Interrogating Colonial Constructs and Embracing Holistic Identities:
Drawing inspiration from the wisdom of ancient African societies
Where did the idea that we must confine ourselves to a single professional identity until we “retire” come from? 🤔
This notion is deeply rooted in colonial constructs that uphold rigid social classifications, hierarchies, and predefined roles.
Precolonial African societies embraced a more holistic approach to life. Prioritizing self-discovery and mastery across multiple domains, leading to richer and more expansive identities.
Pre-colonial African societies embraced the idea that individuals could embody multiple roles simultaneously or at various stages of their lifetime. This fluidity allowed a sense of self-sufficiency within interdependent communities.
Work as a Part of Life:
People worked on their terms, as needed for their survival and the well-being of the environment, adopting a holistic approach where work seamlessly integrated with other aspects of life. I believe we now call this "work-life balance."
The notion of devoting most of one's life to "earning a living" through wage-based labor or working to create wealth for other individuals or corporations was unimaginable.
Having multiple roles and skills meant that people were multifaceted and versatile. They knew how to farm, grow their food, create medicine using natural remedies, construct their houses, educate their families, manage their finances, interpret the laws of the land, and autonomously advocate for themselves when they faced injustice.
This active pursuit of self-development and expansion allowed them to cultivate a deeper understanding of themselves and the world.
Harmony with Nature in Agriculture:
Agriculture and land stewardship were major components of African life in most regions. They practiced self-sufficiency in food production by skillfully cultivating crops and tending to livestock, rooted in a symbiotic relationship with the land.
They understood environmental cycles and the importance of responsible resource stewardship, taking only what was necessary and actively restoring the environment. This approach promoted a harmonious coexistence with the land, recognizing that their well-being was intertwined with the well-being of the land.
Community-Centric Financial Systems:
Ancient African communities didn't rely on specialized groups or banks. Instead, they adopted a communal approach to managing money.
Groups like age mates, farmers, or women who sold merchandise in the marketplace pooled resources through systems like "Osusu," fostering economic autonomy and equitable wealth distribution within the community.
About African Osusu
African Osusu is a traditional microloan system deeply ingrained in numerous African communities at home and abroad. While banks are more prevalent, Osusu is still informally utilized alongside banks. I was actively involved in an Osusu group with my coworkers when I worked in Port Harcourt, Nigeria.
Within the Osusu system, resources are pooled within a closely-knit group for an agreed-upon period, with members making regular fixed contributions at specified intervals. The accumulated amounts are then disbursed to each member in a predetermined, rotating order.
Osusu promotes a savings culture, facilitates access to loans, fosters trust, and generates significant social and economic benefits within communities.
Holistic and Contextual Education:
African societies traditionally embraced a holistic approach to education and childcare, which went far beyond mere “formal” bench/desk schooling praxis. Parents played a central role in passing down not only practical skills but also deeply rooted values and cultural traditions to their children.
This holistic education extended to imparting knowledge about the environment and how to protect the land. Children were taught to be stewards of their surroundings, instilling a strong sense of responsibility for their natural surroundings.
In addition to parental guidance, African communities often organized coming-of-age ceremonies to celebrate the transition from childhood to adulthood. These communal rituals were significant events that symbolized the passage into a new phase of life. They were not just celebrations; they were profound educational experiences in themselves.
Indigenous Healing Wisdom:
Indigenous healing practices in Africa were rooted in a profound understanding of the efficacy of natural medicinal herbs, known for their effectiveness and gentleness on the body.
This wisdom was passed down through generations within families, ensuring the continuity of traditional knowledge. Children were introduced to the world of medicinal herbs from a tender age, establishing a strong foundation of herbal wisdom.
This decentralized healthcare system prioritized prevention over cure, fostering a profound comprehension of well-being and encouraging active participation in maintaining one's health.
Skilled medicine men and women within the community were consulted for complex health conditions that could not be treated at home.
As Western influence permeated African societies, indigenous practices were suppressed. The introduction and dominance of Western medicine led to the demonization and marginalization of indigenous medicine, marking a significant departure from the holistic and preventative approach of African healing traditions.
Breaking Free from Colonial Constraints:
Can we agree that the colonial construct, particularly as it relates to life and work, is inherently restrictive?
As a multi-passionate person with a wide array of interests and proclivities, I actively strive to embrace each facet of myself and explore all my diverse interests (even as I also prioritize rest).
By drawing inspiration from the wisdom of ancient African societies, we can and must explore ways to liberate ourselves from externally imposed constraints to embrace our uniqueness and our versatility.
We owe it to ourselves to seek the freedom to explore the length and breadth of our possibilities. Agree?
Share your thoughts in the comments.
Update: Sankofa Book Club
The Sankofa Book Club met on October 8th, to read in community.
Our next gathering is scheduled for Sunday, October 22nd, where we will delve into the thought-provoking Chapter One of our current selection:
"The Invention of Women: Making an African Sense of Western Gender Discourse" by Oyeronke Oyewumi.”
My thought on this chapter is that it is an admonition!
If you would like to join us, please join our WhatsApp group here to receive the Zoom details on how to participate. Ahsante!
In community,
Tamkara