Feature Photo Credit: stylerave.com
It’s May 5th and it’s time to come together and celebrate in honour of African World Heritage Day. Established by UNESCO in 2015, today marks the 9th year of celebrating Africa’s diverse cultural and natural legacy. The occasion aims to provide a global platform to honour Africa’s rich cultural heritage and serves to highlight the importance of preserving and promoting Africa’s tangible and intangible heritage worldwide, while also shedding light on the challenges facing the continent.
Africa, as the world’s second-largest continent, faces various threats such as climate change, uncontrolled development, diseases, civil unrest, and poaching. These challenges endanger many of Africa’s cultural and natural treasures, diminishing their universal value. Given these risks, safeguarding and conserving Africa’s heritage has become increasingly crucial. That’s why on this day, I’m focusing on sharing some important cultural facts about the continent so that we can all come together to appreciate and celebrate it.
why african heritage day is important to me
African Heritage Day holds great significance for me due to my deep affection for Africa, its rich heritage, and its diverse people. Having lived and worked in Zimbabwe and Botswana for six years, and travelled extensively across 15 other African countries, I’ve developed a profound connection to the continent.
As a Consultant Technical Assistant/Trainer for Clothing, Design, and Textiles in Botswana, and a Technical Assistant at a rural training centre in Zimbabwe, my journey embodies passion, dedication, and transformative impact. Through teaching and mentoring, I’ve empowered individuals and communities, crafting comprehensive programmes endorsed by the Scottish Qualifications Authority. These initiatives, spanning from foundational courses to specialised certificates, not only foster talent but, also honour traditional skills and craftsmanship.
Moreover, my role extended beyond curriculum development to empowering women through tailored skill development programmes aimed at income generation and economic independence. Collaborating closely with local counterparts, I’ve ensured sustained professional growth and lasting impact, embodying the spirit of African heritage and progress.
Heritage Overview
Celebrating African heritage goes beyond appreciating its breathtaking landscapes and incredible biodiversity. It is a deep recognition of the intricate tapestry of traditions, values, and wisdom interwoven among the diverse cultures and peoples across the continent. Africa, formerly known as Alkebulan, a term symbolising the ‘mother of mankind’, stands as a testament to the earliest roots of human civilisation and its lasting impact. With over 2000 languages spoken throughout its countries, Africa showcases a kaleidoscope of cultural identities, customs, and beliefs spanning generations.
Home to 1.373 billion individuals in its 58 countries, Africa is not just a geographical expanse but a vibrant testament to the resilience and creativity of its inhabitants. From the lush plains of the Serengeti to the iconic Egyptian Pyramids, this continent’s heritage encompasses a plethora of tangible and intangible treasures that continue to inspire humanity. Beyond its captivating beauty lies a complex history marked by colonisation, exploitation, and perseverance, emphasising the need to honour and protect this cultural richness.
AfRICa's cultural legacy
The continent’s legacy extends beyond its natural wonders, deeply rooted in its ancestral lands where agriculture began over 12,000 years ago, leading to the rise of intricate societies and civilisations. Africa’s abundant mineral resources, dating back over 43,000 years, have influenced global trade and innovation. From the lush Congo Basin rainforests to the vast Sahara Desert, Africa’s diverse ecosystems host a unique array of flora and fauna found nowhere else on Earth.
Africa’s heritage is not just historical but a living legacy shaping its identity and future trajectory. From the vibrant markets of Lagos to the dynamic street art of Johannesburg, Africa’s cultural heritage thrives in its music, cuisine, and the resilience of its people. As we celebrate World African Heritage Day, let’s not only admire Africa’s natural splendour but also commit to safeguarding its cultural legacy for generations to come.
In an increasingly interconnected world, Africa continues to teach us the value of diversity, inclusivity, and mutual respect — a priceless asset that enriches us all.
African Arts & Crafts
Africa boasts a diverse heritage of arts and crafts, with expressions in woodcarvings, brass, leather artworks, sculpture, paintings, pottery, ceremonial items, religious attire, and headgear. According to African-American activist, Maulana Karenga, the essence of African art lies in the spiritual energy put into creating an object rather than the object itself, hence why black art is made to drive revolutionary change and inspire the black community to embrace transformation rather than just being art for art’s sake.
In certain African cultures, personal adornment, especially jewellery made from cowry shells and masks with intricate designs, holds significant cultural importance. These masks are even utilised in ceremonies representing ancestors, spirits, mythological figures, and deities.
There are a lot of recurring themes in African arts and crafts. These themes often revolve around depicting couples, women with children, men with weapons or animals, and strangers, each symbolising unique cultural narratives. Couples signify ancestors, community founders, or twins, with a focus on lineage rather than intimate relationships. Depictions of mothers with children reflect the strong desire for offspring and the symbolism of the community as children of Mother Earth. The man with a weapon or animal theme symbolises honour and authority, while the portrayal of strangers signifies outsiders or individuals from different tribes or countries, with distorted representations indicating greater cultural differences.
African Folklore & Religion
Like all human cultures, African folklore and religion represent a variety of social facets of the various cultures in Africa. For the most part, these two coexist closely, influencing the different countries’ customs and practices. These stories, whether they’re folklore or religion-based, reflect a group’s cultural identity, and preserving the stories of Africa will help preserve an entire culture.
For example, In Ethiopia, Christianity and Islam play significant roles in shaping Ethiopian culture, affecting dietary habits, rituals, and ceremonies. Another intriguing story (or myth) from Central African explains why and how floods happen: A Chameleon that, upon hearing a mysterious sound in a tree, split it open, causing a massive flood that inundated the entire land. Just like this flood myth, there are so many other of these African folktales, as they differ from region to region and sometimes, even from tribe to tribe.
African Fashion
African fashion is another vibrant aspect to be celebrated as part of the continent’s heritage, as this tapestry is interwoven with threads of tradition, culture, and history, showcasing the diverse richness of the continent’s people and customs.
Each garment, from the iconic habesha kemis in Ethiopia to the ceremonial attire of the Zulus, narrates a tale rooted in long-standing traditions and rituals. For example, Ethiopian women wear the elegant habesha kemis, a white outfit made from schema cloth, with unique styles and embellishments varying among ethnic groups like the Oromo and Afaris. On the other hand, Zulu men wear the distinctive umutsha and ibheshu, symbolising age and social standing, while married men add cow tail bracelets during important events. In Muslim communities across Africa, traditional attire abides by Islamic modesty rules, with men wearing garments covering at least from the waist to the knees and women draping themselves in hijabs or burqas.
AFRICAN FASHION EXHIBITION AT THE V&a MUSEUM
As we commemorate African Heritage World Day, it is crucial to recognise African fashion, not only as a means of self-expression but as a tangible connection to the continent’s rich cultural legacy. Honouring African fashion customs goes beyond its fashion history, and celebrates today’s fashion scene as well.
Last year, the V&A Museum in London hosted one of the best exhibitions I’ve ever attended: The “Africa Fashion” exhibition, an expo that celebrated the vitality and innovation of today’s African fashion creatives from over 20 countries, exploring their work and how this mirrors the continent’s costumes with a twist of modernity. If you’ve missed it, you can always check out the museum’s highlights here.
fashion africa
My background is in fashion and when I was studying to do my MA in Ethical Fashion, I met Jacqueline Shaw and we connected over our love of everything African. Jacqueline is author of two books – ” the book “Fashion Africa” which provides the perfect platform for you to learn more about African Fashion. The book provides a visual overview of contemporary African fashion, with an ethical perspective.
With 16 years experience in the global fashion industry (working for brands and retailers such as Puma, C&A, Russell Athletic, Animal, Fila, Wilson), Jacqueline is known for being an expert and most proudly an ambassador in the Ethical African fashion landscape. She actively campaigns for a more responsible way of doing fashion business and doing it well in Africa.
about the author
Jacqueline, via Africa Fashion Guide Ltd, operates as a comprehensive entity encompassing a sourcing agency, business coaching academy, consultancy, and information platform. This enterprise is dedicated to promoting Africa’s fashion and textile industry throughout its entire supply chain, with a strong ethical stance.
Jacqueline employs distinctive tools and strategies to focus on sustainable solutions, aiding both emerging and established fashion ventures in effectively navigating Africa’s fashion and textile manufacturing landscape.
Her primary objective is to empower a wide range of individuals to establish businesses within Africa. Through this, she aims to foster trade, bolster Africa’s GDP, and positively impact numerous African lives, leveraging the potent vehicle of fashion.
African Cuisine
African cuisine is another aspect to celebrate, with its rich flavours and diversity of traditional dishes. Thankfully, this aspect of the African culture has already spread worldwide and can be celebrated all year around. From Moroccan to Ethiopian and Eritrean restaurants, we’re all eating African dishes when going out for dinner (or even when ordering in).
The culinary scene across Africa mirrors its diverse population, featuring a wide array of flavours, ingredients, and cooking methods that represent its many cultures and customs. From the zesty tagines in North Africa to the hearty stews in Central Africa and the savoury braais in South Africa, each region offers a distinct culinary journey. In South Africa, the aroma of a braai (barbecue) fills the air every day, showcasing delectable meats like boerewors and sosaties. Central Africa highlights dishes such as fufu and ndolé, emphasising staple ingredients like cassava and plantains. North African cuisine delights with fragrant spices and flavourful tagines filled with lamb or chicken.
Whether it’s the bold tastes of West African jollof rice or the exquisite couscous dishes of the Maghreb, Africa’s culinary legacy celebrates its diverse cultural heritage and the inventive spirit of its people as much as any other aspect of the continent’s heritage.
African Music
African music also represents another vibrant aspect of the continent’s diverse cultural legacy, resonating with a variety of rhythms and melodies that echo the traditions and narratives of its many populations. From the rhythmic drumbeats of Sub-Saharan regions to the emotive tunes of Sahelian strings and horns, African music encompasses a broad range of styles and influences.
Traditional Sub-Saharan African music, known for its intricate rhythms and drum usage, is deeply embedded in the region’s cultural fabric. Meanwhile, contemporary genres like Mbalax, Highlife, and Soukous continue to captivate audiences worldwide. Drawing inspiration from New World music such as Jazz, Salsa, and Rhythm and Blues, African music has evolved into a dynamic fusion of styles, mirroring the continent’s ever-evolving musical landscape.
On African World Heritage Day, let’s not only admire the diversity and richness of African music but also acknowledge its ability to bring communities together, celebrate differences, and safeguard cultural traditions for future generations.
diverse african heritage
To fully appreciate the intricate and diverse African heritage, it is crucial to delve into its rich cultural background that goes beyond what I’ve touched upon in this article. So if you don’t know how to start, start by educating yourself on this vibrant continent’s history and culture by watching documentaries and reading books about it. From Chinua Achebe’s “Things Fall Apart” a novel shedding light on pre-colonial Nigeria, to “Africa’s Great Civilizations” documentary by Henry Louis Gates Jr., a visual journey through the continent’s history, spanning ancient kingdoms to present-day challenges and victories.
Make sure you take the time to pay homage to the depth and variety of this extraordinary continent. Feel free to share this article on social media with #WorldAfricanHeritageDay to help spread the word about this celebratory day!