Is there a distinct African historiography?
It has differentiated itself from other continental areas of historiography due to its multidisciplinary nature, as Africa’s unique and varied methods of recording history have resulted in a lack of an established set of historical works documenting events before European colonialism.
Is African history documented?
The history of Africa has tended to rely on written evidence. But Africans had their own particular system of recording past events, situations and traditions, before Europeans started writing about it. As a result, Non-African historians used written documentation to chart the history of the continent.
What were Africans called in ancient times?
Alkebulan
In Kemetic History of Afrika, Dr cheikh Anah Diop writes, “The ancient name of Africa was Alkebulan. Alkebu-lan “mother of mankind” or “garden of Eden”.” Alkebulan is the oldest and the only word of indigenous origin. It was used by the Moors, Nubians, Numidians, Khart-Haddans (Carthagenians), and Ethiopians.
What is colonial historiography?
The term ‘colonial historiography’ applies to (a) the histories of the countries colonised during their period of colonial rule, and (b) to the ideas and approaches commonly associated with historians who were or are characterised by a colonialist ideology.
What are the main sources of African history?
TYPES OR SOURCES OF AFRICAN HISTORY Some primary sources are written documents such as letters, diaries, newspaper and magazine articles, speeches, autobiographies, treatise, census data and marriage, birth and death registers. In addition, historians often examine primary sources that are not written.
What was Africa like before colonization?
At its peak, prior to European colonialism, it is estimated that Africa had up to 10,000 different states and autonomous groups with distinct languages and customs. From the late 15th century, Europeans joined the slave trade. They transported enslaved West, Central, and Southern Africans overseas.
Why Africa has no history?
According to this imperial historiography, Africa had no history and therefore the Africans were a people without history. They propagated the image of Africa as a ‘dark continent’. It was argued at the time that Africa had no history because history begins with writing and thus with the arrival of the Europeans.
Who Found Africa?
Portuguese explorer Prince Henry, known as the Navigator, was the first European to methodically explore Africa and the oceanic route to the Indies.
What is Africa’s real name?
Alkebulan. According to experts that research the history of the African continent, the original ancient name of Africa was Alkebulan. This name translates to “mother of mankind,” or according to other sources, “the garden of Eden.” Alkebulan is an extremely old word, and its origins are indigenous.
What is importance of historiography?
Historiography Importance First, it helps us understand why historical events have been interpreted so differently over time. Just as critically, historiography lets us study history with a critical eye. It helps us understand what biases may have shaped the historical period.
What is an example of historiography?
A historiography is a summary of the historical writings on a particular topic – the history of eugenics in America, or the history of epidemics, for example. If there have been major changes in the way a particular topic has been approached over time, the historiography identifies them.
What are the two main sources of African history?
TYPES OR SOURCES OF AFRICAN HISTORY Examples are works of art, films, recordings, items of clothing, household objects, tools and archeological remains. Oral sources (interviews) and eyewitness accounts can be used as primary sources.
How to write a general history of Africa?
The first section explores the epistemological, methodological and theoretical foundations of writing on the history of Africa and people of African descent in the twenty-first century. The second section reviews the content of the first eight published volumes of the General History of Africa.
Is there any history at all in Africa?
Africa has a rich and complex history but there is widespread ignorance of this heritage. A celebrated British historian once said there was only the history of Europeans in Africa. Zeinab Badawi has been asking what is behind this lack of knowledge and looking at the historical record for an African history series on BBC World News.
Who are the two main groups in African history?
Unfortunately, the history of Africa tended to focus on the activities of two groups, the Arabs and the Europeans in Africa.
Why did European Historians periodize the history of Africa?
With this mind-set, in creating what they called African History, the early Eurocentric historians periodized it in sequences as they thought fit and proper. Thus, periodization in African history tended to focus on events that coincided with the intrusive European explorers rather than events antedating them.
