Title: Inventing Africa : history, archaeology and ideas /
Authors: Derricourt, Robin M.
Publisher: Pluto Press.
Year: 2011
Subjects: Archaeology Africa.; Africa History.; Africa Historiography.
Abstract: "Inventing Africa is a critical account of narratives which have selectively interpreted and misinterpreted the continent's deep heart. Writers have created alluring images of lost cities, vast prehistoric migrations and golden ages of past civilisations. Debates continue on the African origins of humankind, the contributions of ancient Egypt t the world and Africa's importance to global history"--Back cover.
Contents: Preface: The construction of African pasts -- 1. The changing shape and perception of 'Africa' -- 2. Mythic and mystic Africa -- 3. Looking both ways: the enigma of Raymond Dart -- 4. Egos and fossils -- 5. Stirring the gene pool: human ancestors from Africa to the wider world -- 6. Ancient Egypt and African sources of civilisation -- 7. Old states good, new states bad -- 8. The past of the present.