|
|
|
|
Africa is the cradleland of humankind. Fossil remains of the earliest known hominids, close living relatives among forest primates, and exceptional genetic diversity among modern Africans all point to our origin on that continent. Some of The Field Museum’s archaeological collections from Africa have shaped reconstructions of how the first members of our species made their living.
Other archaeological assemblages, and the Museum’s varied historical collections, document Africa’s complex art, technology, architecture, and political systems. Some scholars now believe that metalworking had multiple geographic origins, including Africa as well as Asia. The Museum’s African metalwork ranges from intricate art in precious metals to iron artifacts that played a role in global trade.
Contemporary African cultures continue a legacy of social complexity, reflected in the artistic as well as everyday objects in the Museum’s collections. These artifacts provide a mine of insights into technology and culture because many are so well documented with contextual information: the collectors’ field notes, even photographs of the articles in use. |
|
