THE AFRICAN ORIGIN OF CULTURE
The earliest evidence of symbolic thought and complex social behavior, precursors to culture as we understand it, are found in Africa. Archaeological discoveries across the continent reveal sophisticated toolmaking traditions dating back millions of years, indicating early forms of knowledge transmission and innovation (Scerri et al., 2021). Additionally, the emergence of Homo sapiens in Africa and their subsequent migrations across the globe suggest that the very capacity for culture, for creating shared meanings and practices, originated on the continent (Henshilwood & Marean, 2023). Contemporary African scholars emphasize this deep history, challenging Eurocentric narratives that often place the origins of complex culture elsewhere (Chirikure, 2020).
Spirituality and cosmology, central tenets of culture, have deep roots in African traditions. Ancient African societies developed intricate belief systems, often characterized by a deep connection to nature, ancestor veneration, and holistic understandings of the universe (Imafidon, 2022). These spiritual frameworks provided ethical guidelines, social cohesion, and artistic expression. Modern African philosophers and theologians continue to explore and articulate the richness and relevance of these indigenous knowledge systems in a contemporary context (Gbadegesin, 2023). Their work highlights the sophisticated metaphysical concepts inherent in African thought, countering colonial-era dismissals of these systems as primitive.
Artistic expression, in its myriad forms, is another area where Africa’s foundational role is evident. From the intricate rock paintings of the Sahara and Southern Africa, some dating back millennia, to the sophisticated bronze castings of Ife and Benin, the continent boasts a long and diverse artistic heritage (Ogundiran, 2020). Music, dance, and oral literature have also served as vital forms of communication, social commentary, and cultural transmission for countless African societies (Ntarangwi, 2022). Contemporary African artists and scholars are reclaiming and reinterpreting these traditions, demonstrating their continued vitality and influence on global artistic movements (Mbue, 2023).
Technological innovation, often narrowly defined by Western industrialization, also has deep African roots. Early advancements in metallurgy, agriculture, and hydraulic engineering on the continent demonstrate a long history of human ingenuity in adapting to and shaping the environment (Chirikure, 2020). The sophisticated knowledge systems embedded in traditional African farming practices, medicinal knowledge, and ecological understanding continue to hold relevance in the face of modern challenges (Mavhunga, 2023). African scholars are increasingly highlighting these indigenous technologies and their potential for sustainable development.
Selected references
Gbadegesin, S. (2023). African Philosophy and the Decolonial Turn: Recasting the Human. In The Palgrave Handbook of African Philosophy (pp. 1-22). Palgrave Macmillan.
Henshilwood, C. S., & Marean, C. W. (2023). The Origin of Modern Human Behavior: A Review and Critique of Models and Test Implications. Journal of Human Evolution, 174, 103296.
Mbue, I. N. (2023). Re-membering the Body: African Dance as Epistemological Praxis. Journal of Black Studies, 54(1), 28-49.
Ntarangwi, M. (2022). The Street is My Pulpit: Hip Hop and Christianity in Kenya. University of Illinois Press.
Scerri, E. M. L., Chikhi, L., & Thomas, M. G. (2021). Beyond Multiregional and Simple Out-of-Africa Models of Human Evolution. Nature Ecology & Evolution, 5(7), 1-13.
