The Myth of Predominantly White North Africa and Sub-Saharan Africa Origins
There is a prevalent misconception that North Africa was predominantly a white region and that Sub-Saharan Africans did not originally inhabit these areas. This article aims to debunk this myth by providing historical and scientific evidence contrary to this belief.
Archaeological and Paleontological Evidence
The presence of our species, Homo sapiens, in North Africa long predates the migrations of populations from outside the continent. The oldest human fossils found in the region, such as those at Jebel Irhoud in Morocco, date back approximately 300,000 years and exhibit physical and genetic characteristics that align with ancestral African populations.
The early inhabitants of North Africa had genetic and morphological ties to populations living in other parts of Africa at that time, including traits that could be considered similar to those of sub-Saharan populations. Over time, various migrations, population movements, and ethnic mixtures have contributed to the ethnic and phenotypic diversity seen in modern populations of North Africa.
Historical and Ethnographic Perspective
North Africa is not a "black-free" region of Africa. Some regions, particularly those invaded by Eurasians and later claimed as ancestral lands, have a different historical narrative. For instance, regions such as North Africa and parts of Southern Africa were originally inhabited by black people before Eurasian invasions.
It is essential to understand that ethnic and racial identity is complex and has evolved over millennia, influenced by historical, cultural, and migratory factors. Modern categorizations of races do not always align with ancient populations, whose phenotypic diversity reflects a complex history of interaction and adaptation in Africa and beyond.
Modern and Misleading Narratives
The fabrication of racial classifications and biased geography is used to mislead people. We must critically evaluate these narratives and replace them with the truth.
1. Fabricated Racial Classification: The term "Caucasoid race" in North Africa and "Capoid race" in Southern Africa are misnomers. The term "Caucasian" as applied to the Daghestani people by Slavic Russians is deeply misleading. Similarly, any San person or their descendants will be described as black, wherever they may be in the world. These terms serve as a disingenuous way to classify ethnic groups.
2. Biased Geography: North Africa is often reduced to the Mediterranean coast, whereas Southern Africa is often confined to the Cape region of South Africa. Regions like Sudan, Nubia (Southern Egypt and Northern Sudan), Zambia, and Mozambique are not adequately represented in these narratives.
3. Imperial Cartography: North Africa is often categorized as part of the "temperate" Mediterranean region, and Southern Africa is similarly reduced to the Cape region with a temperate Mediterranean climate. This labeling minimizes the tropical elements that significantly impact these regions' cultures, economies, and practical activities, such as banana cultivation in Spain and Sicily or coconut production in other parts of the Mediterranean.
Conclusion
The earlier inhabitants of North Africa, including regions like Egypt and parts of Mali, Niger, and Chad, were predominantly black. Ancient and medieval scholars, including Arab scholars, classified the African Moors as black people. The most impressive archaeological sites in North Africa, including the Sphinx of Giza and ancient Afro-combs, further corroborate the presence of black populations in these regions. Despite these evidences, the myth of predominantly white North Africa and Sub-Saharan Africa origins continues to prevail. It is crucial to challenge these narratives and support a more accurate and nuanced understanding of historical and racial origins in Africa.