West Africa Before the Europeans: Rediscovery and beyond

The transcript discusses the neglect of West African archaeology and history due to lack of funding and the impact of imperial myths. It highlights the decline of historical studies in African universities and the potential for rediscovering African history. The conversation also touches on the repatriation of African artifacts from British museums and the importance of these objects in telling stories and connecting young people to their heritage.

What is one of the main reasons for the lack of archaeological excavations in West Africa?

• Lack of interest from local communities

• Insufficient funding for excavations

• Unfavorable weather conditions

• Political instability in the region

Why was African history often neglected in historical narratives during colonial times?

• There were no written records available

• It did not fit the imperial myths of the colonizers

• It was considered too complex to understand

• It was overshadowed by Asian history

What has contributed to the decline of history as a subject in African universities since the 1980s?

• Lack of qualified history teachers

• Political interference in education

• Increased focus on STEM subjects

• Overcrowded classrooms

What is a potential outcome of rediscovering African history, as seen in the example of China?

• Decline in interest in other subjects

• Improved relations with European countries

• Politicization and weaponization of history

• Increased tourism in historical sites

Why is it important to return looted artifacts to their places of origin?

• To increase the value of local museums

• To allow young people to connect with their heritage

• To promote international trade

• To reduce the number of artifacts in European museums

What role do physical objects play in understanding history?

• They serve as decorative pieces in museums

• They are primarily used for scientific research

• They offer tangible connections to the past

• They provide entertainment for museum visitors

What has been the response to the book 'A Fistful of Shells' in West Africa?

• It has been largely ignored

• It has sparked controversy

• It has sold out in major bookshops

• It has been banned in several countries