Introduction to Classics in the History of the African Humanities

Abstract

This theme section brings together introductions to some of the seminal texts by African authors that have shaped the African humanities from at least the twelfth century throughout Africa and until today. The section starts from the admittedly somewhat contentious idea that Africa should be treated as a historical unity. We note that this is itself a context-specific way of regarding the continent and do not negate the incredible diversity hidden behind the name. Rather, we mirror earlier themes published in this journal in recognizing that “Africa” could mean different things in the history of the humanities, based on a variety of demarcations and divisions. We do so because this is in line with historical practices of collecting classics within the African humanities. We do not intend for the collection to be exhaustive but rather offer an incentive to engage with the history of the African humanities. In assembling these essays, we hope to offer some concrete examples of African scholarship within the humanities in an effort to move beyond purely theoretical debates on the existence of an African canon. In memory of Jaakko Hämeen-Anttila (1963–2023)