Precolonial African Material Culture: Combatting Stereotypes of Technological Backwardness

The idea of technological backwardness in early sub-Saharan Africa is a persistent myth, but recent research and social, political, and cultural consciousness transformations challenge this myth. V. Tarikhu Farrar's book Precolonial African Material Culture explores the ways that indigenous African technologies have influenced the world beyond the African continent.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 318 pages
Publication date: 20 July 2021
Publisher: Lexington Books

The notion that technology and material culture in early Sub-Saharan Africa were inherently backward has been a persistent and tenacious myth in the scholarly and popular imagination. However, in recent decades, the stridency of this myth has weakened due to the emergence of the field of African studies and the increase in historical and archaeological research. Moreover, the overtly racist content of arguments used to defend it has tended to disappear.

More significant, however, have been transformations in social, political, and cultural consciousness that have reshaped conceptualizations of African peoples, their histories, and their cultures. One significant challenge to the myth of technological backwardness comes from Precolonial African Material Culture. V. Tarikhu Farrar revisits the early technology of sub-Saharan Africa as revealed by recent research and reconsiders long-possessed primary historical sources. He then explores the ways that indigenous African technologies have influenced the world beyond the African continent.

The book offers a comprehensive examination of the technological advancements and innovations made by precolonial African societies. Farrar highlights the rich and diverse range of technologies employed by these societies, including agriculture, metallurgy, pottery, and textiles. He demonstrates how these technologies were developed and utilized to support complex social structures, economic systems, and cultural practices.

One of the key arguments made by Farrar is that precolonial African societies were not technologically backward but rather had developed sophisticated technologies that were tailored to their specific needs and environments. For example, the iron smelting technology developed by the Benin Empire was highly efficient and allowed for the production of high-quality iron tools and weapons. This technology was not only used in Benin but also spread to other parts of West Africa and beyond, influencing the development of metallurgy in other regions.

Similarly, the agricultural practices of the Nok culture in Nigeria were highly productive and sustainable, relying on a combination of traditional knowledge and modern technologies. The Nok used irrigation systems, crop rotation, and soil management techniques to ensure a reliable food supply and promote economic growth. These practices were later adopted by other African societies and had a significant impact on the development of agriculture in the region.

In addition to its examination of technological advancements, Precolonial African Material Culture also explores the ways in which indigenous African technologies have influenced the world beyond the African continent. Farrar notes that many of the technologies developed by precolonial African societies, such as the use of herbal medicine, were later adopted by Western medicine and have contributed to the development of modern healthcare systems.

Furthermore, the book highlights the cultural and artistic contributions of precolonial African societies. Farrar discusses the rich and diverse range of artistic traditions, including sculpture, pottery, and textiles, that were produced by these societies. He demonstrates how these artistic traditions were used to express cultural identity, preserve cultural knowledge, and communicate with others.

Overall, Precolonial African Material Culture offers a thorough challenge to the myth of technological backwardness in early Sub-Saharan Africa. By revisiting the early technology of these societies and exploring the ways in which they influenced the world beyond the African continent, the book provides a valuable contribution to our understanding of African history and culture. It demonstrates that precolonial African societies were not technologically backward but rather had developed sophisticated technologies that were tailored to their specific needs and environments. Moreover, the book highlights the cultural and artistic contributions of these societies, which continue to be celebrated and appreciated today.

Weight: 476g
Dimension: 217 x 154 x 23 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781793606440