It would seem, therefore, that this culture at least antedates the coming of the Portuguese and the Arab influence in this part of West Africa. To state definitely its place of origin, or the exact date of its origin, is at present, however, impossible, because of the relatively small amount of scientific work and study carried out in this part of the Continent. But in spite of this sufficient evidence is already available to warrant the opinion on the part of all the critics previously referred to that this culture is essentially African in origin and very, very old. Frobenius is convinced that it is at least pre-classical and pre-Christian in its beginning.
Such, then, and until now, is the character of the material culture of this restricted spot of Black Africa. What the future will bring let the future tell, but of this let the present be convinced: that at least this part of Black Africa is not "beyond the reach of interest in the history of the world; always in a state of apathy asleep to progress and dreaming its day away." And of this may the present be ever sure that Black Africa is not "a continent which has no mystery, nor history!"
William Leo Hansberry.
FOOTNOTES:
[1] Quoted by Leo Frobenius, Voice of Africa, Vol. 1, p. 1.
[2] H. Ling Roth, Great Benin, p. 217.
[3] Jour. Anthrop. Inst., February, 1898, p. 371.
[4] F. L. Lugard, A Tropical Dependency, p. 154.
[5] Lugard, A Tropical Dependency, p. 154.
[6] Translated into English by Rudolf Blind. Published by Hutchinson and Company, London, 1913.