The Almoravid Dynasty: North-West Africa’s Amazigh/Berber Empire: A Comprehensive Exploration

The Almoravid dynasty (Arabic: المرابطون, romanized: Al-Murābiṭūn, meaning ‘those from the ribats’) stands as one of the most influential Amazigh/Berber Muslim dynasties in medieval history. Emerging in the mid-11th century, this dynasty played a crucial role in shaping the political, Read More …

Thomas Peters: A Key Figure in the History of Black Loyalists and Sierra Leone

Thomas Peters, originally born Thomas Potters in 1738, played a significant role as a veteran of the Black Pioneers during the American Revolutionary War. As a Black Loyalist, he was instrumental in advocating for former enslaved people and helped establish Read More …

Nugaymath Turquia: The Untold History of Moorish/Almoravid Women Archers

Among the many compelling episodes embedded within medieval Iberian chronicles, few are as intriguing as the story of the Moorish female archers who appear in the Primera Crónica General (the 13th-century Castilian historical compilation associated with King Alfonso X). The Read More …

Abdel Kader Haidara – The African Librarian Who Secretly Moved over 278,000 Ancient Manuscripts From Timbuktu

The Mamma Haidara Commemorative Library, located in Timbuktu, Mali, is a significant private manuscript library established by Abdel Kader Haidara in 2000. This library honors his father, Mamma Haidara, and is renowned for preserving one of the most extensive private Read More …

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 …

Muhammadu Kanta: The Architect of the Kebbi Empire

Introduction Muhammadu Kanta (died 1561), widely recognized as Kanta Kotal, is one of the most significant figures in the history of the Hausa states, notable for his role as a warrior-king and the founder of the Kebbi Empire. His leadership Read More …

The Nok Culture: West Africa’s Ancient Pioneers of Iron and Terracotta Art

Nok Culture: A Glimpse into Ancient Nigeria The Nok culture refers to a fascinating ancient civilization in Nigeria, specifically linked to the village of Nok in southern Kaduna State. This culture is best known for its striking terracotta sculptures, which 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 …

A 18th–19th century Akan Geometric Gold Weight

Although often associated with the Asante, who are the most well-known of the Akan peoples, weights for measuring gold dust have a long history throughout Ghana and Côte d’Ivoire. For over five centuries, from around 1400 to 1900, Akan smiths Read More …

16th–17th Century African Iron Staff Featuring a Seated Male Leader

A striking, large male figure, dressed in full regalia, is seated on a spool-shaped stool, forming the finial of this impressive bronze and iron staff. The intricate details of his attire and body ornamentation—featuring an elaborate headdress, a stylized beard, Read More …