#west african history

[panafrocore]

Exploring the Legacy and Influence of Cheikh Anta Diop: A Pivotal Figure in Academia

Cheikh Anta Diop was a multifaceted Senegalese scholar whose far-reaching work spanned the realms of history, anthropology, physics, and politics. He emerged as a prominent figure in the study of the origins of human civilization and pre-colonial African culture, asking pivotal questions about cultural bias in scientific research. His profound insights significantly contributed to the…

[cool-it-action]

pinned post; lets go.

essentially a blog where my personal experiences as a (first gen american) black queer person will be talked about through a lens of analyzation, as well as analyzing theory from those who came before me. thats the main purpose, anyway. will also probably get silly sometimes on here. what can i say; its in my nature.

antiblackness and my frustration with it will be a heavy topic here, and mentions of violence, both historical and present, will be mentioned quite a bit here. i will tag it as needed.

transmisogynoir will also be a topic here, and i'll be pulling from black trans women who are essayists, my own birds eye view of it as a black person, and lived experiences of black transfems who i know and love. mentions of violence from this will be properly tagged as well.

the tagging system will probably grow larger as we go along, but let me set out the baseline now:

#sign of my times - my own personal ramblings and vents through an analytical lens. theory will be drawn upon here, but it'll be applied to my own experiences.

#mental digest - analyses of the essays, books, and other such i've read.

#tales from the table - writing about the experiences of others, sometimes collaborating directly with them, sometimes not.

#point n' click - me analyzing antiblackness in media or spaces that were not dedicated to it or written by other black people, but still intrigue me. will be almost entirely my own thoughts on the piece.

#no place like - specifically studying theory, black, queer, or otherwise, from Ghana. it's where my family is from, and the situation over there at the moment for my queer family is dire. sometimes will be my own thoughts on it as well.

[lightdancer1]

Wrapped up the next book:

This book covers the history of the Empires of Ghana, Mali, and Songhai from an emphasis at both decolonization and an emphasis on a changing, not static African world and from the simple recognition that the written history of this part of the world is overwhelmingly an Islamic one and one written by peoples who had millennia-ancient Arab prejudices against the Zanj (aka Black) peoples of the Bilad al-Sudan. In the writings of the Islamic consensus the Bilad Al-Sudan was a realm of monsters and subhumans without a history, infidels who worshiped fell gods in sinister rites involving cannibalism, human sacrifices, and the pounding of drums in darkling woods. If this sounds like it could have been written by Lovecraft there's a reason for that.

This is not European racism, as the mark of descent is from the status of the father, not the mother, and because it's not rooted in science or pseudoscience, but in the concept of Allah/God the most merciful marking peoples by skin color in a category of superiority for the white people (aka Arabs and let this stand in turn as a commentary on later European white supremacy, a religious Islamic version of it already existed and Arabs and to a lesser degree some Amazigh were 'white' and therefore innately blessed with rationality, control of sexual impulses, and all the other things they said the Black people, the Sudani, did not have).

Now why does all this matter? Because under Ghana, Mali, and Songhai West Africa underwent a transformation from an ancient region of urbanized areas led by sacred kings and religions that worshiped many gods to the monotheistic Jihad-societies of Ghana and Songhai, with Mali in between and marking the point where the Islamic world went from the kind of syrupy condescension used for modern African states to actually taking African Muslims seriously.

Equally crucially this shaped the medieval Sahelian Ruling class's self-perception. It downplayed Blackness and demonized it in line with the tradition of Islamic history, it created the same artificial bullshit whereby European nobilities were somehow descended from Trojans or Roman Emperors with Yemeni and the Al-Qays tribes of Arabs. It also shaped the specific dynamic of West African Islam, that of Ghana (and the founder of the Songhai Empire, Sunni Ali), a heavily syncretic version but also that of Mali and Songhai at their height cosmopolitan and with a global ambition that shaped the Islamic world at its own heights.

In short, too, the African states that arose were not ancient traditional concepts, they were new creations charged with the self-serving mission of Jihad at the expense of pagans, and the fallen old empires were neatly redefined as pagan to suit their new successors, to boot. Their impact on the ethnogenesis and self-perception of Sahelian West Africa was very real and this book notes that the Griot traditions match up fairly closely with the Islamic written tradition and as such the dismissal of oral histories is, in actual fact, bullshit.

This book also notes that both the novelty and the scale of expansion created its own problems and its own weaknesses, and that the endemic inability of Islamic states to solve the succession problem in a way to simultaneously satisfy political and religious elites created major weaknesses and civil wars, with the endemic civil warfare prior to the Battle of Tondibi contributing at least as much to the final fall of the Songhai Empire as Tondibi itself did.

9/10.

[blumoonfiction-blog]

Fairy Tale 101: The Hausa Legend of Princess Yennega

“A people without the knowledge of their past history, origin, and culture is like a tree without roots.” – Marcus Garvey The tale of Princess Yennega is one of bravery, independence, and destiny. Known as the mother of the Mossi people, her story highlights themes of defiance, self-determination, and love. Unlike many princesses in traditional folklore, Yennega was a warrior—skilled in combat,…

[theredpharaoah]

Is there any pre-colonial West African drawing styles? I know about sculpting and textiles but I’m looking for drawing/painting specifically. Also y’all got any book suggestions for West African Vodun and Bakongo religion specifically?

[artifacts-and-arthropods]

Sculpture of a Woman with Four Children, from Mali, c.1100-1450 CE: this sculpture was created in the ancient city of Djenné-Djenno

Created during the 12th-15th centuries CE, this sculpture depicts a woman sitting cross-legged on the ground, with two children on her lap and two more clinging to her back. Scarification patterns are visible on the woman's temples, and there is a thick, undulating line running from her forehead to the nape of her neck, likely representing a serpent.

As this article explains:

Snakes on Inner Niger Delta sculptures are a common element and should be seen as a positive iconographic component. They represent control of a potentially dangerous benevolent power that must be tamed, domesticated, nourished, and satisfied so it will continue to provide protection.

This is one of the many terracotta sculptures that were produced in Djenné-Djenno, located in the Niger River Valley of Mali, in West Africa; Djenné-Djenno sits just to the south of the Medieval city of Djenné, which is still a major center of Islamic scholarship.

The ancient city of Djenné-Djenno dates back to at least 250 BCE, making it one of the oldest cities in West Africa. For centuries, it also served as one of the largest urban centers/trading hubs in the region, with a peak population of about 20,000 people. The city began to decline in the 9th century CE, when residents (and trade) began moving northward to the nearby city of Djenné, which had just recently been founded by Muslim traders. Djenné-Djenno was ultimately abandoned by the end of the 15th century.

Unfortunately (and unsurprisingly), most of the artifacts from Djenné-Djenno were looted or destroyed by colonizing forces during the 19th-20th centuries. Some of those artifacts have been repatriated in recent years, and there are ongoing efforts to return more of them.

Why Western museums should return African artifacts.

Sources & More Info:

Yale University Art Gallery: Female Figure with Four Children

World History Encyclopedia: Djenné-Djenno

Tribal Art: Scrofulous Sogolon (PDF)

ArtNews: Museum of Fine Arts Boston to Return Terra-Cotta Figures from Mali in Latest Restitution Efforts

CBS: African Nations Want their Stolen History Back, and Experts Say it's Time to Speed up the Process

Fair Observer: It is Now Time for the West to Return African Art

[katrinaftw44]

This is a colourization I did of a Senegalese woman wearing traditional dress. The original b+w was taken by Mama Casset.

This took 3 hours to colourize.

I got the original b+w from @vintageeveryday

[kaiyastarz]

Sayed

[yearningforunity]

Jamaican Obeah

Jamaican Obeah refers to the practice of Obeah, a spiritual and magical tradition rooted in West African and Caribbean cultures. Obeah has a significance presence in Jamaica and holds cultural and historical importance on the island. Obeah in Jamaica has its roots in the spiritual beliefs and practices brought to the Caribbean through the transatlantic slave trade. Enslaved Africans brought with them a rich tapestry of religious and spiritual traditions, and Obeah emerged as a distinct syncretic practice in Jamaica. Individuals who practice Obeah are often referred to as "Obeah men" or "Obeah women". These practitioners have a deep understanding of the spiritual realm and are sought after for their abilities in healing, protection, divination and other spiritual services.

It's crucial to approach discussions about Jamaican Obeah with cultural sersitivity, recognizing the diversity of beliefs and practices within the Afro-Caribbean spiritual landscape. Different individuals and communities may have variations in their practices, and interpretations may differ among practioners. Respect for cultural beliefs and traditions is essential and fostering understanding.

[arinzechukwuture]

[panafrocore]

The Historical Significance of the Benin Moat in Nigeria's Edo State

The Benin Moat, also known as the Walls of Benin, holds a significant place in history as a remarkable feat of ancient engineering and a symbol of defense for Benin City in Nigeria’s Edo State. Dating back to around 800 AD and continuing to 1460 AD, these massive earthworks were constructed through extensive manual labor and earth repurposing, forming a structure of immense historical and…

[blackstarlineage]

The Hypocrisy of the Kanye West Controversy: A Garveyite Perspective on Selective Outrage and the Dismissal of Black Suffering

From a Garveyite perspective, the backlash against Kanye West’s comments about Jewish people versus the lack of consequences for his remarks about Black people and slavery exposes the hypocrisy of mainstream outrage, the racial hierarchy in oppression discourse, and the devaluation of Black history and suffering. The reaction to his statements reveals how power structures operate, who is protected, and who is disposable in the global economic and media landscape.

Kanye West’s “slavery was a choice” comment in 2018 sparked heated debates but resulted in zero financial losses or sponsorship cancellations. In contrast, his anti-Semitic statements in 2022 and 2025 led to immediate termination of business partnerships, removal from platforms, and industry-wide condemnation. This double standard raises critical questions:

Why was the erasure of Black suffering tolerated, but insults toward Jewish people resulted in swift punishment?

If slavery was “a choice,” does that mean all other historical oppressions, including genocide, were also choices?

Who truly holds economic and institutional power in deciding what speech is unacceptable?

What does this selective outrage teach us about the value of Black people in society?

1. Kanye West Faced No Real Consequences for His “Slavery Was a Choice” Comment

Kanye West’s dismissal of Black suffering as a choice was met with anger from many in the Black community, but it did not threaten his wealth, corporate sponsorships, or mainstream influence. In fact, after making the comment, he continued receiving:

Business collaborations with Adidas, Gap, and Balenciaga

Media coverage and access to mainstream platforms

Continued billionaire status and financial growth

Example: When Kanye insulted the millions of enslaved Africans who suffered under colonialism and European chattel slavery, corporate America remained silent. No major companies distanced themselves, and his brand partnerships remained intact.

Garveyite Takeaway: The economic and media system does not consider anti-Black statements as serious enough to warrant punishment. This reveals how Black suffering is normalized and seen as “acceptable” within the power structures that govern industry and influence.

2. The Reaction to His Jewish Comments Shows Who Holds Real Economic Power

When Kanye made anti-Semitic remarks, the response was instant and severe. Within days, he:

Lost Adidas, Gap, and Balenciaga partnerships

Was dropped by his talent agency CAA

Was blacklisted from media platforms

Lost his billionaire status as corporate deals collapsed

Example: Adidas, a brand that worked with Kanye through numerous controversies, immediately severed ties after his Jewish comments—despite tolerating his anti-Black rhetoric for years.

Garveyite Takeaway: The fact that corporations took action only when another group was affected shows where true power lies in the global economic system. Black people do not own enough infrastructure to demand the same level of accountability when their suffering is dismissed.

3. If Slavery Was a “Choice,” Then All Oppression Must Also Be a Choice

The logic of Kanye’s “slavery was a choice” statement collapses under scrutiny. If millions of enslaved Africans “chose” to be enslaved, then by the same standard:

The Holocaust was a choice

The Armenian genocide was a choice

Apartheid was a choice

Colonial rule was a choice

Example: No one would ever dare say Jewish people “chose” to be put in concentration camps under Nazi rule. Why? Because history recognizes their suffering as systematic oppression, not voluntary submission. The same recognition is often denied to Black people.

Garveyite Takeaway: Kanye’s comment reflects a deeper issue: Black suffering is not taken seriously, and narratives that blame Black people for their own oppression are allowed to spread unchecked.

4. The Racial Hierarchy in Oppression: Why Black Suffering Is Dismissed

The difference in reaction between Kanye’s statements on slavery vs. his statements about Jewish people highlights an undeniable truth:

Jewish history is globally protected and respected.

Black history is frequently distorted, dismissed, and trivialized.

Example: Holocaust denial is a crime in several European countries, and even casual anti-Semitic remarks result in immediate backlash. Meanwhile, "slavery denial", African genocide denial, and anti-Black rhetoric are allowed, tolerated, and even rewarded in many mainstream spaces.

Garveyite Takeaway: The system treats some histories as sacred while allowing Black trauma to be mocked, debated, and disrespected. This is why Black people must control their own institutions and economic power.

5. The Solution: Black People Must Own Their Own Media, Businesses, and Economic Institutions

If Black people had the same economic power and institutional control as other groups, Kanye West would have faced immediate repercussions for saying “slavery was a choice”—just as he did for his later comments.

What Needs to Happen:

Black-owned media outlets must control narratives about Black history and refuse to platform anti-Black rhetoric.

Black-owned corporations must be strong enough to cancel business with celebrities who degrade Black people.

Pan-African economic unity must be prioritized so that Black businesses can hold global power, just like other communities protect their interests.

Garveyite Takeaway: Garveyism teaches that without economic independence and institutional control, Black people will always be at the mercy of external systems that do not prioritize their well-being.

Conclusion: The Kanye Controversy Reveals the Truth About Black Power in Society

The difference in reaction to Kanye West’s comments proves that:

Anti-Black statements do not carry consequences because Black people lack the economic and institutional power to enforce accountability.

Jewish suffering is protected, while Black suffering is treated as debatable or irrelevant.

Slavery and oppression are not choices—systemic forces determine who holds power and who remains marginalized.

Until Black people control their own media, businesses, and economic resources, they will remain vulnerable to exploitation and historical distortion.

Final Thought:

Marcus Garvey warned that Black people must be the masters of their own destiny—because if another group controls your economy, media, education, and historical narratives, they control your entire existence.

The selective outrage over Kanye’s statements is not just about him—it is about who gets to dictate the limits of acceptable speech, whose history is honoured, and who remains at the bottom of the power structure. Garveyism teaches that the only solution is Black economic sovereignty and global unity.

[lightdancer1]

Ghana is where the history of Cold War decolonization in Africa is often held to have begun:

In 1948 the starting gun of the independence of Cold War Ghana was also set, in the same year where Apartheid took its fullest form in South Africa, by the Accra Riots of 28 February 1948. Here the people of Ghana, then the British Gold Coast, balked at the ways a post-WWII Britain that was none too solid itself economically was squeezing them until the stones bled. By this time Kwame Nkrumah had formed the basis of what became the post-independence Ghanan government, and was blamed for it by the British when in point of fact he actually had nothing to do with it. In shades of the future for South Africa the Black man was imprisoned under harsh conditions, set free, and became the founder of a new state.

History does not repeat itself but it certainly does rhyme.

[lionofchaeronea]

Ivory double bell (egogo) from the Benin kingdom in present-day Edo State, Nigeria, depicting the oba (king) with his arms upheld by two attendants, possibly high priests. The oba wielded the egogo during the Emobo rite that concluded the Igue festival, using its sound to repel troublesome spirits. Artist unknown; early 16th century. Now in the Brooklyn Museum. Photo credit: Brooklyn Museum.

[obsidianandblacksatin]

The African Roots of Black Slang 🌍

📚✨ Black slang has deep roots in African languages and cultures. Many popular slang terms today, like "lit," "bae," and "periodt," originated from African American Vernacular English (AAVE), which has connections to West African languages.

🔹 Fun Fact: AAVE developed during slavery as a way for African Americans to communicate covertly and preserve their cultural identity.

🔹 Intriguing Insight: The vibrant expressions in Black slang reflect the resilience, creativity, and community spirit of African Americans throughout history.

Let’s celebrate and honor the linguistic creativity and cultural significance behind Black slang! 🌟