The Cradle of Human Existence.

Africa indeed is the cradle of human origin. Human civilization began in Africa thousands of years ago, which has been proven by various archaeological evidence. African civilization is measured by the quality of human interaction and not the height of tall buildings created by African Kings.

                       

According to Charles Darwin (On the Origin of Species), the first man known as Dryopithecus who looked like an ape primate or a modern-day gorilla existed in Africa and Eurasia (Asia). The fossils remain of early man were first found in East Africa along Lake Victoria basin. Archaeologists have argued that the East Africa climatic condition at the time were favorable for early man survival. The area was surrounded by thick vegetation and wild animals that serve as man's food.

                                   

                                               Evolution of Man

The early man practiced hunting and gathering as a way of survival. They lived in a state of nature where you hunt or get hunted. Therefore, they moved and hunted in groups to ensured they get all the support and security to subdue the enemy. Interestingly, the early man considered competition as a direct threat, and he would kill the child if the women ignored him. Additionally, the man would not allow intruders to his group without a fight. Scientists have stated that the early man possessed aggressive genes which predisposed them to constant fights when lest provoked.

                                      

                                      A Typical Early Man's Family

The early man developed a unique mode of communication used to warn others of incoming danger. Signal the birth of a new member or death and funeral announcements. Notably, early man had a special way of worshiping a supreme deity. They understood that there was a strong force of nature that control all that exists. Therefore, they selected a special place of worshiping such as mountains top, inside the caves, and along the riverbanks.  The gods came in different forms like the sun, the moon, or animals.

          

         Apelike Face of an Early Man

        

        African Man

"Africa" My Mother Land

Africa is known for its vast culture based on their mode of dressing, religious practice, face painting, rites of passage, foods, music, and languages. All African communities have their unique way of dressing, which differentiates one community from another. They also have different items of clothing for every occasion such as childbirth, weddings, and burials. Elderly people dress different from youths while mothers dress differently from young ladies. Dressing in African culture portrays levels of seniority in the community as well as status.

Face painting is often associated with rites of passage. For instance, the Kipsigis and Luhya tribes found in Kenya paint their entire body during circumcision rites.  The Maa community (Maasai) paint their face during their traditional wedding ceremony. Additionally, the Himba people of Namibia cover their body with a mixture of milk fat and red soil, which makes the skin reddish. This beauty mixture is considered a beauty cosmetic. Due to scarcity of water in the Namibia desert, the Himba use wood ash to clean their hair.

           

        Manhood initiation Ceremony among the Luhya

          

                  A Himba Girl 

              

Music in Africa is critical as songs are sung during farming, wedding, burial, childbirth, circumcision, and used to make the child sleep. Drums are employed often during the singing as well as thumb piano and rattles made from dried seeds. African indeed is a melting pot of cultures. The beauty in diversity is immeasurable and it is our duty to explore and enjoy these beauties.  

      

African Diversity In Pictures