12 month Calendar, Afrika's gift to the world

It is estimated that, as early as 300 BC, the Borana/Oromo people of the upper Nile, in today's Ethiopia, had a highly advanced 12 month calendar, based on a sophisticated system of astronomy. The ability to create and interpret the calendar was the domain of specialists known as the Ayantu.  See links below:

 http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Oromo_people

http://ardajila.com/?page_id=561

Awori Achoka


awori.achoka@gmail.com

Afrika, a youthful hidtorical continent

A draft concept note articulating the vision and purpose of a proposed African Youth Caravan to commemorate the 50th anniversary  of the African Union (AU),  in May 2014,describes Afrika as the "most youthful continent in the world". The AU states that at least 60 per cent of the  continent's one billion population is between the ages of 15 and 35. 

However, the document, like many contemporary documents on the continent's present and future, fail to mention or event refer to Afrika's rich historical and cultural heritage. A picture is created of this wonderful youthful continent--that has seemingly "dropped" from the sky---no history, no culture.

We call on those behind the wonderful idea of an Afrikan Youth Caravan, to include as a matter of priority, exhibitions, discussions and talks  on the continent's history and cultural heritage.

Viva Afrika!

Steal her genes through forced enslavement; throw strange germs and diseases at her; use the gun and deceit to rob her of her nationhood and resources; rob her of her history, religion and heritage---the mother continent survives. Why? Because of the indestructible power that lies in her diversity. Long live, mother Afrika!

A heritage of world beaters

The world's elite sporting events---are turning out to be nothing but a display of the prowess and depth of Afrika's sporting heritage. Watching the Afro-heritage line up of world conquering female athletes, during the women's 100 meters finals in Moscow--was a jaw dropping experience.  

Afrika should reclaim the Nile Heritage

Let us get it right. Human civilization (the Garden of Eden if you wish) began at the source of the Nile, it grew, developed and spread along the Nile basin up to the river's delta at its mouth on the shores of the Mediterranean Sea. What is referred to as Egypt, in ancient history essentially refers to the land of the Nile. It is important to note that, in ancient Africa, regions and distant lands, were identified or defined by their geographical features or the type of peoples who occupied those lands.

The term Egyptians just like Hebrews, does not denote a particular tribal group---but a people of who owe their ancestry to the Nile Basin (my own definition). These were peoples from differing ethno-cultural backgrounds and civilizations---but who traded, intermarried and competed for political power within the spheres of influence along the River's Basin. This intercultural dynamism, took place in the zone along the River's basin, from her source in East Africa to her Mouth in the North.

Just as Nubian cultures of the Nile influenced their Neighbors in bordering lands, beyond the Mediterranean Sea, so did those cultures also influence the civilizations of the region.

How will modern Afrika rediscover, re-evaluate, re-value and reclaim, her Nile heritage? We have to begin by mounting continuous scientific, historical and expeditions---from the source to the Mouth of the river.  

A philosophy of based on the meaning of life and the search for truth

African wisdom profoundly revolves around deep soul searching discourses among the sages in a society in search of truth and the meaning of reality.

Among the DOGON people of Mali, discourse of phenomena and events in the society is so important, that in every village a 'Togu Na' - 'House of Words' is built. The Togu Na is the center for intellectual discourse and social meeting point for the men of each village. The house is built with a low ceiling, supported by carved or sculptured posts, to prevent heated arguments from turning into physical confrontations. So, while inside--you can only remain seated, listen and participate in the discussion.

How Nubia (Africa) civilised the world.

Modern Law is often referred to as Judeo-Christian--based on its Judaic origins. But what is forgotten or never mentioned is that when (according to Bibilical accounts), Moses laid down the 10 commandments upon which this law is derived, the Jews or followers of Judaism--had come out 400 years of exile in Nubia.

During that time the successive generations of the Hebrew speaking peoples, acquired and were tutored in traditions, laws, philosophies and religious beliefs, of the Afro-Nubian civilizations.These traditions and philosophies formed the basis of what later came to be known as Judaism. In a nutshell Africa, gave the world its leading religious philosophies.

But just in case you still doubt the role Africa has contributed to world religion, what is considered to be the world's oldest religious site was recently discovered by archeologists in the Kalahari. The site is estimated to be 70,000 years old.

Just to demonstrate the depth and scale of how Africa has shaped world history and civilisation, here is a sample of modern technologies and practices that owe their origin to ancient Nubia:

1.Wine and wine making

2. Brewing technology

3. Coffee brewing

4. Mathematics

5. Astronomy--the astronomical knowledge of the DOGON people of Mali, is one of the most advanced ever among modern humans.

6. The modern 365 day calendar.

7. Day, hour measurements using a water clock

8. Hieroglyphics - the earliest known writing.

9. Black Ink

10. Paper manufactured from the fibers of the papyrus plant.

11. Population census

11. A Postal system and the use of Carrier pigeons

12. Cartography

13. Architecture and building technnology

14. The Pyramids

15. Rowed Ships

Dhows/ Sail boats and ships

The Navy

Mortar and cement

brick making

Construction of Arched ceilings

Irrigation systems

Obelisks

Man-made canals

Rope from hemp

Surveying techniques

Tunnelling techniques

Metalurgy--iron works, copper and tin mines

Development of Bronze by mixing tin and copper

Construction and use of copper piping

Metal tools for farming, hunting and weaponry

Jewelry

The flute
The Lyre -

The Clarinet

Trumpet

Ox-Drawn Ploughs

Sickle blades


Domestication of Cattle and the Donkey

Beekeeping


Knowledge of human anatomy

Surgical instruments

Surgical techniques

Medical specialisation

Medicines for various ailments

The Comb

Use of a hot hair straightening comb

Henna for nail paint and hair coloring

Scissors

Wigs

Cosmetics including eye makeup

Perfumery

Dental health tools--Toothbrush and toothpaste

Linen produced from flax

Textile looms

Dye making

Sandals

This list is only a synopsis the breath and scale endogenous Nubian innovations can not be exhausted here, but it gives one the depth and value of the heritage.


awori.achoka@gmail.com