Africa: Archaeology Has Evolved - Four Eras of Understanding Africa's Past
[The Conversation Africa] What is the past? It may seem a simple question to answer, but it is more complex than we might think at first. As science, politics, technologies and ways of thinking change, so does our understanding of what went before.
Archaeology, a discipline that examines human history through the analysis of artifacts and structures, has evolved significantly in Africa over the past few centuries. Tim Forssman, an archaeologist who has conducted research in several African countries, has divided the history of archaeology in Africa into four distinct phases.
The early years of African archaeology began in the late 1800s during the colonial era when European nations were rapidly establishing colonies across the continent. Archaeological work during this period was primarily based on collections of artifacts with little in-depth analysis. Most of the research was carried out by individuals from various backgrounds such as museums employees, missionaries, administrators, and travelers, rather than trained specialists.
The emergence of archaeology as a discipline in Africa occurred in the early 20th century. This period saw a shift towards more robust analytical approaches, but archaeology was still influenced by colonial perceptions of Africa's history. During this time, bogus notions, such as the legend of Atlantis in West Africa or the Hamitic people bringing advanced technology to large parts of Africa, persisted.
The second world war marked a technological leap for archaeology. New methods such as radiocarbon dating emerged, fundamentally changing the approach to archaeological research. Bernard Fagg, a colonial chief inspector of mines in Nigeria, was one of the early adopters of radiocarbon dating. He discovered finely crafted terracotta heads on the Jos Plateau, which were dated to over 2,000 years old, challenging the colonial view that complex civilizations emerged later in West Africa.
The third phase of African archaeology, known as the diaspora of archaeology, began in the 1960s. This phase marked a shift towards involving local communities in research, either as workers or by offering information and knowledge. This change represented a significant departure from the traditional approach, giving agency to Africans and shifting the focus of archaeological frameworks.
The current phase in African archaeology is the diaspora across Africa. This phase reflects the changing contexts, approaches, and technologies in the field. As societal, technological, economic, and political contexts evolve, our understanding of the past also shifts. Archaeology plays a crucial role in modern Africa, contributing to social harmony, spiritual and mental well-being, sustainable job creation, and promoting local and indigenous ways of knowing.
However, much of Africa's heritage is currently at risk due to looting, crime, conflict, and climate change. Archaeology is essential in preserving the past and identifying methods to protect and promote Africa's rich history.
Written by urgent.news from AllAfrica's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
