Hey Friends,
Welcome to the fifth issue of the newsletter. I can't believe it has been five weeks since we launched! I hope that you are enjoying the stories, and thank you for subscribing.
West African Kingdoms of Ghana, Mali & Songhay
Ghana (Wagadou) empire, the first successful trading empire of West Africa (at least from the 6th to 13th-century CE), was located in present-day southeastern Mauritania, western Mali, and eastern Senegal. It is not related to the modern state of Ghana. The empire flourished because of trans-Saharan trade. The abundantly available gold, kola nuts, millets and ivory, were traded for salt from the nomadic Tuareg.
However, the kingdom would start crumbling from the 12th-century because of drought, wars and the opening up of other trade routes. It is from the ruins and ashes that would rise the great Kingdoms of Mali and Songhai.
The Mali empire was founded by a renowned warrior Sundiata Keita (c. 1214 – c. 1255). After managing to conquer both the Ghana and Sosso Kingdoms, 12 kings of the savanna proclaimed their allegiance to him and hailed him Mansa(emperor).
From the descendants of emperor Keita rose some of the greatest emperors such as Abu Bakr II and Mansa Musa. Abu Bakr II gave up his thrown in pursuit of exploration and adventure by setting up across the Atlantic ocean. Some believe that he was the first person to visit America 150 years before the expedition by Columbus. On the other hand, Mansa Musa is considered one of the wealthiest persons in history. During his reign, Mali became the largest producer of gold in the world. He is also remembered for the architectural legacy that he introduced in Timbuktu that still stands to date.
After the death of Mansa Musa, the Mali Empire began to weaken, and slowly the Songhai Empire eclipsed it.
The Songhai empire was one of the largest states in African history and probably stretched from modern-day Nigeria to the Atlantic ocean. Sunni Ali Ber ( meaning the Great) was the first king of the Songhai empire. He managed to build dykes to irrigate lands for farmers setting the empire on a path of economic expansion.
The Shortest War You've Never Heard Of
The Anglo-Zanzibar War of 1896 is regarded as the shortest war in history, lasting only 38 minutes. It was between the United Kingdom and the Zanzibar Sultanate on the 27th of August 1896.
The untimely death of Sultan Hamad bin Thuwaini(pro-British), in what is widely suspected to be foul play by his cousin Sultan Khalid bin Barghash who had him poisoned, triggered the war. Within a few hours of Hamad's death, Khalid had already moved into the palace and declared himself the Sultan against the wishes of the British.
Risen Africa has released an educative documentary that provides context on what caused and transpired during the war.
The Biloko Spirits of the Mongo people
Eloko (pl, Biloko) are a cannibalistic dwarf-like creature that lives in the Congo rain forests. Legend has it that they are the spirit of the ancestors of the Mongo people who haunt the forests because they still have scores to settle with the living.
The Biloko live in hollow trees, have grass beards, piercing eyes, snouts with mouths that can be opened wide enough to admit a human body, alive or dead and usually carry a bell, which they use to attract and bewitch unsuspecting humans.
The myth was invoked to discourage people from straying physically and mentally and warn husbands of the dangers of abandoning their wives.
I enjoyed listening to the informative and entertaining piece on the myth done by the team at Legendary Africa podcast.
Bull Jumping ceremony of the Hamar
In the southwestern region of Ethiopia, down the Omo River Valley, lives the Hamar tribe. They are pastoralists and greatly treasure their cattle. While African tribes have diverse rituals/methods of initiating boys into manhood, for the Hamar, it involves bull jumping.
PROVERB OF THE WEEK
Getutu kere maiso(Ekegusii)
Translation: The bush in which you hide has eyes.
Meaning: The proverb encourages people not to pretend in carrying out their responsibilities but rather to serve faithfully and openly. What is done in pretence or in the dark will always haunt later.
WORD OF THE WEEK
Nkilani (Maasai)
Meaning: Clothes
Example: tashaikia ng'ole teipa Moraa ingua esiai.ore peyie ebaya ang' nesioyi all olgilata keshumata aitayu nona kilani nashal.neishop kulie nairowua nening esidano.neyieraki olayioni lenye shai meinoto enkirowuaj.
Translation: Moraa was rained on yesterday evening from work. When she reached home she quickly went upstairs to change her clothes. She at least felt better, her son made her a cup of tea to help keep her warm.
By: Juliet
If you enjoyed this issue, please forward it to your friends and let them know they can signup here.
For any feedback, thoughts or inquiries, reply to this email.
Special thanks to Stephanie for editing this issue and Juliet for the word contribution.
Have a great week, and thanks for reading. - Mike
Join the Lughayangu Community!
