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Neeews Summary
The following content was published online. A translated summary is presented below. See the source for details.
The decision by archaeologists in Guinea-Bissau to collaborate with a griot, or West African oral historian, to share the findings of their excavation at the site of Kansala is a significant and innovative approach to understanding the region’s history. By incorporating the traditional methods and expertise of the griot, the archaeologists are demonstrating the value of respecting and integrating local knowledge systems into academic research.
This collaboration not only has the potential to enhance the understanding of the history of the Kaabu kingdom but also serves as a model for how to engage with local communities in a respectful and effective manner. As more researchers and institutions recognize the importance of incorporating traditional knowledge into their work, it is likely that we will see more projects like this one, where the dialogue between different disciplines and ways of knowing can lead to extraordinary insights and perspectives.
Source: VOA Arts & Culture
Our Commentary
Background and Context
The West African kingdom of Kaabu has a rich and complex history that has been primarily passed down through oral traditions, particularly the songs and stories of griots, or West African oral historians. Griots have played a crucial role in preserving and transmitting the cultural heritage of Kaabu, as well as many other African societies, for centuries. However, this oral tradition has often been overlooked or undervalued by the academic world, which has traditionally favored written historical records.
Expert Analysis
According to Nino Galissa, the griot involved in this project, the role of griots in understanding African history is essential. He emphasizes that the songs and stories of griots contain a wealth of knowledge and cultural nuances that are often overlooked by the academic world. By working collaboratively with the archaeologists, Galissa believes that they can demonstrate the extraordinary value that can come from the dialogue between different disciplines and ways of knowing.
The archaeologists, led by Sirio Canos-Donnay from the Spanish National Research Council, recognize the importance of this approach and hope that it will inspire the academic world to be more receptive to incorporating local knowledge and traditional methods into their research. They believe that this collaboration will not only enhance the understanding of the history of Kaabu but also serve as a model for how to respectfully and effectively engage with local communities in archaeological and historical investigations.
Additional Data and Fact Reinforcement
The griot tradition has been an integral part of West African cultures for centuries, with griots serving as the custodians of oral histories, genealogies, and cultural knowledge. Griots often come from families with long lineages of oral historians, passing down their skills and knowledge from generation to generation.
According to a report by the UNESCO, the griot tradition is recognized as an Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity, highlighting its importance in preserving and transmitting the cultural identity and history of West African societies.
Related News
This news from Guinea-Bissau is part of a growing trend of efforts to bridge the gap between academic research and traditional knowledge systems in various parts of the world. For example, in recent years, there have been similar initiatives in countries like Canada, Australia, and New Zealand, where indigenous communities have been actively involved in archaeological and historical projects, contributing their traditional knowledge and perspectives.
These collaborations have not only enriched the understanding of the past but have also helped to empower local communities and promote the recognition of their cultural heritage. As more researchers and institutions recognize the value of incorporating traditional knowledge into their work, it is likely that we will see more projects like the one in Guinea-Bissau, where the expertise of griots and other oral historians is actively sought and integrated into the research process.
Summary
The decision by archaeologists in Guinea-Bissau to collaborate with a griot, or West African oral historian, to share the findings of their excavation at the site of Kansala represents a significant and innovative approach to understanding the region’s history. By incorporating the traditional methods and expertise of the griot, the archaeologists are demonstrating the value of respecting and integrating local knowledge systems into academic research.
This collaboration has the potential to not only enhance the understanding of the history of the Kaabu kingdom but also serve as a model for how to engage with local communities in a respectful and effective manner. As more researchers and institutions recognize the importance of incorporating traditional knowledge into their work, we are likely to see more projects like this one, where the dialogue between different disciplines and ways of knowing can lead to extraordinary insights and perspectives.
