Strengthening the Contribution of the Investigations of Basil Davidson’s A History of West Africa 1000-1800

Abstract

This article aims to assess the contribution of Black Africa to the progress of humankind at the time of the Great Empires and even before. To do so, Africans must immerse themselves in the knowledge of their past. The background of West African civilization and history must serve as a rear-view mirror for the advancement of the current generation. Indeed, Basil Davidson, who was an important recorder of information about Africa, edifies us on the main discovery of this older generation based on his study of African iron tools. This invention contributed enormously to the improvement of the population’s well-being and the creation of families, and later villages. These were followed by the foundation of the first kingdoms, culminating in empires such as Ghana, Mali, Songhayand other kingdoms like Senegamby, Mossi, Igbo, Asante, Bono, and Kanem-Bornu. During this period of prosperity, man belonged to his community. The people of the past were imbued with values that placed the interests of the group above those of the individual. Then came the interval between the end of the empires and the independence of West African countries. During this era, the influence of Europeans through slavery and colonization was a heavy weight on their heads. The methodology uses both descriptive and qualitative analyses. Utilizing the framework of Afrocentricity theorized by Molefi Kete Asante we will examine Davidson’s orientation to the data he discussed in order to seek an African perspective on the facts. It is from this angle that this article enlightens on how the writer addresses this question of civilization and prosperity in his work.