Architecture, Architecture & Design, Art, Culture & Travel, News, Travel / 02 Jul 2020

Archaeologists Uncover Ancient Tools in Gabon that May Rewrite Our Understanding of Humankind’s History in Central Africa

Archaeologists have dated stone tools from Lopé National Park in Gabon to 620,000 to 850,000 years ago, making them the earliest known evidence of a human presence in the Congo Basin. “In the African chronology, we always thought Central Africa was reserved for gorillas and the great apes, but in fact that’s false—there was a human presence,” said archaeologist Richard Oslisly of France’s Research Institute for Development, in a video produced by the organisation. He made his first trip to the region in 1987 when he noticed what appeared to be a carved terrace, suggesting ancient agricultural activity. There, Oslisly found stone tools that could have been used to cut meat. The initial carbon dating suggested the artifacts were nearly 400,000 years old, but that technology was limited in the 1980s. In the decades since, Oslisly has continued his research in the region and has become convinced that there was a widespread ancient agrarian civilisation in the Congo Basin—a region previously assumed to be virgin forest, too dense and dangerous to be penetrated by ancient peoples. Archaeologist Richard Oslisly believes these formations are evidence of the terraced plantings of an ancient agrarian civilisation in the Congo Basin (Image from Bing Maps). Oslisly’s latest findings come from a 2019 expedition to the Elarmékora alluvial terrace in the Lopé National Park, led by the European Center for Research and Education in Environmental Geosciences and the Agence Nationale des Parcs Nationaux. New samples of the ancient tools were tested with the most innovated technology, using cosmogenic nuclides produced by a large accelerator mass spectrometer. If the preliminary dating of up to 850,000 years old holds up, these artifacts would represent the oldest evidence of human existence in the Congo Basin. “These results thus show a tremendous advance in our knowledge of the evolution of our ancestors that could not only upset the models…

Continue Reading

Art, Culture & Travel, News, Travel / 10 Jun 2020

Historic Tunisian Items Withdrawn from Paris Auction after Heritage Body Claims Works Left Country Illegally

A Paris-based auction house has withdrawn more than 100 historic Tunisian items from an online sale following claims that they were exported illegally out of the north African country. The annual Noblesse & Royauté sale organised by Coutau-Bégarie, which runs until 11 June, included the disputed works. The controversy centres on 114 objects which once belonged to the Tunisian politician Habib Djellouli (1879-1957) including an ancient Quran. Faouzi Mahfoudh, the director of Tunisia’s National Heritage Institute, told Le Monde newspaper that the items were removed without permission, contravening “article 57 of the [government] heritage code, which stipulates that cultural objects cannot leave the territory without express authorisation from the Ministry of Culture”. Coutau-Bégarie says in a statement that after consulting the owner of the works, the sale of the works was halted “in order to start discussions with the relevant authorities”. The Art Newspaper contacted the auction house, asking if due diligence was followed with regard to the items’ provenance; at the time of writing, the company had not responded to a request for comment. Other unrelated items are still available for sale in the 308-lot online auction according to the website. “We need a more active heritage protection policy, which would involve classification of acquisitions, as well as constant monitoring of the international market, in particular a commission that seriously scrutinises sales catalogues,” the Tunisian art historian Ridha Moumni told Le Monde. Earlier this week, Tunisia’s culture minister, Chiraz Latiri, pledged that an inventory of cultural assets would be compiled. Read Adolf Tega: Mwana wevhu (Son of the Soil) https://www.theartnewspaper.com/

Lifestyle, Travel / 05 Jul 2019

7 Tourist Attractions in Angola

Angola, the largest country in Africa, leaves tourists in awe with its abundant attractions and scenic beauty. This might seem surprising for a country better known for its long civil war (1975-2002) and the struggle to protect its wildlife from poachers. Angola is attempting to make a name for itself on the global stage and claims to be one of the fastest growing economies in Africa, with various forms of mining exports and a booming tourist industry. From national parks with lions, elephants, and gorillas to forgotten but beautiful buildings from the Portuguese colonisation, Angola boasts an expansive collection of locations with natural value and cultural and historical significance. If you are lucky enough to visit Angola any time soon, these insanely beautiful tourist attractions should top your list! The Tundavala Fissure The Tundavala Fissure offers a spectacular panoramic view of the surrounding area at an altitude of about 2,600m above sea level. It is one of the best natural wonders of Angola. Apart from steep cliff faces and unusual rocks, the Tundavala Fissure also has patches of forest landscapes and grasslands. The fissure is located at a height between Lubango and Namibe. The place is perfect for hiking, and many people go sightseeing in areas near it. Kalendula Waterfalls One of the most stunning waterfalls—not only in Angola but in the whole world—is Kalendula Waterfalls. This geological beauty of nature lies on the Lucala River in Malange, Angola. Kalendula is 105 metres high and is considered to be one of the highest waterfalls in Africa. In contrast to well-known African waterfalls, such as Victoria Falls, Kalendula is still a haven of tranquillity. One can often admire and enjoy this spectacle alone. Valley of the Moon The capital of Angola is the city of Luanda, and the Valley of the…

Continue Reading