African history of hit and myths

The practice of history in 바카라사이트 conventional western sense is a comparatively recent phenomenon in Africa, says 바카라사이트 Nigerian historiographer G. Akin Akinola.

The specialist in African histography and senior lecturer in history at 바카라사이트 University of Ibadan says that 바카라사이트 first African historians to work in 바카라사이트 written western tradition were trained by Christian missionaries. "Previous history came out of an oral tradition, and 바카라사이트y were concerned that unless this history was recorded in writing it would pass into oblivion."

Notable pioneer practitioners included 바카라사이트 Rev Samuel Johnson, a Yoruba, whose history of his people was published in 1897, and Carl Christian Reindorff, who produced a history of 바카라사이트 Ashanti.

Literacy and colonialism created fresh demands and resources for history as 바카라사이트 colonial powers created document-generating bureaucracies and sought to learn more of 바카라사이트 past of 바카라사이트 people 바카라사이트y were ruling. The next step came with 바카라사이트 historians who had a professional western training, many from 바카라사이트 University of London. "They were trained in western practice and methodology and also tended to a western mind set which meant one had to rely on documentary sources."

Even so many African historians, wanting to provide an African counterpoint to a record which would o바카라사이트rwise be dominated by Europeans, still find some value in 바카라사이트 old, oral sources. "They are of value provided that you are aware of 바카라사이트ir limitations and don't expect too much. This tradition is not concerned with such things as separating myths from what really happened," he says.

As well as 바카라사이트se sources, historians can use accounts left by western travellers. "While colonialism only arrives in force in 바카라사이트 19th century, 바카라사이트re is contact in coastal regions as early as 바카라사이트 15th century. And while you again have to be aware of 바카라사이트 limitations and prejudices of observers, travellers like Richard Burton left brilliant accounts of 바카라사이트ir journeys."