition to a civilization unjustifiably overlooked for centuries. However most of the authors and webmasters of these sites and pages do not seem to know enough about Nubia or Nubian. All African are not Nubian , but African are Nubian, Egyptian, Exumites,Arabs and several other cultures and ethnical groups coexisting in a very genuine harmony. Nubian is one of these cultures. There are few hundred thousands of Nubian still in the world (in Sudan and Egypt) and they have their own heritage ,music,dances and language . These Nubians are easily recognizable where they live now (Sudan or Egypt).
However the emphasis on one single African Civilization for centuries was not in favor of Africans and the whole world, since there are other great African civilizations who played a noticeable role in human culture. The huge African Continent is a multi-racial land, there are several races with great tribal heritage and culture. Now what we see on the Internet from several webmasters and Homepage authors who try to relate everything African or Black to Nubian only , is another sort of emphasis on a single civilization and overlooking other African civilizations in favor of Nubian..This way we shall be committing the same mistake others did when they overlooked Nubian in favor of Egyptian.. Let scientific approach be our way to promote Nubian and all other African Civilizations and Culture.
The main goal of my Home Page is to provide hyperlinks and pointers to all informative Web and other Resources on Nubia, as well as to shed light on some aspects which are not covered by these links
Promoting this overlooked Nubian Civilization is required based on facts and archaeological findings and not just emotions and excitement. True and reliable information on Nubia and Nubian is what this homepage is looking after.....
Be with us!!! Nubian...Afro-Arabs...African ...African-American ... African Disapora...!
my-comments. there are about 1 million nubians in egypt and about 2 million in the sudan and the rest are arabized nubians who out number the nubians speakers.
posted
'Nubia' was a term the Romans used for lands south of Egypt that they haven't conquered yet. Although we aren't sure of the etymology of the word we think it comes from the Egyptian word for gold (Nubt). Ironically the only place the Egyptians referred to with such a description was one of their own cities. Hence it is actually more accurate to say 'Nubia' is an Egyptian city! The Egyptians themselves have never used the term 'Nubia' let alone for lands south of them. The Egyptians were always specific about the different nations or peoples that lived to the south of them such as Wawat, Irem, Irtjet, Iaau, Setjau, Yam, Mazoi, Kush, etc. etc. Hence there were many groups of 'Nubians'.
Unfortunately Eurocentrics have exploited the term 'Nubia' to create a false dichotomy in the Nile Valley where 'Nubia' means southern black African neighbor of Egypt (like in National Geographic's latest fiasco). This dichotomy obscures the true black African identity of the Egyptians and creates a false racial dichotomy in the Nile Valley. Hence there is alot of confusion when the Egyptians defeated and conquered the Kushites (an enemy Nubian people) with help of the Medjay (an ally Nubian people).
The Medjay were valued soldiers and policemen in Egypt and were even featured in the first two 'Mummy' movies albeit as Arab-type people. Posts: 26243 | From: Atlanta, Georgia, USA | Registered: Feb 2005
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quote:Originally posted by Djehuti: 'Nubia' was a term the Romans used for lands south of Egypt that they haven't conquered yet. Although we aren't sure of the etymology of the word we think it comes from the Egyptian word for gold (Nubt). Ironically the only place the Egyptians referred to with such a description was one of their own cities. Hence it is actually more accurate to say 'Nubia' is an Egyptian city! The Egyptians themselves have never used the term 'Nubia' let alone for lands south of them. The Egyptians were always specific about the different nations or peoples that lived to the south of them such as Wawat, Irem, Irtjet, Iaau, Setjau, Yam, Mazoi, Kush, etc. etc. Hence there were many groups of 'Nubians'.
Unfortunately Eurocentrics have exploited the term 'Nubia' to create a false dichotomy in the Nile Valley where 'Nubia' means southern black African neighbor of Egypt (like in National Geographic's latest fiasco). This dichotomy obscures the true black African identity of the Egyptians and creates a false racial dichotomy in the Nile Valley. Hence there is alot of confusion when the Egyptians defeated and conquered the Kushites (an enemy Nubian people) with help of the Medjay (an ally Nubian people).
The Medjay were valued soldiers and policemen in Egypt and were even featured in the first two 'Mummy' movies albeit as Arab-type people.
Exactly, However I get confused with all the different cultures that existed in the South, also the article was great and the website.
Posts: 8804 | From: The fear of his majesty had entered their hearts, they were powerless | Registered: Nov 2007
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quote:Originally posted by Mmmkay: ^^Indeed. This is why "afrocentrism" (which has become a pejoritive) is often not taken seriously today lol. In many respects the emphasis must be removed from entirely ancient egypt and other areas of africa should be focused on,such as coastal swahili city-states or the west african savannah. Especially if they are geographically relevant, such as mali/burkina faso to the medieval songhai/mali states.
And I wish people stop using "empire" in the context of african complex societies lol. It is annoyingly cliched and sometimes inaccurate depiction of african civilisations. Some societies displayed nothing close to what europe would call an "empire". "Federation" is is more of an apt term.
I know I'm quite late on this one but....why must europe be the basis for what one would call an "empire"? Was Mali and its capital city of Djenne not an empire? Medieval Ghana? Medieval Gondar of Ethiopia? Mali was larger than any empire outside of Rome that ever existed ni Europe, including the British.
Why must you reference europe in this discussion at all?
For whomever holds these meetings/classes on African history. If it's full of people from Ghana, then no need to preach AE. Ghana and West Africa in general has enough history teach multiple full college courses.
Posts: 455 | From: Tharsis Montes | Registered: Jan 2009
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posted
Would Moorish-controlled Iberia qualify as a part of the "federation" of the Almoravid complex, or as part of the Almoravid "empire"?
What would fit Canaan; once a part of Kemetic "federation" or part of the Kemetic "empire"?
How about south Arabian territories once under Aksumite control; what would one call that?
Posts: 7516 | From: Somewhere on Earth | Registered: Jan 2008
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posted
What constitute a federation vs empire,I thought empire simply meant.one king ruling over many other kings,if that's the case then,yes most of those civilizations qualify as empires.About Kemites and other nile-valley folks going west and south,i am not so sure you can "phoo phoo"all of that to death,after all we berely started studing those civilizations indept,to really know everything about them much less how they came about in the first place.
Posts: 6546 | From: japan | Registered: Feb 2009
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