History Form One Notes – Sources and Importance of History

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SOURCES AND IMPORTANCE OF HISTORY

Meaning and Importance of History

Background of the topic

History is an academic subject taught as part ofa primary and secondary education. This chapter

tackles the significance of history asa discipline in both primary and secondary levels, I gives

the basics of history and lays a solidfoundaton of this subject. It waces the different definitions

history the importance of studying history a8 a subject as well a the diferent ways by which

information that constitutes history is obtained.

‘The Meaning of History

Explain the meaning of History

Definitions of history

Various definitions have been put forward to define history a8 a discipline some of them are

+ History is record of events pertaining to human activities, his social, economic and

poliial development from the pas the present and the future

+ History refers to the study of past events, present situation and prediction ofthe fature or

it isthe study of changes in the proces of material production

+ History is defined as knowledge that entails chronologically presented narrations about

Inuman activities pertaining o socal, economic, technological and political aspects from the past

to the futur

In general history can also refer toan academic discipline which uses anaraive to examine and

analyse the soquences of past events and objectively determine the patterns of cause and effect

that determin them. Is the record of human activities which enable man to survival and attain

essential needs from the envionment

‘The basic neds of humankind include food shelter and clothing, Duet social, polit, cultural,

economic and technological transformations humankind’ activities have to change fom time to

Actions ten against nature aim to change natural objects into condition that can satisfy human

needs; these activities against nature are what we call material production. Material production

includes can be observed in sharpening of sticks to make a spear, digging tenches to tap wild

animals and many more.

The Importance of Studying History

Explain the importance of studying History

Studying history is important because it allows us to:

Understand how Afican societies were formed, how they developed and the factors that

influenced this development, It also allows us to develop an understanding of the events,

conditions and factors that shaped the past and those which have shaped the present conditions of

the world in order to predict the future

Historical knowledge makes the present comprehensive which is why journalists and writers of

sensational stories spend some time explaining the history of @ particular incident tis only

‘when one knows the past ofa person or an incident tha the preset can became meaningful

Develop an understanding and appreciation of the cultura, political, economic and technological

advancements made by African societies before and afte colonial rulership.

Developthebasie skils of critical thinking, reasoning, judgment, empathy and effective

Participation in human developmental activites, Studying history also helps ws to understand and

appreciate the efforts made and stategies used by Aftcan people to regain ther independence

and resist neo-colonialism

Develop, understand and appreciation the need for Afican unity, cooperation and

interdependence, conflict resolution and effective participation in social, economic and political

development of Africa. It also helps us to develop an understanding ofthe relationships between

Aican’s development problems and foreign intrusion, colonial domination, cultural subjugation

and economic exploitation at various stages in history

‘Acquire knowledge for is own sake as you enjoy a novel with ition, film with an interesting

Plot It isnot clear why people ae intrested in these ventures and inthe same way people do

enjoy to know the history of panicular topics

Develop our patriotism, history students know ther heroes and heroines and traitors. This make

history a sensitive subject in places where political leaders ate not sure oftheir legitimacy.

Enlightens people about the advantages of certain economic practices for example the way the

development in the world today is measured by the industrial revolution that took place in

Europe in 1750

Understand the level of development at different stages of human development, Without history

its very difficult to determine orto tll what humans were doing inthe past, Therefore, i is

through history that one can extensively understand the level of development that humans have

reached atin a given prio in time

Helps us learn abou technological transformations, for example primitive livelihood to advanced

livelihood (using of stones and wood tools to iron lols)

Understand how humans adapted to their environment and how the strugled to eam a living

fiom the environment This therefore looks atthe long srugle of man by exercises of his reason

to understand the environment and to act up omit

Understand the relationship that existed between humans, and between humans and the

envionment

Acquite skills in historical issues and becoming professionals in history, some people such as

archacologist and historians study history fr career purposes

Sources of History

en sources of History

Sources of history refers to the avenues that canbe used to get historical information It requires

an inter-discipinary approach inorder to get the actual historical informatio, Replying on a

single source of history evidence wil not satisfy your cutiosty as one source links you to the

chr. It is therefore crystal clear that no single source of history can stand omits own,

Therefore, the following are sources of history/historical

knowledge:

1. Oral traditions

2 Historia sites

3. Woiten records

4 Archives

5. Museums

6 Archaeology

7. Linguistic studies

8 Anthropology

9, Ethnographic sources

The Functions, Advantages and Limitations of the following Sources of

History; Oral Traditions, Historical Sites, Written Records, Archives

Assess the functions, advantages and limitations of the following sources of history: oral

traditions, historical sites, writen records, archives

Oral traditions

‘This refers to the history handed down by word of mouth from one generation to another. I is

ually done by talking and listening usually to elders who are believed to be more

Knowledgeable about past events. I is aso the study of our pastas revealed by what has been

handed down by word of mouth from one generation to another. ls manner of transmission

differs from written sources thus making it ahistorical source of a special nature. Oral traditions

are widely used in areas where people did not practice the art of writing,

‘Types of oral traditions

‘+ Proverbs, superstitions, poems and stories

‘+ Natratons of past events (primary and secondary sources)

Advantages of oral traditions

(Can easily be understood by everyone, oral traditions does not segregate; it can be understood by

everyone. It i therefore convenient for both the educated and the uneducated as it only requires

‘one to listen as long asi isin a language that everyone can understand,

{tis accessible as in every area narrators are presen; bere the historian is in better position to

assess the value and his reliability source because he is working with the living people. At any

time and place the historians or the person who is searching material can easily access the

information as the information are available

1 is cheap or costs less. Generally, elderly people are are willing to provide information free of

charge, this makes the source cheap. One does not need to pay his/her grandfather/mother in

‘order for them to tell one a story. In many societies people used to sit beside a fire and the elders

will tell them about whathappened in the past and this was passed over ffom one generation to

the other.

Helps inthe reconstruction of history it does require several sources in order to tell a story, oral

traditions bridge the gap as itis provides evidence to written sources or primary source. Many

historical sources including the most ancient ones were based on oral traditions

Its two way traffic form of communication. This means that when someone does not understand

questioning is possible, this therefore makes it a live and interactive source and interesting

source of historical information,

Avails us with uneritien or un documented history. Through oral tradition it is easy to reveal

information which is not documented or recorded. In African history the major source of

information is passed through oral traditions simply because much of what was taking place was

not writen down,

Bridges the gap left by other sources of history. As artifacts cannot talk itis oral tradition that

does the talking there by filling in the gaps that might have been left by ther sources

First handinformation. Many people who tell stories through different oral tradition are the

primary source or the people who were present atthe scene of the matter. This therefore means

that the historian will be ina postion of getting firsthand information from the respondent.

Disadvantages of oral tradition

Can easily be lost if someone who knows the data dies.In many societies it isthe elderly who

have the information which is passed over from generation to generation, incase the elder dies it

‘means the information he/she had has disappeared with that person

Language barrier.As oral tradition involves the passing down of history by use of the word of

‘mouth, the problem of a language barrier isa big hindrance. For example, a person who might

have valuable information might be using a language the historian does not understand this

therefore will limit the process of communication

Cannot stand on its own. Poems, stories, jokes etc. do not tell history directly they simply

contain valuable information of how people produced and reproduced themselves leaving out the

important aspects of the historical touch. It therefore gives the historian @ hard time to

supplement and analyse the given informationeritically.

Their reliability is rather problematic. I is impossible to judge how much is true history and

hhow much only folklore fiction, legends and myth. This can be evidenced in the stories that are

{old to young children for example stories ofthe hare, the lion and many others. Therefore, itis

difficult to distinguish what isthe fact and what is imaginary.

Conscientiousness of that person. Is he’she transmitting them the way he heard them or he

corrected them for some purpose or other. Itis very difficult to understand if someone is telling

you the event as he was told or is he adding in other information.

Variation in language. In some instances different languages might have similar words but with

<iffering meanings. This will therefore result confusion onthe sie of the historian or researcher

as some ofthe information might be los.

Most of narrations are centered on people of status in society. Kings, chiefs, queens are often

talked about in such stories, there is often little consideration about the masses.

Its preservation in many societies mainly depends on the power of the memories of successive

_generations of human beings. All orl traditions are influenced by the culture of the society that

produce them, this means thatthe traditions that exist in a given society chiefly depend on the

political organisation ofa given society

Other disadvantages include:

+ Can also pass over immoral cultural acts

‘+ Translation might be difficult because some languages have become extinct.

+ requires too much patience, attention and the power of the memory.

+ Usually i limited to a given locality and to recent information,

+ Easily awakens hatred amongst different societies,

+ Fullofbiases,

‘+ Htcan be time consuming ifthe narrators are in accessible

Historical sites

‘These do contain remains which show humanity’s physical development, activities and the tools

they made and used. The major function of historical sites is to make historical facts more

practical

There are two types of historical sites namely;

‘+ Areas with physical remains of man and his artifacts

+ Ancient towns with both ruins of old buildings and old buildings which stil exist.

Examples of historical sites with physical remains of man and his artifacts include the

following:

+ Olduvai Gorge, Isimila, Engaruka and Kondoa Irangi in Tanzania,

+ Nsongezi, Biggo, Nusi and Magogi in Uganda,

+ Olorgesalie Gigil and Lake Turkana in Kenya

+ Koobi fora in Ethiopia

‘+ Ingombe-tlede in Zambia,

+ Ishango in the D.R.C

(On the other hand examples of ancient towns in Aftica with ruins of old buildings and existing

old buildings include:

+ Timbuktu, Gao, Jenne and Audaghost in West Africa

+ Bagamoyo, Zanzibar and Kilwa in Tanzania,

+ Lamu and Mombasa in Kenya,

“THirough the study of historical sites we can reveal the works of art by previous generations for

example rock paintings ete. As time elapses more historical sites are being discovered due to

extensive research being carried out. The remains that are discovered in the historical sites are

worked on by archaeologists.

‘The major function of historical sites is to represent actual materials of man’s existence and

preserving the material remains of man for the coming generation, plus acting as symbol of

social heritage and referral point to the society that are concemed

Advantages of historical sites

As a symbol of social cultural heritage of different societies. Here the society concerned will be

symbolized in the site

Historical sites do break the boredom that is evidenced in the theoretical nature of history as @

discipline. In this Sense history is given a practical touch as people can see or observe what they

were studying practically for example past human tools, rock paintings and human remains,

Helps in the building or the reconstruction of history, as they bridge the gaps that might have

been eft by other sources.

The sites also act as a source of revenue for both the government and private individuals. Ths is

achieved when they act as centre of tourism, and when the tourists visit,

The sites act as avenues for research for archaeologists and other scientists. People who catry

fut research in regards to man’s past will use historical sites as their libraries and laboratories,

for example Dr. Leakey and his wife

Generally, discoveries from historical sites can be used to reveal past settlement pattems, levels

of technology, economic development and political organisation reached past societies in

different times and environments

Disadvantages of historical sites,

1 brings confusion to imerpret the remains found in the historical sites, for example, rock

paintings can bring about different interpretations between historians

Historical sites cannot stand on their own to tell history. This means that historical sites do not

fully cater for all historical information equited even for societies without documented history.

History found inthe sites cannot be interpreted by everyone andrequires a qualified personnel to

Interpret the information

Historical sites are located in remote areas which are not accessible. This makes it time

consuming and expensive working on them. Places where the historical sites are located are

often also poorly developed,

The historical sites maydisappear, as they ae often destroyed by natural hazards and changes in

the earth like weathering and denudation,

Many of the sites are selected on the basis of probability for example it is assumed that early

‘man lived in caves where there was water nearby and plenty of animals to hunt, fish or catch

This therefore brings inthe issue of try nd fail that in turn becomes costly in terms of time and

Examples of historical sites in East Africa include

+ Nsongezi- western Uganda

+ Magosi-eastem Uganda

+ Biggobyamugenyi (Biggo)- central Uganda

+ Lolui, Mubende in Uganda

‘+ Rusinga Island- southern Uganda

+ Olorgesailie- Kenya

+ Lake Rudolf: Kenya

+ Njoro in Kenya

+ Bagamoyo- Tanzania coast

+ Kilwa- Tanzania coast

+ Isimia- central Tanzania

+ Kondoa- central Tanzania

+ Lake Eyasi southem Tanzania

+ Olduvai Gorge in Tanzania ete.

Written records

‘This refers to the history which has been written down or documented, This isthe most common

and modem source of history a it cuts across diferent boundaries. I isthe principe source of

‘materials for historians in east Africa as they have been valuable for the past 200 years or

less. The written records are grouped into two the primary sources and secondary sources as for

the historians it is better to first deal with the secondary source and then handle the primary

Written records include: Books, letters, magazines, newspapers, minutes of meetings, official

and private documents, official publications by the governments and parliaments of the colonial

powers, peace treaties and other agreements concluded by the great powers between one another

and African chiefs, legislative ats, edicts, dispatches of the colonial administration, documents

from African companies and individual merchants, letters ete

It also include books writen by contemporaries, produced by aliens, narrative of explores,

reminiscences of soldiers, missionaries or colonial officials, the impressionistic sung of the

journalists and the imaginative reconstruction ofthe novelists. The written records can easily be

accessed inthe libraries, schools, colleges, archives and in some offices.

Functions of written records

Reconstruction of history, history can be reconstructed through a multdisciplinary approach, The

written records play an important role of constructing history as they do bridge the gaps that

‘might be left by other sources.

To collect and preserve written historical information, as this isthe modem and most common,

source of historical information it plays the function of preserving written records so that those

who come in the future will also be able to use this source of historical information.

Advantages of written records

Covers a wide section of ideas and different views. Different aspects concerning different views

can easly be accessed in one written material for example a text book can contain historical

information concerning different aspects and areas. Therefore, this simplifies the work of the

historian as he will concentrate on that one source and discover a variety of given information.

Therefore, it’s true to say that written records cover a wide coverage as different aspects can be

‘commented up on

1s easly accessible, as almost all areas have books, written materials are like a stone thrown

{nto pull causing ripples that flow out right across its surface This therefore means that in at

least any place there is atleast a written source of something. In addition to that written records

are easy to keep and to retrieve, the accessibility therefore simplifies the work of the historian as

she/he has the material at their disposal

Usually well explained and well elaborated. Many written records for such as textbooks are well

researched, explained and elaborated by the authors. This therefore gives the person using the

source actual and vivid material. Usually contains well-researched and concrete data which gives

ccnfidence to the researcher or historian

Bridges the gap left by other sources . The written records as a source of historical information

play an important role of bridging or filling inthe gaps that have been left by other sources. As it

is well known that no single source of history can sland on its own to tell history the written

records do fill up the gap that other sources might have left. For example it gives evidences to

oral traditions.

Cannot easilydisappear.As in the case of oral traditions, if the narrator dies the historical

information is most likely to follow him on the deathbed, for written records this isnot the ease

as material that is written down is very difficult to fade away as itis documented and usually in

‘many copies.

is very helpful when carrying outresearch, Foe researchpurposes the most helpful source can

be found in written records as it has guidelines, which help theresearcher in histher research. As

the information in most cases is well researched and elaboraive this gives the researcher ample

time in his research

Easy to get valuable and rare information. tis mainly from written sources that valuable and

rare information can be obtained. Many written records are very important as they provide

evidence were needed.

Easy 10 make references. If written material is well organised; many of the written sources at as

reference material for the different needs and written records a a source of reference.

Disadvantages of written records

1 is expensive. Writen records require alot of time and resources to prepare, this makes them

expensive to produce as compared to oral tradition. Also purchasing the written material is very

costly.

rey

Can easly be distorted or misunderstood. As written records are in most cases written in English

Which recipients might easily misunderstand. Also there might be distortion in the sense that

‘writers might be biased when writing or they might have different approaches on to the same

Applicable o educated people only. Writen records ae limited to a few people ina society. As

the people who do not know how to read and write will not benefit from this source of history as

helshe will not understand what has been writen, This therefore makes it limited to a given

section of people

Based mainly on the writer’s opinion. Many waiters are biased in the sense that they write in their

{favour of example Eurocentric and Afro centric ideas.

Historians cannot be expected to come to the same conclusion, thistherefore means that written

records are continuously rewritten and revised Unless the historian is able to sort out relevant

information many written records contain some information that might be irrelevant to the

historian there by wasting a lot of time in a given source. Generally, itis very diffieult to

understand history unless you understand the historian himself frst

Advantages of archives

{is the best method of collecting and preserving historical information. Most written documents

‘hich do contain historical information are preserved in the archives for future use,

“

1 archives a varity of information. I is very easy to get historical information of different

people and issues ata given time without wasting time and resources.

Getting firsthand information is possible, as the documents in archives are the extract materials

that were writen by the people concemed. For example political parties documents, memories

ete

{is very easy to get and idemify the exact date of historical events, suchas the travels of Vasco

Da Gama, African resistance, the seramble for and partition of Aftica plus many other important

Understanding the ideas and the literacy level of the past is very easy. This can be done by

analysing the documents in archives and relating them with what we have atthe present time and

also borrowing ideas from them. For example a current goverment can use a document of a

former government to recognise itself.

Disadvantages of archives

Preserving documents is very expensive. This therefore makes the source more expensive as

compared to other sources. Keeping the documents in archives requires much attention and care.

This method is also discriminative, as it is only the literate (educated) that can utilise the

information as itis usually writen in a language that someone who is not educated might not

understand

Societies whose information was not documented will not be represented. Societies with no

recorded past will not be represented.

Retrieving information from the archives is not easy, as it requites a lot of time and perseverance.

This therefore makes it hectic on the side of the impatient historian

Archives are not evenly distributed when compared to other methods like oral tradition. For

example, in Tanzania one has to travel to either Dar es Salaam or Arusha in order to find an

Advantages of museums

They preserve the historical information and material, is inthe museum that many of historical

remains are preserved for future use and referral

They contain a variety of historical items. It is only in the museum that one canbe find a variety

of historical remains ranging from artifacts to written records and oral tradition, Therefore

‘museum is relatively important to historical study.

Museums provide objects that give history a practical touch, as they working as teaching aids.

Students of history have the opportunity to put into practice what they study as they see the

‘objects in museums.

1 is possible 10 learn about the development of technology of early man from museums. The

curators play an important role in explaining artifacts to the people and how they were used

Museums arouse creativity and crafismanship on the side ofthe learner. This comes about as the

leamer sees more and more remains and became more eager to discover more

[Note other advantages may include:

+ Attracts tourists,

+ Generating income for the people working in the museums and the government.

+ Source of foreign exchange.

+ Provision of employment for example the museum curators,

+ Easy o identify the social, politcal and economic developments of a given society from

the museum,

+ Many of the museum act as the major source of information for those carrying out

research for educational purposes.

Disadvantages of museums

They are very expensive to maintain and build. Starting up and maintaining A museum requires

Jot of funds. Obtaining and maintaining artifacts is also relatively expensive.

Require skilled manpower to operate. Muscum curators should have historical beatings and

‘know about the artifacts in the museum,

Distortion of historical information, in the museum is possible when the curator is biased. The

curator will therefore distort the historical information, as he is subjective in the way he

{interprets the historical facts.

Attitude of the people affects the museum so much that some museums have been forced to be

closed. People ate not visting museums due to unknown reasons, a casein point the Hyrax site

‘museum in Kenya says that it receives only 10-20 customers on a busy weekend which is very

small number compared to the inputs inthe museum.

Poor preservation of artifacts, for example the pieces of cloth, chains if not well handled can

distort the information and the relevance of the historical fats. Due to poor preservation many

”

museums have lost their historical artifacts to the fies other nforesen circumstances costing

them dearly.

Archaeology

This refers to the science that deals with the study of past materials historical remain of man. Or

itis study of artifacts that have been dug ftom the earth. Artfets are the remains of the

material culture made by the people of the past. People who study archacology are

called archaeologists.

Archacologists like Dr, Leaky have concentrated on the period of early man; others lke Dr.

Posnansnky have worked on sites relating tothe Chwezi Empire, Chittick and Kitk man have

‘excavated coastal sites of the 12″ -16* centuries. How they carry out their excavations is a long

story.

Excavation is a Jong and laborious process as each piece of the material found has 1 be

examined carefilly and recorded so thatthe achacologss can give a complete reconstruction. A

historian studies the atifacts with the hope of reconstructing patterns of setlement, level of

technology and skills acquired by the inhabitants of the site after excavating. them.

Archacologists removes layer aller layer carefully recording all what they find and in try to

explain the relationship between the diferent objects

“The major function of archaeology stat it reveals important information about man through the

different stages of his transformation. Not only that but also plays the function of arousing

curiosity of searching past historical information on the side of historian

Advantages of archaeology

1k provides evidence or authemicty on to Historical facts, 3s the remains are examined

thoroughly by the concemed there by supplementing the other sources which might be lacking

evidence

Knowledge of atfcts is exposed ater excavation For example pottery, building, roting plus

telling usa great deal about the life and culture ofthe people long ago through uncovering the

tured objects

Archaeology simplifies the past as it helps us to know the past relationships between different

people such as in trading activities immigration, emigration, birth and death plus political

relations

It is probably the only source that can help us in knowing when and how people lived in a

certain place and at what time. This is attained through the use of carbon dating which is @

scientific method of finding out the age of dating objects and artifacts

Archaeology helps us to reveal the technology, pastoral agriculture and commercial activities of

the past societies. This is achieved through cross examining the remains excavated by the

archacologists

Archaeology is relatively important in supplementing facts that are given by other sources of

history. As no source can stand on its own to tell history, therefore it can be reconstructed by the

use of archaeology.

Disadvantages of archaeology

Archaeology demands much patience Many artifacts are fragile and delicate which calls alot of

care in the handling of for example fossils.

1k involves many processes to obtain data out of remains,. For example in excavations require

radioactive elements and many other procedures which make the process very expensive.

Archaeology consumes a lot of time:The archaeologists or researchers take a lot of time during

the preparation for excavation, testing the artifets and inthe interpretation of the data.

The remains that are excavated cannot tell the full details of a given historical phenomenon. Its

therefore clear that one cannot fully depend on archaeology as the complete source of history

Generally, the first discovery of an archaeological find or of an archaeological site is commonly

found by an ordinary person who does not have the techniques of excavating the remains.

During the excavation process remains of less historical importance for example a richly

furnished royal tomb, works of art of great beauty are not seen as important, Excavation is not a

treasure hunt, what they are seeking for is knowledge, information and data which will enable

thee fill up the picture of the past more accurately.

Linguistic studies

This means the stay of anguage. It refers to study and analysis of languages, their sounds,

structure and formation, Tete isa relationship between the diferent and various language

ous. It is belived that people who speak the same language have been in close contac inthe

st, Linguistics can suggest proximately when and how the Imguage spoke in East Attica

Languages ae never static but constantly changing and adapting some survive while others di

For proper classification and grouping the people of East Affica the work done by te linguistics

isa principal way. Many linguists insists thatthe orginal language of mankind consisted of

few short words, posibly not over 20, since many now use onl about 300

[Advantages of linguistic stody

Linguistic states are a lnbrcant of oral tradition, x itis through oral tition that given

information is acquired from the diferent sources. This therefore shows the interconnetedness

tetwen diferent sources of history.

Through the linguistics itis posible to tell the possible origin of our languages and how the

languages have been distorted. As lanpages that we do use need to be understood in oder 10

understand who we are and where we are going.

Bridging the gops left by other sources. Linguistic studies asist in bridging the gaps that are eft

by other sources. Basing on the fact thit the reconstruction of history requires an

intrdscipinary approach therfore ingssticstodies are relatively imptnt ike other sources

Assists in the development of language. It assists in the discovery of different links between the

people ofa given communities. Through the use of languages it’s possible to sy thao on ime

the people in the word lived together due to the similarity of some words inthe diferent

Ianguages

Language barrier isthe major factor that is limiting linguistics. I is clear that not everyone

understands ll the diferent languages. is therefor possible hat usefil historia information

might not be understood due to the language problem.

{night rest othe omission of some important information, thereby creating a gap in historical

information. In the process of translating given historical information from one language to

anther

11 expensive in terms of time an money, because isnot exsy to lea a given language this

therefore means that one has to take a given period of ime and resources in terms of finance to

Jeam a given language.

It can easily be diluted by external influences. Different languages have been influenced by

extemal forces which causes those languages to change drastically from thei orginal forms and

this therefore disturbs the historian in his effort to reconstrct history. For example many Swahili

words have been mixed with ther languages.

Anthropology

This is concerned with the study of existing social institutions and ther relationships. The

scintfic study ofthe srigin, behavior, physical, socal and cultural development of humans. The

study is concered with present day societies but much of it can be used in interpreting the ast

cepecially where we have good reson to believe on that societies in cetsin reas have not

atered so machin recent times.

1 is no evinidence that anthropology basis rots inthe Renaissance; it isa discipline tha is

fil grounded inthe modem era, no longer drawing on metaphysics but instead looking tothe

‘here and now of human existence. Combining philosophical ambitions with physiological and

ychological qsstions, thas fom is begining anthropology looked at sees which are ty

considered medical, psychological and philosophical as well as anthropological inthe modem

‘An anthropologist is a person who studies the above aspects of society; he has to live among

those people and Ir their culture thereby enabling him to understand the aspects of lie of a

certain society and to determine the truth bout tha society.

Advantage of anthropalogy

Helps the historian 10 find traces of the past in the present socal structures of the

society, Therefore using the current reliable information helps us to understand how the past was.

Helps the Mstorian to reconstruct the past elements of all cultures. The historian studies the

information and research techniques used by the anthropologist to ative at a certain conclusion

Generally, anthropology enables @ comparison of social institutions of various societies which

helps the historian in tracing the orginal homeland of social features.

Disadvantages of anthropology

‘A comparison ofthe social institutions of various societies over a wie area might indicate the

influence of one culture upon another and the time when these cultures developed and spread

which may create misunderstanding and hatred between the diffrent scicties

The works of anthropology are very limited to time and environment. Inthe present people may

be living in a condition fr different from what ther ancestors lived; in the long run the

anthropologist will not get the necessary information required in his study

‘The knowledge ofthe anthropologist in this case is very important as one can easily exaggerate

or underestimate or interpret basing on his knowledge a thing that will affect the whole process

trying to reconsrut history. This therefore means that objectivity of history des not mean

objectivity of acts but interpretation,

This method is 100 tiresome. The anthropologist has to live among the people and lear their

culture which enables him to understand all the different aspects of lif of a given society and to

determine wheter itis authentic and worth stdyng

Ethnographic sources

This is another source of history whichis not commonly used and usually neglected by many

scholars however, its relatively important as other sources. Ethnographic evidence does involve

to aspects the material and immaterial

The material things in nature are the artifacts while the immaterial include culture, custom and

beliefs or cultural evidence which is writen down, Under this the historian is mostly intrested in

cultural documents because ofthe unique characteristics as they are timeless

NOTE:As already elaborated no single source of history cam stand on its own tell story

but rather it requires inerdisciplinary approach for successful history reconstruction. This

means that no source is better than the other on the side of the historian carrying out hissher

research in any field of study but rather each supplement the other

Dating in history

Refers tothe assigning of dates or time on given historical events or facts, to record history

properly good knowledge of dating or calendar i needed, Historians divide time ino seconds,

minutes, hous, day, weeks, months, years, decades, age, periods, centuries, millennia and

eneration,

‘A decade isa period often years, A century is a period of hundred year, Millennium isa period

of thousand years, A generation is the average of time between one groups of period ina family

to anther group of family, Period is determined by one continuous event, which isin year.

‘Age refers to period based on man’s activities and the types oftols that are being wsed. In

history there are different ages namely

+ Stone age

+ tronage

+ Industria age

+ Nuclear age

+ Copper age

+ Bronze age

Ways of determining dates

‘There are two sets of ways to determine dates

+ Local methods

+ Scientific methods

‘Local methods are simple methods whereby dats are fixed through;

+ recalling facts eating events

+ tracing family chronologies

+ tracing the origin of languages

Scientific methods involve experiment in laboratories whereby material remains are studied

through such processes a;

+ Radio Active Dating (Radio metric)

+ Radio Carbon Dating (Radio Carbon 14)

Dividing time is im starting of 0, whichis the year when Jesus Christ was bom A.D. (Anno

Domino) isthe yeas after the birth of Jesus Christ and they are known as years ofthe Lord. B.C.

ae yeas before the bith of Jesus Chit. (Before Chris)

1 day 24 hous

tweck Taye

1 year 12 month

Vmomh weeks

year 365 days

decade 10 years

1 entry 100 ears 10 decades

silleniam 1000 years or 10 centuries

‘A group of people born inthe same period, or it refers to the average diferences in age between a chld

‘A generation a histber parents

Muslims start their calendar at Hijra AH (AI Hijra or after Hijra) this is when Prophet

‘Muhammad S.A.W fled from Mecca to Medina in order to spread Islam in the year 622 A.D.He

‘was bor inthe year $70 A.D. and died in the year 632 A.D.

Historians use chronological order of events, periods and ages such as family tee, time lines,

time charts and time graphs to tell time

‘TABLE SHOWING TIME PERIODS AND THEIR DURATION

‘Methods of dating in history

Carbon 16

This is the scientific method of determining dates in history and itis the most common and

‘modem method of determining dates in history. The archaeologists commonly use this method

aller discovering remains,

Radiocarbon dating

During the life time all living animals and vegetable matter absorbs a minute amount radioactive

carbon (carbon 14) from the atmosphere. After death the level of carbon 14 in the object

sradually declines ata steady, measurable rate. Thus by measuring the amount of carbon 14 in

ancient fragments of the former living matter such as born or charcoal, scientists ae able to

calculate the approximate age of the object. The results are never very accurate but they are an

invaluable aid to the archaeologists conceming more with the chronology than with the very

precise dates.

Language dating

Historical events can be dated by the use of language. Here some word used in a given language

can help to understand when a given event occurred, For example in Kiswahili there are some

words that are used that they do tell when a given events took place for example the use of the

word *Karafiu’ marks the beginning ofthe use of cloves in East Africa

Remembering changes and event dating

Events can help in dating history for example famine, harvesting period, tsunami, hurricanes ete

By using these changes one is able to tell what event took place and also reflect the time at which

that event took place

Order of eventdating

This shows the arrangement of events in series for example family and clan chronology (family

tree), chronological order of events (time line, time graph and time chart)

‘TIME LINE

1 2 3 4 s 6

300 BC 200 BC ro0Bc oad 000 AD 1800

‘TIME CHART

COLUMN COLUMN I

PERIOD (YEARS) EVENTS

1000 The discovery of ion

498 ‘Vasco Da Gama aived at the cape

1300 Emergence of Nm system of organization

1698 Fall of fort Jesus

1700 End of Portuguese rule in East Aftica

ima Momhasa establishes itself as an independene sheikh

1840 Sultan Said shit his capital fom Muscat wo Zanzibar

1800 The industrial evolution in Europe

1900 Signing of the Buganda agreement

1961 Independence of Tanganyika

1964 The Zanzibar revolition

1982 Multipart poies in Tanzania

1999 Death of Mu. Julius Nyerere

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