The past century the colonialism that was the predominant feature of that time named Africa the Dark Continent. Of course, the nomenclature reflected on the colour of the skin of the indigenous people, but it does seem a bit stupid now to call the continent that might well be our collective homeland by a possibly derogatory term.
Demographics
Africa is the second largest continent in the world after Asia, as well as the second most populous one. It is home to a bewildering number of races of people and it is almost impossible to define the term African culture. As per one estimate, the continent is home to more than one thousand different languages that can be classified into four distinct families of languages, the Afro-Asiatic, the Nilo-Saharan, the Khoisan and the Niger-Congo families of languages.
History
Most paleoanthropologists agree that Africa is the womb of modern humans, i.e. the Homo-sapiens. It can be confidently said that Africa was the oldest inhabited corner of the world and whatever the condition of the continent is today, its urban lifestyle used to be an example to the rest of the world in the millennia gone by. After all, we sometimes tend to forget that the great civilisation of Egypt did develop in Africa.
The decline of the continent can be traced to the rise of colonialism and the despicable concept of slave trading. The continent lost millions of pairs of hands that could have helped in the development of the area to colonies overseas and thus it sunk further into misery.
Africa Today
Today Africa is a popular tourist destination and millions of people from all over the world go there in order to get closer to nature. African safaris are especially popular among tourists and the national parks are some of the most popular destinations. After all, Africa still is the most pristine natural continent in the world.
If you are planning to go to Africa, the first thing you need is a reliable tour operator. African Encounter is a small, dedicated team – they like to think of themselves as the Africa safari experts! They are passionate about Africa and dedicated to making your safari to Africa an experience like no other. They have lived and travelled in Africa for many years and have been planning safari itineraries since 1994. For many years they ran their own safari operation in Mana Pools, Zimbabwe and understand what makes a good safari operator (and what does not). They have maintained a great many contacts throughout the industry and have associate offices in nearly every country they send their clients. You are always assured of a local contact and a smiling face when you arrive in Africa and wherever your itinerary takes you. They can plan your safari itinerary with as much care, thought and attention as if it were their own. To know more about African Encounter and the destinations and safaris they are offering, please log on to their website at www.africanencounter.com.
by: Kelly Warner
Friday, June 5, 2009
Africa – The Wild Continent - Africian Safaris
Sunday, May 31, 2009
Most Popular Curios Bought by Foreigners Visiting South Africa
African curios are sought-after by visiting tourists simply because they are visually appealing, completely unique and are the living remnants of ancient crafts that have been passed down through the generations.
The vast majority of African curios are genuine, hand-crafted works of art that are still used for their original purpose, such as wooden masks used for initiation ceremonies or the popular Djembe drum used to make music.
Don’t run the gauntlet of excess luggage in South Africa
Many of the more popular choices are rather cumbersome and often far too big for the backpack or suitcase. Instead of running the gauntlet of excess luggage in South Africa, it is rather more feasible to opt for dedicated freight shipping from your hotel or homestay in South Africa directly to your front door, regardless of the address.
Luggage shipping is the simple solution for those seduced by the mystique and sheer beauty of African curios, as it means the intrepid journeyman and woman won’t have to exercise restraint – good news for both the consumer and the local artist.
Authentic African masks
Authentic African masks, tooled and crafted by traditional carvers, from South Africa, Gabon, Cameroon, Swaziland and Kenya have, for many years, been snaffled up by international visitors. The masks are not necessarily worn by their new owners but instead feature prominently on the walls of homes from New York to Paris.
A fine example of an authentic African mask is the ceremonial Punu mask from Gabon. Although each mask is totally original, reflecting the different styles of each craftsman, all Punu masks have distinctly oriental features and are exclusively black and white. The eastern nuance of the mask indicates Chinese traders were living and trading with West Africans eons before European settlers even set foot on the continent. These masks were allegedly worn by so-called secret societies during initiation ceremonies and when punishment was dealt out for a crime.
Tribal figurines
Tribal figurines, from all over Africa are another legendary choice of visiting tourists. Again, each country’s contribution has distinct characteristics, like sculptures originating from the Maasai people in Kenya reflecting the deep reds and oranges of the environment, their apparel and even the dyes they use in their hair.
Fertility Dolls
Fertility or Akuaba dolls from Ghana and other West African nations, although totally unique, all have similar features. All fertility dolls, regardless of their origin, have large round heads, large foreheads and cross-shaped bodies. These dolls are gifts given to women who want to fall pregnant as ‘practice’ babies. The recipient is expected to care for them as they would their own new-born baby.
Wooden wildlife carvings
Wooden carvings of Africa’s diverse and exotic wildlife are another hot pick, as are the ornamental shields made by the Zulu people of KwaZulu-Natal. Pottery, finely weaved baskets, colourful bead work and cleverly crafted wire art items are all high up on the tourist’s ‘I want’ list and would best be transported to their new homes by dedicated freight shipping.
by: Kayla Reid