The Last Scholar-King: Shehu Muhammad al-Amîn al-Kanemi and the Legacy of the Kanem–Bornu Empire

Muhammad al-Amîn al-Kanemi (Arabic: محمد الأمين بن محمد الكانمي; 1776 – 8 June 1837) was a distinguished African Islamic scholar, teacher, and political leader who played a pivotal role in the history of the Kanem–Bornu Empire during a time of Read More …

Africa’s Diverse Civilizations Over 5,000 Years

Here’s something to put things into perspective regarding the rich and diverse histories of African civilizations, which span an impressive 5,000+ years. It’s crucial to grasp the depth and complexity of these histories, often overshadowed by a narrow focus on Read More …

Cultural Legacy of the Kuba Kingdom in Central Africa

The Kuba Kingdom is known historically as the Kingdom of the Bakuba or Bushongo. It stands out as a remarkable traditional kingdom in Central Africa. It is specifically located within the boundaries of the modern-day Democratic Republic of the Congo. Read More …

A Ceremonial Axe, Made By The Chokwe or Lunda People Of Today’s Democratic Republic of the Congo. Early 1900s

In this single work, the artist employed chiseling, punching, inlaying, chasing, engraving, scoring, raising, wrapping, stamping and embossing, among other techniques. Such a blade added to a blacksmith’s honor and influence in the community, with both owner and artist distinguished Read More …

Kimpa Vita: The Kongolese Prophet and Leader of Antonianism

Dona Beatriz Kimpa Vita, also known as Kimpa Mvita, Tsimpa Vita, or Tchimpa Vita (1684–2 July 1706), was a Kongolese prophet and leader of her own Christian religion, Antonianism, which preached that Jesus and other early Christian luminaries were from Read More …

Bunyoro-Kitara Kingdom in Western Uganda – One Of The Strongest Kingdoms in Central and East Africa

In Western Uganda, there’s a Bantu kingdom known as Bunyoro, or Bunyoro-Kitara. From the 13th until the 19th centuries, it was one of the strongest kingdoms in Central and East Africa. Other names for the Bunyoro people include Nyoro or Read More …

Dom Miguel de Castro: The Diplomat & Emissary from Kongo to the Dutch Republic in the 17th Century

Dom Miguel de Castro played a significant role as an emissary from the Kingdom of Kongo to the Dutch Republic during the 17th century. As a cousin of the Count of Soyo, he embarked on a diplomatic mission to seek Read More …

Lidded Gunpowder Container Made By The Fang Community In Gabon

The lidded container for gunpowder with a bulbous body is truly a fascinating piece of history and craftsmanship. Picture this: a bulbous body, like a rounded treasure, topped by a cylindrical neck – a distinctive shape that immediately draws the Read More …

N’golo (Engolo): The African Martial Art Dance and its Influence on Capoeira and Diaspora

Engolo, also known as N’golo or Zebra dance, is a traditional Bantu martial art and game originating from Angola. This captivating artform ingeniously combines elements of combat and dance, all performed within a circle accompanied by music and singing. With Read More …

Copper Crosses Ingots, 13th-17th century from the Democratic Republic of the Congo

The copper crosses, or croisettes, originating from the Democratic Republic of the Congo hold a captivating history that spans from the 13th to the 17th century. These intricate artifacts were not merely pieces of metal, but a currency that held Read More …