The Cultural Unity of Black Africa: The Domains of Patriarchy and of Matriarchy in Classical Antiquity (Karnak History) [Paperback]

Cheikh Anta Diop (Author)

Editorial Reviews

Language Notes

Text: English (translation)
Original Language: French

Product Details

• Paperback: 202 pages
• Publisher: Red Sea Press (January 2000)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0907015441
• ISBN-13: 978-0907015444
• Product Dimensions: 8.5 x 5.6 x 0.6 inches
• Shipping Weight: 11.2 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (1 customer review)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #466,429 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Cheikh Anta Diop is the author of The African Origin of Civilization: Myth or Reality and Precolonial Black Africa.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

17 of 17 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars I loved it., April 22, 2004

By 

A .J. Casper (USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Cultural Unity of Black Africa: The Domains of Patriarchy and of Matriarchy in Classical Antiquity (Paperback)

This book is deep and complex. One has to read it to grasp and understand. Anyway, Diop essentially divides the world into two cradles - the Northern (patriarchal in character), and Southern (Black and matriarchal). He clearly demonstrates that matriarchy could only be found in Black populations, specifically in Africa, or other places subject to Black influence. European and Asiatic societies have a patriarchal regime because of the demanding nomadic lifestyle in the Eurasian steppes. The sedentary life of Blacks is what fueled great respect for women...the Black woman being the inventor of agriculture. Children often got their names from the mother's lineage. He clearly argues his facts by explaining dowry, fire worship, cremation, amazonism, etc. He gives thorough examples throughout.

This is not just another feel-good book from a zealous Afrocentrist. This is true scholarship! I am sure all readers will be convinced when they finish reading it. Islam, colonization, and Christianity have truely changed the Black world in terms of its matriarchal character. We should respect our women. In European and Asian history, you will never find anything resembling the armed Sudanese Kandake, the Angolan Nzinga, the Egyptian Hatshetsup and Tiye,...the list is endless. Perhaps it's matriarchy that fueled our ancient societies to become world powers in our glory days. We can only imagine. Can Africa ever really gain what it's lost? That's the question. In a way, I feel that Diop asks the same question.