How archaeological evidence can be used in reconstructing African history?

How archaeological evidence can be used in reconstructing African history?

Since writing began late in most parts of the continent, archeology has become the main source of information for the reconstruction of African history of the distant past. Archeologists have revealed in their studies what our ancestors did and so help to provide useful evidence for writing about.

How can archaeology help in the reconstruction of history?

While archaeology can be a helpful tool in understanding past cultures and histories, it can also be used in a negative way to reconstruct narratives that justify certain unjust practices. Archaeology aids in constructing a skewed reality of the past by “othering” groups of people defend their discriminatory policies.

How does archaeology contribute to history?

Historical archaeology examines records from the past that include diaries; court, census, and tax records; deeds; maps; and photographs. Through combining the use of documentation and archaeological evidence, archaeologists gain a better understanding of the past and human behavior.

What is archaeological reconstruction?

This is sometimes known as reconstruction archaeology or reconstructional archaeology; however, reconstruction implies an exact replica of the past, when it is in fact just a construction of one person’s idea of the past; the more archaeologically correct term is a working construction of the past.

Why is it important to learn about African history?

African history provides insight into the ideas that shaped the past lives of African men and women. By studying African history, students develop a better understanding of the continent, its people and the world in general.

What are the goals of archeology?

The goals of archaeology are to document and explain the origins and development of human culture, understand culture history, chronicle cultural evolution, and study human behavior and ecology, for both prehistoric and historic societies.

What are the benefits of Archaeology?

Not only is it important for historical research, it also has a great deal of community and economic value. Archaeology has the potential to provide new information on the human past, solidify one’s ties to their social or national heritage, and provide economic means to locations all across the world.

What is experimental Archaeology and why is it useful for archaeologists?

Experimental Archaeology is an approach for filling gaps in our knowledge about the past, which cannot be filled through other archaeological research methods.

Which of the goals of archaeology is the most important?

Archaeology is particularly important for learning about prehistoric societies, for which, by definition, there are no written records. Archaeology has various goals, which range from understanding culture history to reconstructing past lifeways to documenting and explaining changes in human societies through time.

Why is there a lack of Archaeology in South Africa?

A major reason for this neglect is the politics of disciplinary boundaries. The proper domain of archaeology has been understood to be “prehistory”, and the study of the tangible relics of colonial settlement has been left to “cultural history” – in South Africa, a poorly defined area of work, largely curatorial.

How do archaeologists reconstruct ancient civilization?

To reconstruct thier ancient civilization (from pre BC to about 800 AD, the archaeologist use many methods. They first find obvious evidence of the existence of the people by finding pyramidst covered by the jungle and then take years to uncover the jungle growth.

Is there a systematic archaeological study of Africa’s pasts?

Yet systematic archaeological study of Africa’s pasts is relatively recent and characterized by significant temporal and geographical disparities; some time periods and areas have seen considerably more intensive research than others.

What is archaeology and its importance?

The study of human history and prehistory through the excavation of sites and the analysis of artefacts and other physical remains. Actually archaeology really can’t be used to reconstruct the past only our interpretation of the past based on the evidence left behind.