Imagine you planned a honeymoon trip to Cancún, Mexico. While there, you and your spouse decide to take a road trip to explore the Maya ruins of the Yucatán Peninsula. Once there, you both rent a jeep and drive through the jungle, encountering snakes, monkeys, and even jaguars. The drive took a little over two hours, but once you’ve arrived, you’re immediately struck by the beauty and historical significance of the site.
Stepping out of the jeep, you both walk towards the thousand-year-old observatory, marveling at its intricate Maya architecture. Its resemblance to the Griffith Park Observatory in Los Angeles is uncanny, albeit on a smaller scale. Both observatories featured domes designed for celestial observations.
Climbing a stone staircase alongside Dr. Linda Cruz, your assigned archaeologist tour guide, you enter the observation room. This chamber was where the Maya astronomers would sit on a rotating wooden platform, peering through calibrated window slits built into the dome. Each slit was positioned to allow precise views of Venus and other celestial bodies. Inside the observatory, you notice a blueprint drawing attached to the wall, depicting the rotating platform with wheels, enabling the Mayans to rotate a pedestal for optimal stargazing.
Dr. Cruz explained how universities have studied Maya astronomy since the mid-1800s and continue to do so today. Despite the Mayans’ incredible advancements in astronomy, a stark contrast exists in how academia perceives the astronomical knowledge of different ancient civilizations. While the Mayan discoveries are widely accepted as homegrown science, the astronomical achievements of the Dogon people of Africa have often been dismissed. Scholars like PBS astronomer Carl Sagan speculated that the Dogons’ knowledge of celestial bodies, such as the Sirius star system, must have come from European or extraterrestrial influence, rather than recognizing their independent intellectual achievements.
British South African astronomer Brian Warner, in his 1996 book “Traditional Astronomical Knowledge in Africa,” sheds light on the vast astronomical understanding held by African cultures. The chapter “Astronomy Before the Telescope” explores how various African societies tracked seasons, navigated using the stars, and developed their own constellations. Warner noted that despite Africa being the birthplace of humanity, its rich astronomical traditions have been largely neglected by historians of astronomy.
The dark continent and natural sciences
As we celebrate African American History Month, it is essential to acknowledge the contributions of African civilizations to the sciences. The Dogon people of Mali, West Africa, were renowned for their deep knowledge of astronomy. Meanwhile, the San people of South Africa were among the first mathematicians. These two scientific disciplines—astronomy and mathematics—are fundamental to understanding the universe. The third essential field is physics, the study of matter, motion, and energy. Ancient Egyptians, considered Africans by most African American academics, applied principles of motion and energy to construct the pyramids. Thus, the three sciences necessary to comprehend the cosmos have deep roots in Africa.
The origin of mathematics
Historical evidence suggests that the earliest forms of mathematics, including basic counting and measuring, originated in South Africa. One of the oldest mathematical artifacts, the Lebombo Bone, dates back over 35,000 years. This tally stick, made from a baboon fibula, contains twenty-nine distinct notches, indicating early mathematical practices. Although written records of mathematics come primarily from ancient Egypt and Mesopotamia, Africa’s contributions to mathematical thought should not be overlooked.
The Dogon and their knowledge of the Cosmos
The Dogon people of Mali possess extensive knowledge of the Sirius star system, particularly Sirius B, a white dwarf star invisible to the naked eye. Remarkably, their oral traditions also describe Jupiter’s moons and Saturn’s rings, long before Western astronomers documented them.
Archaeological evidence suggests that the Dogon migrated to the Bandiagara region of Mali between the 13th and 15th centuries, possibly originating from Egypt and settling in Libya before moving further west. Their decision to seek refuge in the Bandiagara escarpment was driven by the need for safety from enemies and access to water. Many Dogon fled their original homes between the 10th and 13th centuries, resisting conversion to Islam. Their Voltaic language hints at an even more ancient presence in the region.
Sirius B: A Scientific Marvel
The Dogon’s knowledge of Sirius B is particularly fascinating. They described the star’s orbital period with surprising accuracy and attributed their knowledge to celestial beings known as the “Nommo.” These mythological figures are said to have imparted wisdom about the stars to the Dogon people. Their oral traditions also reference the rings of Saturn and the moons of Jupiter.
Controversy and academic bias
While some scholars find the Dogon’s astronomical knowledge astounding, others question how they acquired such precise information without advanced technology. Some suggest that their knowledge came from later European contact rather than being independently developed. This skepticism highlights a broader issue: the reluctance to acknowledge Africa’s contributions to science and technology.
Renowned astrophysicist Neil deGrasse Tyson has addressed these biases, emphasizing Africa’s role in human evolution. He notes that when discussing Africa, many envision a monolithic group rather than recognizing the continent’s vast diversity. Africa is home to the tallest people (the Watusi), the shortest (the Pygmies), the fastest sprinters, and some of the greatest athletes in the world.
Given Africa’s evolutionary diversity and long history of intellectual achievement, it is illogical to dismiss African contributions to astronomy. When Africans predict unseen stars, describe the rings of Saturn, or reveal that certain celestial bodies are composed of heavy metals, they are often met with skepticism. Instead of acknowledging these achievements, some claim that they must have resulted from European influence. This dismissal is not only absurd but also diminishes the rich scientific heritage of African civilizations.
The knowledge held by ancient African civilizations, including the Dogon and the San people, demonstrates that Africa was a hub of scientific discovery long before Western colonization. The reluctance to accept these contributions stems from deep-seated biases that continue to shape academic narratives.
It is time to recognize and celebrate Africa’s role in the advancement of astronomy, mathematics, and physics. By doing so, we honor the intellectual legacy of the continent and ensure that future generations appreciate the scientific contributions of African civilizations. The stars belong to all of humanity, and acknowledging the achievements of the Dogon and other African astronomers enriches our collective understanding of the cosmos.