\n

However, the minister said the government will do all within its powers to protect the sites. Also, he warned land grabbers to stay clear of the 45 hectares buffer zone around the Osun-Oshogbo Sacred Grove. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Citing the importance of UNESCO world heritage sites, do you think governments around the world are doing enough to protect them? What do you think can be done better? We would love to hear your views in the comment box below.<\/p>\n","post_title":"Nigeria Identifies Landmarks Fit For Declaration As UNESCO World Heritage Sites","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"nigeria-identifies-landmarks-fit-for-declaration-as-unesco-world-heritage-sites","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-10-06 06:40:44","post_modified_gmt":"2024-10-06 06:40:44","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.africanvibes.com\/?p=212236","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":195426,"post_author":"2777","post_date":"2019-11-16 10:18:21","post_date_gmt":"2019-11-16 10:18:21","post_content":"\n\n[caption id=\"attachment_195428\" align=\"aligncenter\" width=\"735\"]\"\" New Studies Suggest Africa Was The Home Of Modern Man<\/em>[\/caption]\n\nScientists are continually trying to trace the origin of humans. A new study<\/a> says Africa was homeland of modern man. According to the study, the area Makgadikgadi-Okavango in the southern part of Africa was the home to a large population of Homo sapiens<\/em> until the advent of climate change. The fingered region is around northern Botswana.\n\nAbout 200 thousand years ago, there was an enormous lake in the region. The lake was roughly twice the size of modern-day Lake Victoria. Thus, modern humans settled there for at least 70 thousand years. However, as a result of climate change, the area is now reduced to salt plains. Consequently, the human population began to migrate roughly 130 thousand years ago. The first set of migrants ventured northeast while the second wave went southwest. However, some remained in the homeland until today.  \n

ALSO READ: 10 Most spoken Languages in Africa<\/a><\/strong><\/div>\nAccording to the researchers, it was this migration that triggered the development of human\u2019s genetic, cultural and ethnic diversity in modern man. Speaking about the new study, Vanessa Hayes from the Garvan Institute of Medical Research and the University of Sydney, and Extraordinary Professor at the University of Pretoria said,\n\n\"We've known for a long time that modern man originated in Africa roughly 200,000 years ago. But what we hadn't known until the study was where exactly this homeland was.\"<\/em>\n\n\n

The role played by mitochondrial DNA in the research<\/h2>\nTo reach the conclusion, the researchers analyzed DNA samples for about 200 Khoisan people. The ethnic group lives in modern-day Namibia and South Africa. They are known to carry a high proportion of mitogenomes called \u2018L0\u2019 lineage which are the earliest genomes of modern man. Explaining the importance of mitogenomes, Hayes said,\n\n\"Mitochondrial DNA acts like a time capsule of our ancestral mothers, accumulating changes slowly over generations. Comparing the complete DNA code, or mitogenome, from different individuals provides information on how closely they are related. Our work would not have been possible without the generous contributions of local communities and study participants in Namibia and South Africa, which allowed us to uncover rare and new L0 sub-branches.\"<\/em>\n
ALSO READ: You Can Now Study Kinyarwanda And Other African Languages In Beijing Foreign Studies University<\/a><\/strong><\/div>\nSubsequently, the researchers linked the L0 lineage timeline with the cultural, linguistic, and geographic distribution of different sub-lineages. This led to the finding that the \u2018homeland\u2019 of modern man was south of the Greater Zambezi River Basin which covers entire northern Botswana and stretches into the west of Namibia and east of Zimbabwe. Lead phylogenetic analyst, Dr. Eva Chan from Garvan Institute of Medical Research said,\n\n\"We merged 198 new, rare mitogenomes to the current database of modern human's earliest known population, the L0 lineage. This allowed us to refine the evolutionary tree of our earliest ancestral branches better than ever before.\"<\/em>\n\n\n

The uniqueness of the new study on modern man<\/h2>\nUnlike previous studies, the uniqueness of the present study lies in the combination of disciplines namely climatic physics, geology, and genetics. Geologist, Dr. Andy Moore from Rhodes University investigated existing fossil, archeological, and geological evidence to establish the one-time existence of Lake Makgadikgadi, Africa\u2019s largest lake system. He said,\n\n\"Prior to modern man emergence, the lake had begun to drain due to shifts in underlying tectonic plates. This would have created, a vast wetland, which is known to be one of the most productive ecosystems for sustaining life.\"<\/em>\n
ALSO READ: 5 Ideas for Online Investing in Africa<\/a><\/strong><\/div>\nThe range of error of previous studies was 150,000 to 250,000. However, the new study has a range of error of 165,000 to 240,000.\n

Not everyone agrees with the study<\/h2>\nSome scientists have their doubts about the authenticity of the study. For example, Sarah Tishkoff of the University of Pennsylvania argues that mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) alone is a poor tool for tracing the history of ancient Africa\u2019s population. Others argue that the female ancestors of the Khosian speakers with the L0 lineage could have migrated from somewhere else.\n\n\n\nAnother researcher who expressed doubt about the findings of the study was Chris Stringer. Stringer is a researcher of human evolution at the Natural History Museum in the UK. He highlighted the complexity of human origins study. In a statement posted on Twitter<\/a>, Stringer said,\n\n\"I am very cautious about using modern genetic distributions to infer exactly where ancestral populations were living 200,000 years ago, particularly in a continent as large and complex as Africa. Moreover, like so many studies that concentrate on one small bit of the genome, or one region, or one stone tool industry, or one 'critical' fossil, it cannot capture the full complexity of our mosaic origins, once other data are considered.\u201d<\/em>\n\nNotwithstanding the divergence in the opinion of different researchers, one thing remains clear; Africa had an important role to play in the history and evolution of modern man. We will like to know what you think about this study in the comment box.","post_title":"New Studies Suggest Africa Is The Origin Of Modern Man","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"new-studies-suggest-africa-was-the-homeland-of-modern-man","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-10-06 06:39:42","post_modified_gmt":"2024-10-06 06:39:42","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.africanvibes.com\/?p=195426","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":9778,"post_author":"7","post_date":"2017-04-19 04:47:28","post_date_gmt":"2017-04-19 04:47:28","post_content":"\n\n[caption id=\"attachment_301462\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"219\"]\"Ghana's<\/a> Ghana's Aunty Ocloo Is No Ordinary Google Doodle Photo credit ghanaianmuseum<\/em>[\/caption]\n\nA dollar. That's all Esther Afua Ocloo needed to kickstart Ghana's first food processing factory in 1942. She was a college student. And she was broke. So she used the money, a gift from her aunt, to buy some oranges, sugar, firewood, and jam jars. She produced 12 pots of marmalade. And Nkulenu Industries was born. She sold the jam to her classmates, then the school, then the country, then the world.\n\nALSO READ:\u00a0Zimbabwean Woman Gets Life-Size Statue In New York. Here Is Why<\/a><\/strong>\n\nEsther Afua Ocloo, the star of today's Google Doodle<\/a>, was more than a jam star. She also became a pioneer in the field of microfinance \u2014 lending a small amount of money to women with a dream like she once had.\n\n[caption id=\"attachment_9779\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"1000\"]\"Ghana's Photo credit Youtube<\/a><\/em>[\/caption]\n\nRead More Here >><\/strong><\/span><\/a>","post_title":"Ghana's Aunty Ocloo Is No Ordinary Google Doodle","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"ghanas-aunty-ocloo-no-ordinary-google-doodle","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-10-04 05:58:30","post_modified_gmt":"2024-10-04 05:58:30","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.africanvibes.com\/?p=9778","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"}],"next":false,"prev":false,"total_page":1},"paged":1,"column_class":"jeg_col_2o3","class":"epic_block_3"};

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\n

\u201cOur gallant men and women in uniform have succeeded in repelling the attempt by the Boko Haram terrorists to destroy the Sukur Cultural Landscape.\u2019\u2019<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

However, the minister said the government will do all within its powers to protect the sites. Also, he warned land grabbers to stay clear of the 45 hectares buffer zone around the Osun-Oshogbo Sacred Grove. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Citing the importance of UNESCO world heritage sites, do you think governments around the world are doing enough to protect them? What do you think can be done better? We would love to hear your views in the comment box below.<\/p>\n","post_title":"Nigeria Identifies Landmarks Fit For Declaration As UNESCO World Heritage Sites","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"nigeria-identifies-landmarks-fit-for-declaration-as-unesco-world-heritage-sites","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-10-06 06:40:44","post_modified_gmt":"2024-10-06 06:40:44","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.africanvibes.com\/?p=212236","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":195426,"post_author":"2777","post_date":"2019-11-16 10:18:21","post_date_gmt":"2019-11-16 10:18:21","post_content":"\n\n[caption id=\"attachment_195428\" align=\"aligncenter\" width=\"735\"]\"\" New Studies Suggest Africa Was The Home Of Modern Man<\/em>[\/caption]\n\nScientists are continually trying to trace the origin of humans. A new study<\/a> says Africa was homeland of modern man. According to the study, the area Makgadikgadi-Okavango in the southern part of Africa was the home to a large population of Homo sapiens<\/em> until the advent of climate change. The fingered region is around northern Botswana.\n\nAbout 200 thousand years ago, there was an enormous lake in the region. The lake was roughly twice the size of modern-day Lake Victoria. Thus, modern humans settled there for at least 70 thousand years. However, as a result of climate change, the area is now reduced to salt plains. Consequently, the human population began to migrate roughly 130 thousand years ago. The first set of migrants ventured northeast while the second wave went southwest. However, some remained in the homeland until today.  \n

ALSO READ: 10 Most spoken Languages in Africa<\/a><\/strong><\/div>\nAccording to the researchers, it was this migration that triggered the development of human\u2019s genetic, cultural and ethnic diversity in modern man. Speaking about the new study, Vanessa Hayes from the Garvan Institute of Medical Research and the University of Sydney, and Extraordinary Professor at the University of Pretoria said,\n\n\"We've known for a long time that modern man originated in Africa roughly 200,000 years ago. But what we hadn't known until the study was where exactly this homeland was.\"<\/em>\n\n\n

The role played by mitochondrial DNA in the research<\/h2>\nTo reach the conclusion, the researchers analyzed DNA samples for about 200 Khoisan people. The ethnic group lives in modern-day Namibia and South Africa. They are known to carry a high proportion of mitogenomes called \u2018L0\u2019 lineage which are the earliest genomes of modern man. Explaining the importance of mitogenomes, Hayes said,\n\n\"Mitochondrial DNA acts like a time capsule of our ancestral mothers, accumulating changes slowly over generations. Comparing the complete DNA code, or mitogenome, from different individuals provides information on how closely they are related. Our work would not have been possible without the generous contributions of local communities and study participants in Namibia and South Africa, which allowed us to uncover rare and new L0 sub-branches.\"<\/em>\n
ALSO READ: You Can Now Study Kinyarwanda And Other African Languages In Beijing Foreign Studies University<\/a><\/strong><\/div>\nSubsequently, the researchers linked the L0 lineage timeline with the cultural, linguistic, and geographic distribution of different sub-lineages. This led to the finding that the \u2018homeland\u2019 of modern man was south of the Greater Zambezi River Basin which covers entire northern Botswana and stretches into the west of Namibia and east of Zimbabwe. Lead phylogenetic analyst, Dr. Eva Chan from Garvan Institute of Medical Research said,\n\n\"We merged 198 new, rare mitogenomes to the current database of modern human's earliest known population, the L0 lineage. This allowed us to refine the evolutionary tree of our earliest ancestral branches better than ever before.\"<\/em>\n\n\n

The uniqueness of the new study on modern man<\/h2>\nUnlike previous studies, the uniqueness of the present study lies in the combination of disciplines namely climatic physics, geology, and genetics. Geologist, Dr. Andy Moore from Rhodes University investigated existing fossil, archeological, and geological evidence to establish the one-time existence of Lake Makgadikgadi, Africa\u2019s largest lake system. He said,\n\n\"Prior to modern man emergence, the lake had begun to drain due to shifts in underlying tectonic plates. This would have created, a vast wetland, which is known to be one of the most productive ecosystems for sustaining life.\"<\/em>\n
ALSO READ: 5 Ideas for Online Investing in Africa<\/a><\/strong><\/div>\nThe range of error of previous studies was 150,000 to 250,000. However, the new study has a range of error of 165,000 to 240,000.\n

Not everyone agrees with the study<\/h2>\nSome scientists have their doubts about the authenticity of the study. For example, Sarah Tishkoff of the University of Pennsylvania argues that mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) alone is a poor tool for tracing the history of ancient Africa\u2019s population. Others argue that the female ancestors of the Khosian speakers with the L0 lineage could have migrated from somewhere else.\n\n\n\nAnother researcher who expressed doubt about the findings of the study was Chris Stringer. Stringer is a researcher of human evolution at the Natural History Museum in the UK. He highlighted the complexity of human origins study. In a statement posted on Twitter<\/a>, Stringer said,\n\n\"I am very cautious about using modern genetic distributions to infer exactly where ancestral populations were living 200,000 years ago, particularly in a continent as large and complex as Africa. Moreover, like so many studies that concentrate on one small bit of the genome, or one region, or one stone tool industry, or one 'critical' fossil, it cannot capture the full complexity of our mosaic origins, once other data are considered.\u201d<\/em>\n\nNotwithstanding the divergence in the opinion of different researchers, one thing remains clear; Africa had an important role to play in the history and evolution of modern man. We will like to know what you think about this study in the comment box.","post_title":"New Studies Suggest Africa Is The Origin Of Modern Man","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"new-studies-suggest-africa-was-the-homeland-of-modern-man","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-10-06 06:39:42","post_modified_gmt":"2024-10-06 06:39:42","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.africanvibes.com\/?p=195426","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":9778,"post_author":"7","post_date":"2017-04-19 04:47:28","post_date_gmt":"2017-04-19 04:47:28","post_content":"\n\n[caption id=\"attachment_301462\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"219\"]\"Ghana's<\/a> Ghana's Aunty Ocloo Is No Ordinary Google Doodle Photo credit ghanaianmuseum<\/em>[\/caption]\n\nA dollar. That's all Esther Afua Ocloo needed to kickstart Ghana's first food processing factory in 1942. She was a college student. And she was broke. So she used the money, a gift from her aunt, to buy some oranges, sugar, firewood, and jam jars. She produced 12 pots of marmalade. And Nkulenu Industries was born. She sold the jam to her classmates, then the school, then the country, then the world.\n\nALSO READ:\u00a0Zimbabwean Woman Gets Life-Size Statue In New York. Here Is Why<\/a><\/strong>\n\nEsther Afua Ocloo, the star of today's Google Doodle<\/a>, was more than a jam star. She also became a pioneer in the field of microfinance \u2014 lending a small amount of money to women with a dream like she once had.\n\n[caption id=\"attachment_9779\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"1000\"]\"Ghana's Photo credit Youtube<\/a><\/em>[\/caption]\n\nRead More Here >><\/strong><\/span><\/a>","post_title":"Ghana's Aunty Ocloo Is No Ordinary Google Doodle","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"ghanas-aunty-ocloo-no-ordinary-google-doodle","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-10-04 05:58:30","post_modified_gmt":"2024-10-04 05:58:30","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.africanvibes.com\/?p=9778","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"}],"next":false,"prev":false,"total_page":1},"paged":1,"column_class":"jeg_col_2o3","class":"epic_block_3"};

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\n

The two heritage sites in Nigeria are facing significant threats. In the South, land grabbers are encroaching into the Osun-Oshogbo Sacred Grove. In the north, the fate of Sukur Cultural Landscape lies in the hands of the military. According to the minister,<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cOur gallant men and women in uniform have succeeded in repelling the attempt by the Boko Haram terrorists to destroy the Sukur Cultural Landscape.\u2019\u2019<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

However, the minister said the government will do all within its powers to protect the sites. Also, he warned land grabbers to stay clear of the 45 hectares buffer zone around the Osun-Oshogbo Sacred Grove. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Citing the importance of UNESCO world heritage sites, do you think governments around the world are doing enough to protect them? What do you think can be done better? We would love to hear your views in the comment box below.<\/p>\n","post_title":"Nigeria Identifies Landmarks Fit For Declaration As UNESCO World Heritage Sites","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"nigeria-identifies-landmarks-fit-for-declaration-as-unesco-world-heritage-sites","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-10-06 06:40:44","post_modified_gmt":"2024-10-06 06:40:44","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.africanvibes.com\/?p=212236","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":195426,"post_author":"2777","post_date":"2019-11-16 10:18:21","post_date_gmt":"2019-11-16 10:18:21","post_content":"\n\n[caption id=\"attachment_195428\" align=\"aligncenter\" width=\"735\"]\"\" New Studies Suggest Africa Was The Home Of Modern Man<\/em>[\/caption]\n\nScientists are continually trying to trace the origin of humans. A new study<\/a> says Africa was homeland of modern man. According to the study, the area Makgadikgadi-Okavango in the southern part of Africa was the home to a large population of Homo sapiens<\/em> until the advent of climate change. The fingered region is around northern Botswana.\n\nAbout 200 thousand years ago, there was an enormous lake in the region. The lake was roughly twice the size of modern-day Lake Victoria. Thus, modern humans settled there for at least 70 thousand years. However, as a result of climate change, the area is now reduced to salt plains. Consequently, the human population began to migrate roughly 130 thousand years ago. The first set of migrants ventured northeast while the second wave went southwest. However, some remained in the homeland until today.  \n

ALSO READ: 10 Most spoken Languages in Africa<\/a><\/strong><\/div>\nAccording to the researchers, it was this migration that triggered the development of human\u2019s genetic, cultural and ethnic diversity in modern man. Speaking about the new study, Vanessa Hayes from the Garvan Institute of Medical Research and the University of Sydney, and Extraordinary Professor at the University of Pretoria said,\n\n\"We've known for a long time that modern man originated in Africa roughly 200,000 years ago. But what we hadn't known until the study was where exactly this homeland was.\"<\/em>\n\n\n

The role played by mitochondrial DNA in the research<\/h2>\nTo reach the conclusion, the researchers analyzed DNA samples for about 200 Khoisan people. The ethnic group lives in modern-day Namibia and South Africa. They are known to carry a high proportion of mitogenomes called \u2018L0\u2019 lineage which are the earliest genomes of modern man. Explaining the importance of mitogenomes, Hayes said,\n\n\"Mitochondrial DNA acts like a time capsule of our ancestral mothers, accumulating changes slowly over generations. Comparing the complete DNA code, or mitogenome, from different individuals provides information on how closely they are related. Our work would not have been possible without the generous contributions of local communities and study participants in Namibia and South Africa, which allowed us to uncover rare and new L0 sub-branches.\"<\/em>\n
ALSO READ: You Can Now Study Kinyarwanda And Other African Languages In Beijing Foreign Studies University<\/a><\/strong><\/div>\nSubsequently, the researchers linked the L0 lineage timeline with the cultural, linguistic, and geographic distribution of different sub-lineages. This led to the finding that the \u2018homeland\u2019 of modern man was south of the Greater Zambezi River Basin which covers entire northern Botswana and stretches into the west of Namibia and east of Zimbabwe. Lead phylogenetic analyst, Dr. Eva Chan from Garvan Institute of Medical Research said,\n\n\"We merged 198 new, rare mitogenomes to the current database of modern human's earliest known population, the L0 lineage. This allowed us to refine the evolutionary tree of our earliest ancestral branches better than ever before.\"<\/em>\n\n\n

The uniqueness of the new study on modern man<\/h2>\nUnlike previous studies, the uniqueness of the present study lies in the combination of disciplines namely climatic physics, geology, and genetics. Geologist, Dr. Andy Moore from Rhodes University investigated existing fossil, archeological, and geological evidence to establish the one-time existence of Lake Makgadikgadi, Africa\u2019s largest lake system. He said,\n\n\"Prior to modern man emergence, the lake had begun to drain due to shifts in underlying tectonic plates. This would have created, a vast wetland, which is known to be one of the most productive ecosystems for sustaining life.\"<\/em>\n
ALSO READ: 5 Ideas for Online Investing in Africa<\/a><\/strong><\/div>\nThe range of error of previous studies was 150,000 to 250,000. However, the new study has a range of error of 165,000 to 240,000.\n

Not everyone agrees with the study<\/h2>\nSome scientists have their doubts about the authenticity of the study. For example, Sarah Tishkoff of the University of Pennsylvania argues that mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) alone is a poor tool for tracing the history of ancient Africa\u2019s population. Others argue that the female ancestors of the Khosian speakers with the L0 lineage could have migrated from somewhere else.\n\n\n\nAnother researcher who expressed doubt about the findings of the study was Chris Stringer. Stringer is a researcher of human evolution at the Natural History Museum in the UK. He highlighted the complexity of human origins study. In a statement posted on Twitter<\/a>, Stringer said,\n\n\"I am very cautious about using modern genetic distributions to infer exactly where ancestral populations were living 200,000 years ago, particularly in a continent as large and complex as Africa. Moreover, like so many studies that concentrate on one small bit of the genome, or one region, or one stone tool industry, or one 'critical' fossil, it cannot capture the full complexity of our mosaic origins, once other data are considered.\u201d<\/em>\n\nNotwithstanding the divergence in the opinion of different researchers, one thing remains clear; Africa had an important role to play in the history and evolution of modern man. We will like to know what you think about this study in the comment box.","post_title":"New Studies Suggest Africa Is The Origin Of Modern Man","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"new-studies-suggest-africa-was-the-homeland-of-modern-man","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-10-06 06:39:42","post_modified_gmt":"2024-10-06 06:39:42","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.africanvibes.com\/?p=195426","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":9778,"post_author":"7","post_date":"2017-04-19 04:47:28","post_date_gmt":"2017-04-19 04:47:28","post_content":"\n\n[caption id=\"attachment_301462\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"219\"]\"Ghana's<\/a> Ghana's Aunty Ocloo Is No Ordinary Google Doodle Photo credit ghanaianmuseum<\/em>[\/caption]\n\nA dollar. That's all Esther Afua Ocloo needed to kickstart Ghana's first food processing factory in 1942. She was a college student. And she was broke. So she used the money, a gift from her aunt, to buy some oranges, sugar, firewood, and jam jars. She produced 12 pots of marmalade. And Nkulenu Industries was born. She sold the jam to her classmates, then the school, then the country, then the world.\n\nALSO READ:\u00a0Zimbabwean Woman Gets Life-Size Statue In New York. Here Is Why<\/a><\/strong>\n\nEsther Afua Ocloo, the star of today's Google Doodle<\/a>, was more than a jam star. She also became a pioneer in the field of microfinance \u2014 lending a small amount of money to women with a dream like she once had.\n\n[caption id=\"attachment_9779\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"1000\"]\"Ghana's Photo credit Youtube<\/a><\/em>[\/caption]\n\nRead More Here >><\/strong><\/span><\/a>","post_title":"Ghana's Aunty Ocloo Is No Ordinary Google Doodle","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"ghanas-aunty-ocloo-no-ordinary-google-doodle","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-10-04 05:58:30","post_modified_gmt":"2024-10-04 05:58:30","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.africanvibes.com\/?p=9778","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"}],"next":false,"prev":false,"total_page":1},"paged":1,"column_class":"jeg_col_2o3","class":"epic_block_3"};

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\n

Threats to the Heritage Sites in Nigeria<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

The two heritage sites in Nigeria are facing significant threats. In the South, land grabbers are encroaching into the Osun-Oshogbo Sacred Grove. In the north, the fate of Sukur Cultural Landscape lies in the hands of the military. According to the minister,<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cOur gallant men and women in uniform have succeeded in repelling the attempt by the Boko Haram terrorists to destroy the Sukur Cultural Landscape.\u2019\u2019<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

However, the minister said the government will do all within its powers to protect the sites. Also, he warned land grabbers to stay clear of the 45 hectares buffer zone around the Osun-Oshogbo Sacred Grove. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Citing the importance of UNESCO world heritage sites, do you think governments around the world are doing enough to protect them? What do you think can be done better? We would love to hear your views in the comment box below.<\/p>\n","post_title":"Nigeria Identifies Landmarks Fit For Declaration As UNESCO World Heritage Sites","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"nigeria-identifies-landmarks-fit-for-declaration-as-unesco-world-heritage-sites","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-10-06 06:40:44","post_modified_gmt":"2024-10-06 06:40:44","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.africanvibes.com\/?p=212236","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":195426,"post_author":"2777","post_date":"2019-11-16 10:18:21","post_date_gmt":"2019-11-16 10:18:21","post_content":"\n\n[caption id=\"attachment_195428\" align=\"aligncenter\" width=\"735\"]\"\" New Studies Suggest Africa Was The Home Of Modern Man<\/em>[\/caption]\n\nScientists are continually trying to trace the origin of humans. A new study<\/a> says Africa was homeland of modern man. According to the study, the area Makgadikgadi-Okavango in the southern part of Africa was the home to a large population of Homo sapiens<\/em> until the advent of climate change. The fingered region is around northern Botswana.\n\nAbout 200 thousand years ago, there was an enormous lake in the region. The lake was roughly twice the size of modern-day Lake Victoria. Thus, modern humans settled there for at least 70 thousand years. However, as a result of climate change, the area is now reduced to salt plains. Consequently, the human population began to migrate roughly 130 thousand years ago. The first set of migrants ventured northeast while the second wave went southwest. However, some remained in the homeland until today.  \n

ALSO READ: 10 Most spoken Languages in Africa<\/a><\/strong><\/div>\nAccording to the researchers, it was this migration that triggered the development of human\u2019s genetic, cultural and ethnic diversity in modern man. Speaking about the new study, Vanessa Hayes from the Garvan Institute of Medical Research and the University of Sydney, and Extraordinary Professor at the University of Pretoria said,\n\n\"We've known for a long time that modern man originated in Africa roughly 200,000 years ago. But what we hadn't known until the study was where exactly this homeland was.\"<\/em>\n\n\n

The role played by mitochondrial DNA in the research<\/h2>\nTo reach the conclusion, the researchers analyzed DNA samples for about 200 Khoisan people. The ethnic group lives in modern-day Namibia and South Africa. They are known to carry a high proportion of mitogenomes called \u2018L0\u2019 lineage which are the earliest genomes of modern man. Explaining the importance of mitogenomes, Hayes said,\n\n\"Mitochondrial DNA acts like a time capsule of our ancestral mothers, accumulating changes slowly over generations. Comparing the complete DNA code, or mitogenome, from different individuals provides information on how closely they are related. Our work would not have been possible without the generous contributions of local communities and study participants in Namibia and South Africa, which allowed us to uncover rare and new L0 sub-branches.\"<\/em>\n
ALSO READ: You Can Now Study Kinyarwanda And Other African Languages In Beijing Foreign Studies University<\/a><\/strong><\/div>\nSubsequently, the researchers linked the L0 lineage timeline with the cultural, linguistic, and geographic distribution of different sub-lineages. This led to the finding that the \u2018homeland\u2019 of modern man was south of the Greater Zambezi River Basin which covers entire northern Botswana and stretches into the west of Namibia and east of Zimbabwe. Lead phylogenetic analyst, Dr. Eva Chan from Garvan Institute of Medical Research said,\n\n\"We merged 198 new, rare mitogenomes to the current database of modern human's earliest known population, the L0 lineage. This allowed us to refine the evolutionary tree of our earliest ancestral branches better than ever before.\"<\/em>\n\n\n

The uniqueness of the new study on modern man<\/h2>\nUnlike previous studies, the uniqueness of the present study lies in the combination of disciplines namely climatic physics, geology, and genetics. Geologist, Dr. Andy Moore from Rhodes University investigated existing fossil, archeological, and geological evidence to establish the one-time existence of Lake Makgadikgadi, Africa\u2019s largest lake system. He said,\n\n\"Prior to modern man emergence, the lake had begun to drain due to shifts in underlying tectonic plates. This would have created, a vast wetland, which is known to be one of the most productive ecosystems for sustaining life.\"<\/em>\n
ALSO READ: 5 Ideas for Online Investing in Africa<\/a><\/strong><\/div>\nThe range of error of previous studies was 150,000 to 250,000. However, the new study has a range of error of 165,000 to 240,000.\n

Not everyone agrees with the study<\/h2>\nSome scientists have their doubts about the authenticity of the study. For example, Sarah Tishkoff of the University of Pennsylvania argues that mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) alone is a poor tool for tracing the history of ancient Africa\u2019s population. Others argue that the female ancestors of the Khosian speakers with the L0 lineage could have migrated from somewhere else.\n\n\n\nAnother researcher who expressed doubt about the findings of the study was Chris Stringer. Stringer is a researcher of human evolution at the Natural History Museum in the UK. He highlighted the complexity of human origins study. In a statement posted on Twitter<\/a>, Stringer said,\n\n\"I am very cautious about using modern genetic distributions to infer exactly where ancestral populations were living 200,000 years ago, particularly in a continent as large and complex as Africa. Moreover, like so many studies that concentrate on one small bit of the genome, or one region, or one stone tool industry, or one 'critical' fossil, it cannot capture the full complexity of our mosaic origins, once other data are considered.\u201d<\/em>\n\nNotwithstanding the divergence in the opinion of different researchers, one thing remains clear; Africa had an important role to play in the history and evolution of modern man. We will like to know what you think about this study in the comment box.","post_title":"New Studies Suggest Africa Is The Origin Of Modern Man","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"new-studies-suggest-africa-was-the-homeland-of-modern-man","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-10-06 06:39:42","post_modified_gmt":"2024-10-06 06:39:42","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.africanvibes.com\/?p=195426","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":9778,"post_author":"7","post_date":"2017-04-19 04:47:28","post_date_gmt":"2017-04-19 04:47:28","post_content":"\n\n[caption id=\"attachment_301462\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"219\"]\"Ghana's<\/a> Ghana's Aunty Ocloo Is No Ordinary Google Doodle Photo credit ghanaianmuseum<\/em>[\/caption]\n\nA dollar. That's all Esther Afua Ocloo needed to kickstart Ghana's first food processing factory in 1942. She was a college student. And she was broke. So she used the money, a gift from her aunt, to buy some oranges, sugar, firewood, and jam jars. She produced 12 pots of marmalade. And Nkulenu Industries was born. She sold the jam to her classmates, then the school, then the country, then the world.\n\nALSO READ:\u00a0Zimbabwean Woman Gets Life-Size Statue In New York. Here Is Why<\/a><\/strong>\n\nEsther Afua Ocloo, the star of today's Google Doodle<\/a>, was more than a jam star. She also became a pioneer in the field of microfinance \u2014 lending a small amount of money to women with a dream like she once had.\n\n[caption id=\"attachment_9779\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"1000\"]\"Ghana's Photo credit Youtube<\/a><\/em>[\/caption]\n\nRead More Here >><\/strong><\/span><\/a>","post_title":"Ghana's Aunty Ocloo Is No Ordinary Google Doodle","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"ghanas-aunty-ocloo-no-ordinary-google-doodle","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-10-04 05:58:30","post_modified_gmt":"2024-10-04 05:58:30","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.africanvibes.com\/?p=9778","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"}],"next":false,"prev":false,"total_page":1},"paged":1,"column_class":"jeg_col_2o3","class":"epic_block_3"};

Recent Posts
See all
\n
\"Brazilian
Brazilian Baracoon Museum Point of No Return in Badagry, Lagos State<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Threats to the Heritage Sites in Nigeria<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

The two heritage sites in Nigeria are facing significant threats. In the South, land grabbers are encroaching into the Osun-Oshogbo Sacred Grove. In the north, the fate of Sukur Cultural Landscape lies in the hands of the military. According to the minister,<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cOur gallant men and women in uniform have succeeded in repelling the attempt by the Boko Haram terrorists to destroy the Sukur Cultural Landscape.\u2019\u2019<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

However, the minister said the government will do all within its powers to protect the sites. Also, he warned land grabbers to stay clear of the 45 hectares buffer zone around the Osun-Oshogbo Sacred Grove. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Citing the importance of UNESCO world heritage sites, do you think governments around the world are doing enough to protect them? What do you think can be done better? We would love to hear your views in the comment box below.<\/p>\n","post_title":"Nigeria Identifies Landmarks Fit For Declaration As UNESCO World Heritage Sites","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"nigeria-identifies-landmarks-fit-for-declaration-as-unesco-world-heritage-sites","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-10-06 06:40:44","post_modified_gmt":"2024-10-06 06:40:44","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.africanvibes.com\/?p=212236","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":195426,"post_author":"2777","post_date":"2019-11-16 10:18:21","post_date_gmt":"2019-11-16 10:18:21","post_content":"\n\n[caption id=\"attachment_195428\" align=\"aligncenter\" width=\"735\"]\"\" New Studies Suggest Africa Was The Home Of Modern Man<\/em>[\/caption]\n\nScientists are continually trying to trace the origin of humans. A new study<\/a> says Africa was homeland of modern man. According to the study, the area Makgadikgadi-Okavango in the southern part of Africa was the home to a large population of Homo sapiens<\/em> until the advent of climate change. The fingered region is around northern Botswana.\n\nAbout 200 thousand years ago, there was an enormous lake in the region. The lake was roughly twice the size of modern-day Lake Victoria. Thus, modern humans settled there for at least 70 thousand years. However, as a result of climate change, the area is now reduced to salt plains. Consequently, the human population began to migrate roughly 130 thousand years ago. The first set of migrants ventured northeast while the second wave went southwest. However, some remained in the homeland until today.  \n

ALSO READ: 10 Most spoken Languages in Africa<\/a><\/strong><\/div>\nAccording to the researchers, it was this migration that triggered the development of human\u2019s genetic, cultural and ethnic diversity in modern man. Speaking about the new study, Vanessa Hayes from the Garvan Institute of Medical Research and the University of Sydney, and Extraordinary Professor at the University of Pretoria said,\n\n\"We've known for a long time that modern man originated in Africa roughly 200,000 years ago. But what we hadn't known until the study was where exactly this homeland was.\"<\/em>\n\n\n

The role played by mitochondrial DNA in the research<\/h2>\nTo reach the conclusion, the researchers analyzed DNA samples for about 200 Khoisan people. The ethnic group lives in modern-day Namibia and South Africa. They are known to carry a high proportion of mitogenomes called \u2018L0\u2019 lineage which are the earliest genomes of modern man. Explaining the importance of mitogenomes, Hayes said,\n\n\"Mitochondrial DNA acts like a time capsule of our ancestral mothers, accumulating changes slowly over generations. Comparing the complete DNA code, or mitogenome, from different individuals provides information on how closely they are related. Our work would not have been possible without the generous contributions of local communities and study participants in Namibia and South Africa, which allowed us to uncover rare and new L0 sub-branches.\"<\/em>\n
ALSO READ: You Can Now Study Kinyarwanda And Other African Languages In Beijing Foreign Studies University<\/a><\/strong><\/div>\nSubsequently, the researchers linked the L0 lineage timeline with the cultural, linguistic, and geographic distribution of different sub-lineages. This led to the finding that the \u2018homeland\u2019 of modern man was south of the Greater Zambezi River Basin which covers entire northern Botswana and stretches into the west of Namibia and east of Zimbabwe. Lead phylogenetic analyst, Dr. Eva Chan from Garvan Institute of Medical Research said,\n\n\"We merged 198 new, rare mitogenomes to the current database of modern human's earliest known population, the L0 lineage. This allowed us to refine the evolutionary tree of our earliest ancestral branches better than ever before.\"<\/em>\n\n\n

The uniqueness of the new study on modern man<\/h2>\nUnlike previous studies, the uniqueness of the present study lies in the combination of disciplines namely climatic physics, geology, and genetics. Geologist, Dr. Andy Moore from Rhodes University investigated existing fossil, archeological, and geological evidence to establish the one-time existence of Lake Makgadikgadi, Africa\u2019s largest lake system. He said,\n\n\"Prior to modern man emergence, the lake had begun to drain due to shifts in underlying tectonic plates. This would have created, a vast wetland, which is known to be one of the most productive ecosystems for sustaining life.\"<\/em>\n
ALSO READ: 5 Ideas for Online Investing in Africa<\/a><\/strong><\/div>\nThe range of error of previous studies was 150,000 to 250,000. However, the new study has a range of error of 165,000 to 240,000.\n

Not everyone agrees with the study<\/h2>\nSome scientists have their doubts about the authenticity of the study. For example, Sarah Tishkoff of the University of Pennsylvania argues that mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) alone is a poor tool for tracing the history of ancient Africa\u2019s population. Others argue that the female ancestors of the Khosian speakers with the L0 lineage could have migrated from somewhere else.\n\n\n\nAnother researcher who expressed doubt about the findings of the study was Chris Stringer. Stringer is a researcher of human evolution at the Natural History Museum in the UK. He highlighted the complexity of human origins study. In a statement posted on Twitter<\/a>, Stringer said,\n\n\"I am very cautious about using modern genetic distributions to infer exactly where ancestral populations were living 200,000 years ago, particularly in a continent as large and complex as Africa. Moreover, like so many studies that concentrate on one small bit of the genome, or one region, or one stone tool industry, or one 'critical' fossil, it cannot capture the full complexity of our mosaic origins, once other data are considered.\u201d<\/em>\n\nNotwithstanding the divergence in the opinion of different researchers, one thing remains clear; Africa had an important role to play in the history and evolution of modern man. We will like to know what you think about this study in the comment box.","post_title":"New Studies Suggest Africa Is The Origin Of Modern Man","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"new-studies-suggest-africa-was-the-homeland-of-modern-man","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-10-06 06:39:42","post_modified_gmt":"2024-10-06 06:39:42","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.africanvibes.com\/?p=195426","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":9778,"post_author":"7","post_date":"2017-04-19 04:47:28","post_date_gmt":"2017-04-19 04:47:28","post_content":"\n\n[caption id=\"attachment_301462\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"219\"]\"Ghana's<\/a> Ghana's Aunty Ocloo Is No Ordinary Google Doodle Photo credit ghanaianmuseum<\/em>[\/caption]\n\nA dollar. That's all Esther Afua Ocloo needed to kickstart Ghana's first food processing factory in 1942. She was a college student. And she was broke. So she used the money, a gift from her aunt, to buy some oranges, sugar, firewood, and jam jars. She produced 12 pots of marmalade. And Nkulenu Industries was born. She sold the jam to her classmates, then the school, then the country, then the world.\n\nALSO READ:\u00a0Zimbabwean Woman Gets Life-Size Statue In New York. Here Is Why<\/a><\/strong>\n\nEsther Afua Ocloo, the star of today's Google Doodle<\/a>, was more than a jam star. She also became a pioneer in the field of microfinance \u2014 lending a small amount of money to women with a dream like she once had.\n\n[caption id=\"attachment_9779\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"1000\"]\"Ghana's Photo credit Youtube<\/a><\/em>[\/caption]\n\nRead More Here >><\/strong><\/span><\/a>","post_title":"Ghana's Aunty Ocloo Is No Ordinary Google Doodle","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"ghanas-aunty-ocloo-no-ordinary-google-doodle","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-10-04 05:58:30","post_modified_gmt":"2024-10-04 05:58:30","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.africanvibes.com\/?p=9778","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"}],"next":false,"prev":false,"total_page":1},"paged":1,"column_class":"jeg_col_2o3","class":"epic_block_3"};

Recent Posts
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\n

ALSO READ:<\/strong> 10 Must-Visit Luxury Hotels In Johannesburg South Africa<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Brazilian
Brazilian Baracoon Museum Point of No Return in Badagry, Lagos State<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Threats to the Heritage Sites in Nigeria<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

The two heritage sites in Nigeria are facing significant threats. In the South, land grabbers are encroaching into the Osun-Oshogbo Sacred Grove. In the north, the fate of Sukur Cultural Landscape lies in the hands of the military. According to the minister,<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cOur gallant men and women in uniform have succeeded in repelling the attempt by the Boko Haram terrorists to destroy the Sukur Cultural Landscape.\u2019\u2019<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

However, the minister said the government will do all within its powers to protect the sites. Also, he warned land grabbers to stay clear of the 45 hectares buffer zone around the Osun-Oshogbo Sacred Grove. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Citing the importance of UNESCO world heritage sites, do you think governments around the world are doing enough to protect them? What do you think can be done better? We would love to hear your views in the comment box below.<\/p>\n","post_title":"Nigeria Identifies Landmarks Fit For Declaration As UNESCO World Heritage Sites","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"nigeria-identifies-landmarks-fit-for-declaration-as-unesco-world-heritage-sites","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-10-06 06:40:44","post_modified_gmt":"2024-10-06 06:40:44","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.africanvibes.com\/?p=212236","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":195426,"post_author":"2777","post_date":"2019-11-16 10:18:21","post_date_gmt":"2019-11-16 10:18:21","post_content":"\n\n[caption id=\"attachment_195428\" align=\"aligncenter\" width=\"735\"]\"\" New Studies Suggest Africa Was The Home Of Modern Man<\/em>[\/caption]\n\nScientists are continually trying to trace the origin of humans. A new study<\/a> says Africa was homeland of modern man. According to the study, the area Makgadikgadi-Okavango in the southern part of Africa was the home to a large population of Homo sapiens<\/em> until the advent of climate change. The fingered region is around northern Botswana.\n\nAbout 200 thousand years ago, there was an enormous lake in the region. The lake was roughly twice the size of modern-day Lake Victoria. Thus, modern humans settled there for at least 70 thousand years. However, as a result of climate change, the area is now reduced to salt plains. Consequently, the human population began to migrate roughly 130 thousand years ago. The first set of migrants ventured northeast while the second wave went southwest. However, some remained in the homeland until today.  \n

ALSO READ: 10 Most spoken Languages in Africa<\/a><\/strong><\/div>\nAccording to the researchers, it was this migration that triggered the development of human\u2019s genetic, cultural and ethnic diversity in modern man. Speaking about the new study, Vanessa Hayes from the Garvan Institute of Medical Research and the University of Sydney, and Extraordinary Professor at the University of Pretoria said,\n\n\"We've known for a long time that modern man originated in Africa roughly 200,000 years ago. But what we hadn't known until the study was where exactly this homeland was.\"<\/em>\n\n\n

The role played by mitochondrial DNA in the research<\/h2>\nTo reach the conclusion, the researchers analyzed DNA samples for about 200 Khoisan people. The ethnic group lives in modern-day Namibia and South Africa. They are known to carry a high proportion of mitogenomes called \u2018L0\u2019 lineage which are the earliest genomes of modern man. Explaining the importance of mitogenomes, Hayes said,\n\n\"Mitochondrial DNA acts like a time capsule of our ancestral mothers, accumulating changes slowly over generations. Comparing the complete DNA code, or mitogenome, from different individuals provides information on how closely they are related. Our work would not have been possible without the generous contributions of local communities and study participants in Namibia and South Africa, which allowed us to uncover rare and new L0 sub-branches.\"<\/em>\n
ALSO READ: You Can Now Study Kinyarwanda And Other African Languages In Beijing Foreign Studies University<\/a><\/strong><\/div>\nSubsequently, the researchers linked the L0 lineage timeline with the cultural, linguistic, and geographic distribution of different sub-lineages. This led to the finding that the \u2018homeland\u2019 of modern man was south of the Greater Zambezi River Basin which covers entire northern Botswana and stretches into the west of Namibia and east of Zimbabwe. Lead phylogenetic analyst, Dr. Eva Chan from Garvan Institute of Medical Research said,\n\n\"We merged 198 new, rare mitogenomes to the current database of modern human's earliest known population, the L0 lineage. This allowed us to refine the evolutionary tree of our earliest ancestral branches better than ever before.\"<\/em>\n\n\n

The uniqueness of the new study on modern man<\/h2>\nUnlike previous studies, the uniqueness of the present study lies in the combination of disciplines namely climatic physics, geology, and genetics. Geologist, Dr. Andy Moore from Rhodes University investigated existing fossil, archeological, and geological evidence to establish the one-time existence of Lake Makgadikgadi, Africa\u2019s largest lake system. He said,\n\n\"Prior to modern man emergence, the lake had begun to drain due to shifts in underlying tectonic plates. This would have created, a vast wetland, which is known to be one of the most productive ecosystems for sustaining life.\"<\/em>\n
ALSO READ: 5 Ideas for Online Investing in Africa<\/a><\/strong><\/div>\nThe range of error of previous studies was 150,000 to 250,000. However, the new study has a range of error of 165,000 to 240,000.\n

Not everyone agrees with the study<\/h2>\nSome scientists have their doubts about the authenticity of the study. For example, Sarah Tishkoff of the University of Pennsylvania argues that mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) alone is a poor tool for tracing the history of ancient Africa\u2019s population. Others argue that the female ancestors of the Khosian speakers with the L0 lineage could have migrated from somewhere else.\n\n\n\nAnother researcher who expressed doubt about the findings of the study was Chris Stringer. Stringer is a researcher of human evolution at the Natural History Museum in the UK. He highlighted the complexity of human origins study. In a statement posted on Twitter<\/a>, Stringer said,\n\n\"I am very cautious about using modern genetic distributions to infer exactly where ancestral populations were living 200,000 years ago, particularly in a continent as large and complex as Africa. Moreover, like so many studies that concentrate on one small bit of the genome, or one region, or one stone tool industry, or one 'critical' fossil, it cannot capture the full complexity of our mosaic origins, once other data are considered.\u201d<\/em>\n\nNotwithstanding the divergence in the opinion of different researchers, one thing remains clear; Africa had an important role to play in the history and evolution of modern man. We will like to know what you think about this study in the comment box.","post_title":"New Studies Suggest Africa Is The Origin Of Modern Man","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"new-studies-suggest-africa-was-the-homeland-of-modern-man","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-10-06 06:39:42","post_modified_gmt":"2024-10-06 06:39:42","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.africanvibes.com\/?p=195426","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":9778,"post_author":"7","post_date":"2017-04-19 04:47:28","post_date_gmt":"2017-04-19 04:47:28","post_content":"\n\n[caption id=\"attachment_301462\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"219\"]\"Ghana's<\/a> Ghana's Aunty Ocloo Is No Ordinary Google Doodle Photo credit ghanaianmuseum<\/em>[\/caption]\n\nA dollar. That's all Esther Afua Ocloo needed to kickstart Ghana's first food processing factory in 1942. She was a college student. And she was broke. So she used the money, a gift from her aunt, to buy some oranges, sugar, firewood, and jam jars. She produced 12 pots of marmalade. And Nkulenu Industries was born. She sold the jam to her classmates, then the school, then the country, then the world.\n\nALSO READ:\u00a0Zimbabwean Woman Gets Life-Size Statue In New York. Here Is Why<\/a><\/strong>\n\nEsther Afua Ocloo, the star of today's Google Doodle<\/a>, was more than a jam star. She also became a pioneer in the field of microfinance \u2014 lending a small amount of money to women with a dream like she once had.\n\n[caption id=\"attachment_9779\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"1000\"]\"Ghana's Photo credit Youtube<\/a><\/em>[\/caption]\n\nRead More Here >><\/strong><\/span><\/a>","post_title":"Ghana's Aunty Ocloo Is No Ordinary Google Doodle","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"ghanas-aunty-ocloo-no-ordinary-google-doodle","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-10-04 05:58:30","post_modified_gmt":"2024-10-04 05:58:30","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.africanvibes.com\/?p=9778","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"}],"next":false,"prev":false,"total_page":1},"paged":1,"column_class":"jeg_col_2o3","class":"epic_block_3"};

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\n

\u201cThe fact that the General Assembly, comprising the entire 193 states parties, in November elected Nigeria into the UNESCO World Heritage Committee is a positive development for our quest to have more sites designated as World Heritage Sites. We shall use our presence on this Committee to fight for the enlistment of many more sites from Nigeria into the World Heritage list. Nigeria is really blessed with a lot of potential sites.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

ALSO READ:<\/strong> 10 Must-Visit Luxury Hotels In Johannesburg South Africa<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Brazilian
Brazilian Baracoon Museum Point of No Return in Badagry, Lagos State<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Threats to the Heritage Sites in Nigeria<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

The two heritage sites in Nigeria are facing significant threats. In the South, land grabbers are encroaching into the Osun-Oshogbo Sacred Grove. In the north, the fate of Sukur Cultural Landscape lies in the hands of the military. According to the minister,<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cOur gallant men and women in uniform have succeeded in repelling the attempt by the Boko Haram terrorists to destroy the Sukur Cultural Landscape.\u2019\u2019<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

However, the minister said the government will do all within its powers to protect the sites. Also, he warned land grabbers to stay clear of the 45 hectares buffer zone around the Osun-Oshogbo Sacred Grove. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Citing the importance of UNESCO world heritage sites, do you think governments around the world are doing enough to protect them? What do you think can be done better? We would love to hear your views in the comment box below.<\/p>\n","post_title":"Nigeria Identifies Landmarks Fit For Declaration As UNESCO World Heritage Sites","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"nigeria-identifies-landmarks-fit-for-declaration-as-unesco-world-heritage-sites","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-10-06 06:40:44","post_modified_gmt":"2024-10-06 06:40:44","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.africanvibes.com\/?p=212236","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":195426,"post_author":"2777","post_date":"2019-11-16 10:18:21","post_date_gmt":"2019-11-16 10:18:21","post_content":"\n\n[caption id=\"attachment_195428\" align=\"aligncenter\" width=\"735\"]\"\" New Studies Suggest Africa Was The Home Of Modern Man<\/em>[\/caption]\n\nScientists are continually trying to trace the origin of humans. A new study<\/a> says Africa was homeland of modern man. According to the study, the area Makgadikgadi-Okavango in the southern part of Africa was the home to a large population of Homo sapiens<\/em> until the advent of climate change. The fingered region is around northern Botswana.\n\nAbout 200 thousand years ago, there was an enormous lake in the region. The lake was roughly twice the size of modern-day Lake Victoria. Thus, modern humans settled there for at least 70 thousand years. However, as a result of climate change, the area is now reduced to salt plains. Consequently, the human population began to migrate roughly 130 thousand years ago. The first set of migrants ventured northeast while the second wave went southwest. However, some remained in the homeland until today.  \n

ALSO READ: 10 Most spoken Languages in Africa<\/a><\/strong><\/div>\nAccording to the researchers, it was this migration that triggered the development of human\u2019s genetic, cultural and ethnic diversity in modern man. Speaking about the new study, Vanessa Hayes from the Garvan Institute of Medical Research and the University of Sydney, and Extraordinary Professor at the University of Pretoria said,\n\n\"We've known for a long time that modern man originated in Africa roughly 200,000 years ago. But what we hadn't known until the study was where exactly this homeland was.\"<\/em>\n\n\n

The role played by mitochondrial DNA in the research<\/h2>\nTo reach the conclusion, the researchers analyzed DNA samples for about 200 Khoisan people. The ethnic group lives in modern-day Namibia and South Africa. They are known to carry a high proportion of mitogenomes called \u2018L0\u2019 lineage which are the earliest genomes of modern man. Explaining the importance of mitogenomes, Hayes said,\n\n\"Mitochondrial DNA acts like a time capsule of our ancestral mothers, accumulating changes slowly over generations. Comparing the complete DNA code, or mitogenome, from different individuals provides information on how closely they are related. Our work would not have been possible without the generous contributions of local communities and study participants in Namibia and South Africa, which allowed us to uncover rare and new L0 sub-branches.\"<\/em>\n
ALSO READ: You Can Now Study Kinyarwanda And Other African Languages In Beijing Foreign Studies University<\/a><\/strong><\/div>\nSubsequently, the researchers linked the L0 lineage timeline with the cultural, linguistic, and geographic distribution of different sub-lineages. This led to the finding that the \u2018homeland\u2019 of modern man was south of the Greater Zambezi River Basin which covers entire northern Botswana and stretches into the west of Namibia and east of Zimbabwe. Lead phylogenetic analyst, Dr. Eva Chan from Garvan Institute of Medical Research said,\n\n\"We merged 198 new, rare mitogenomes to the current database of modern human's earliest known population, the L0 lineage. This allowed us to refine the evolutionary tree of our earliest ancestral branches better than ever before.\"<\/em>\n\n\n

The uniqueness of the new study on modern man<\/h2>\nUnlike previous studies, the uniqueness of the present study lies in the combination of disciplines namely climatic physics, geology, and genetics. Geologist, Dr. Andy Moore from Rhodes University investigated existing fossil, archeological, and geological evidence to establish the one-time existence of Lake Makgadikgadi, Africa\u2019s largest lake system. He said,\n\n\"Prior to modern man emergence, the lake had begun to drain due to shifts in underlying tectonic plates. This would have created, a vast wetland, which is known to be one of the most productive ecosystems for sustaining life.\"<\/em>\n
ALSO READ: 5 Ideas for Online Investing in Africa<\/a><\/strong><\/div>\nThe range of error of previous studies was 150,000 to 250,000. However, the new study has a range of error of 165,000 to 240,000.\n

Not everyone agrees with the study<\/h2>\nSome scientists have their doubts about the authenticity of the study. For example, Sarah Tishkoff of the University of Pennsylvania argues that mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) alone is a poor tool for tracing the history of ancient Africa\u2019s population. Others argue that the female ancestors of the Khosian speakers with the L0 lineage could have migrated from somewhere else.\n\n\n\nAnother researcher who expressed doubt about the findings of the study was Chris Stringer. Stringer is a researcher of human evolution at the Natural History Museum in the UK. He highlighted the complexity of human origins study. In a statement posted on Twitter<\/a>, Stringer said,\n\n\"I am very cautious about using modern genetic distributions to infer exactly where ancestral populations were living 200,000 years ago, particularly in a continent as large and complex as Africa. Moreover, like so many studies that concentrate on one small bit of the genome, or one region, or one stone tool industry, or one 'critical' fossil, it cannot capture the full complexity of our mosaic origins, once other data are considered.\u201d<\/em>\n\nNotwithstanding the divergence in the opinion of different researchers, one thing remains clear; Africa had an important role to play in the history and evolution of modern man. We will like to know what you think about this study in the comment box.","post_title":"New Studies Suggest Africa Is The Origin Of Modern Man","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"new-studies-suggest-africa-was-the-homeland-of-modern-man","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-10-06 06:39:42","post_modified_gmt":"2024-10-06 06:39:42","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.africanvibes.com\/?p=195426","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":9778,"post_author":"7","post_date":"2017-04-19 04:47:28","post_date_gmt":"2017-04-19 04:47:28","post_content":"\n\n[caption id=\"attachment_301462\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"219\"]\"Ghana's<\/a> Ghana's Aunty Ocloo Is No Ordinary Google Doodle Photo credit ghanaianmuseum<\/em>[\/caption]\n\nA dollar. That's all Esther Afua Ocloo needed to kickstart Ghana's first food processing factory in 1942. She was a college student. And she was broke. So she used the money, a gift from her aunt, to buy some oranges, sugar, firewood, and jam jars. She produced 12 pots of marmalade. And Nkulenu Industries was born. She sold the jam to her classmates, then the school, then the country, then the world.\n\nALSO READ:\u00a0Zimbabwean Woman Gets Life-Size Statue In New York. Here Is Why<\/a><\/strong>\n\nEsther Afua Ocloo, the star of today's Google Doodle<\/a>, was more than a jam star. She also became a pioneer in the field of microfinance \u2014 lending a small amount of money to women with a dream like she once had.\n\n[caption id=\"attachment_9779\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"1000\"]\"Ghana's Photo credit Youtube<\/a><\/em>[\/caption]\n\nRead More Here >><\/strong><\/span><\/a>","post_title":"Ghana's Aunty Ocloo Is No Ordinary Google Doodle","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"ghanas-aunty-ocloo-no-ordinary-google-doodle","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-10-04 05:58:30","post_modified_gmt":"2024-10-04 05:58:30","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.africanvibes.com\/?p=9778","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"}],"next":false,"prev":false,"total_page":1},"paged":1,"column_class":"jeg_col_2o3","class":"epic_block_3"};

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\n

Therefore, it is a thing of pride to have a country\u2019s properties on the list. Also, properties on the list get greater government attention which can be crucial for their existence. According to Mr. Mohammed,<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cThe fact that the General Assembly, comprising the entire 193 states parties, in November elected Nigeria into the UNESCO World Heritage Committee is a positive development for our quest to have more sites designated as World Heritage Sites. We shall use our presence on this Committee to fight for the enlistment of many more sites from Nigeria into the World Heritage list. Nigeria is really blessed with a lot of potential sites.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

ALSO READ:<\/strong> 10 Must-Visit Luxury Hotels In Johannesburg South Africa<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Brazilian
Brazilian Baracoon Museum Point of No Return in Badagry, Lagos State<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Threats to the Heritage Sites in Nigeria<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

The two heritage sites in Nigeria are facing significant threats. In the South, land grabbers are encroaching into the Osun-Oshogbo Sacred Grove. In the north, the fate of Sukur Cultural Landscape lies in the hands of the military. According to the minister,<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cOur gallant men and women in uniform have succeeded in repelling the attempt by the Boko Haram terrorists to destroy the Sukur Cultural Landscape.\u2019\u2019<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

However, the minister said the government will do all within its powers to protect the sites. Also, he warned land grabbers to stay clear of the 45 hectares buffer zone around the Osun-Oshogbo Sacred Grove. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Citing the importance of UNESCO world heritage sites, do you think governments around the world are doing enough to protect them? What do you think can be done better? We would love to hear your views in the comment box below.<\/p>\n","post_title":"Nigeria Identifies Landmarks Fit For Declaration As UNESCO World Heritage Sites","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"nigeria-identifies-landmarks-fit-for-declaration-as-unesco-world-heritage-sites","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-10-06 06:40:44","post_modified_gmt":"2024-10-06 06:40:44","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.africanvibes.com\/?p=212236","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":195426,"post_author":"2777","post_date":"2019-11-16 10:18:21","post_date_gmt":"2019-11-16 10:18:21","post_content":"\n\n[caption id=\"attachment_195428\" align=\"aligncenter\" width=\"735\"]\"\" New Studies Suggest Africa Was The Home Of Modern Man<\/em>[\/caption]\n\nScientists are continually trying to trace the origin of humans. A new study<\/a> says Africa was homeland of modern man. According to the study, the area Makgadikgadi-Okavango in the southern part of Africa was the home to a large population of Homo sapiens<\/em> until the advent of climate change. The fingered region is around northern Botswana.\n\nAbout 200 thousand years ago, there was an enormous lake in the region. The lake was roughly twice the size of modern-day Lake Victoria. Thus, modern humans settled there for at least 70 thousand years. However, as a result of climate change, the area is now reduced to salt plains. Consequently, the human population began to migrate roughly 130 thousand years ago. The first set of migrants ventured northeast while the second wave went southwest. However, some remained in the homeland until today.  \n

ALSO READ: 10 Most spoken Languages in Africa<\/a><\/strong><\/div>\nAccording to the researchers, it was this migration that triggered the development of human\u2019s genetic, cultural and ethnic diversity in modern man. Speaking about the new study, Vanessa Hayes from the Garvan Institute of Medical Research and the University of Sydney, and Extraordinary Professor at the University of Pretoria said,\n\n\"We've known for a long time that modern man originated in Africa roughly 200,000 years ago. But what we hadn't known until the study was where exactly this homeland was.\"<\/em>\n\n\n

The role played by mitochondrial DNA in the research<\/h2>\nTo reach the conclusion, the researchers analyzed DNA samples for about 200 Khoisan people. The ethnic group lives in modern-day Namibia and South Africa. They are known to carry a high proportion of mitogenomes called \u2018L0\u2019 lineage which are the earliest genomes of modern man. Explaining the importance of mitogenomes, Hayes said,\n\n\"Mitochondrial DNA acts like a time capsule of our ancestral mothers, accumulating changes slowly over generations. Comparing the complete DNA code, or mitogenome, from different individuals provides information on how closely they are related. Our work would not have been possible without the generous contributions of local communities and study participants in Namibia and South Africa, which allowed us to uncover rare and new L0 sub-branches.\"<\/em>\n
ALSO READ: You Can Now Study Kinyarwanda And Other African Languages In Beijing Foreign Studies University<\/a><\/strong><\/div>\nSubsequently, the researchers linked the L0 lineage timeline with the cultural, linguistic, and geographic distribution of different sub-lineages. This led to the finding that the \u2018homeland\u2019 of modern man was south of the Greater Zambezi River Basin which covers entire northern Botswana and stretches into the west of Namibia and east of Zimbabwe. Lead phylogenetic analyst, Dr. Eva Chan from Garvan Institute of Medical Research said,\n\n\"We merged 198 new, rare mitogenomes to the current database of modern human's earliest known population, the L0 lineage. This allowed us to refine the evolutionary tree of our earliest ancestral branches better than ever before.\"<\/em>\n\n\n

The uniqueness of the new study on modern man<\/h2>\nUnlike previous studies, the uniqueness of the present study lies in the combination of disciplines namely climatic physics, geology, and genetics. Geologist, Dr. Andy Moore from Rhodes University investigated existing fossil, archeological, and geological evidence to establish the one-time existence of Lake Makgadikgadi, Africa\u2019s largest lake system. He said,\n\n\"Prior to modern man emergence, the lake had begun to drain due to shifts in underlying tectonic plates. This would have created, a vast wetland, which is known to be one of the most productive ecosystems for sustaining life.\"<\/em>\n
ALSO READ: 5 Ideas for Online Investing in Africa<\/a><\/strong><\/div>\nThe range of error of previous studies was 150,000 to 250,000. However, the new study has a range of error of 165,000 to 240,000.\n

Not everyone agrees with the study<\/h2>\nSome scientists have their doubts about the authenticity of the study. For example, Sarah Tishkoff of the University of Pennsylvania argues that mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) alone is a poor tool for tracing the history of ancient Africa\u2019s population. Others argue that the female ancestors of the Khosian speakers with the L0 lineage could have migrated from somewhere else.\n\n\n\nAnother researcher who expressed doubt about the findings of the study was Chris Stringer. Stringer is a researcher of human evolution at the Natural History Museum in the UK. He highlighted the complexity of human origins study. In a statement posted on Twitter<\/a>, Stringer said,\n\n\"I am very cautious about using modern genetic distributions to infer exactly where ancestral populations were living 200,000 years ago, particularly in a continent as large and complex as Africa. Moreover, like so many studies that concentrate on one small bit of the genome, or one region, or one stone tool industry, or one 'critical' fossil, it cannot capture the full complexity of our mosaic origins, once other data are considered.\u201d<\/em>\n\nNotwithstanding the divergence in the opinion of different researchers, one thing remains clear; Africa had an important role to play in the history and evolution of modern man. We will like to know what you think about this study in the comment box.","post_title":"New Studies Suggest Africa Is The Origin Of Modern Man","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"new-studies-suggest-africa-was-the-homeland-of-modern-man","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-10-06 06:39:42","post_modified_gmt":"2024-10-06 06:39:42","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.africanvibes.com\/?p=195426","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":9778,"post_author":"7","post_date":"2017-04-19 04:47:28","post_date_gmt":"2017-04-19 04:47:28","post_content":"\n\n[caption id=\"attachment_301462\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"219\"]\"Ghana's<\/a> Ghana's Aunty Ocloo Is No Ordinary Google Doodle Photo credit ghanaianmuseum<\/em>[\/caption]\n\nA dollar. That's all Esther Afua Ocloo needed to kickstart Ghana's first food processing factory in 1942. She was a college student. And she was broke. So she used the money, a gift from her aunt, to buy some oranges, sugar, firewood, and jam jars. She produced 12 pots of marmalade. And Nkulenu Industries was born. She sold the jam to her classmates, then the school, then the country, then the world.\n\nALSO READ:\u00a0Zimbabwean Woman Gets Life-Size Statue In New York. Here Is Why<\/a><\/strong>\n\nEsther Afua Ocloo, the star of today's Google Doodle<\/a>, was more than a jam star. She also became a pioneer in the field of microfinance \u2014 lending a small amount of money to women with a dream like she once had.\n\n[caption id=\"attachment_9779\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"1000\"]\"Ghana's Photo credit Youtube<\/a><\/em>[\/caption]\n\nRead More Here >><\/strong><\/span><\/a>","post_title":"Ghana's Aunty Ocloo Is No Ordinary Google Doodle","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"ghanas-aunty-ocloo-no-ordinary-google-doodle","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-10-04 05:58:30","post_modified_gmt":"2024-10-04 05:58:30","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.africanvibes.com\/?p=9778","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"}],"next":false,"prev":false,"total_page":1},"paged":1,"column_class":"jeg_col_2o3","class":"epic_block_3"};

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\n

Properties listed on UNESCO world heritage sites list are those with cultural, historical, scientific or other forms of significance. Consequently, they are under legal protection by international treaties. Such sites are important to humanity\u2019s collective interest. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Therefore, it is a thing of pride to have a country\u2019s properties on the list. Also, properties on the list get greater government attention which can be crucial for their existence. According to Mr. Mohammed,<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cThe fact that the General Assembly, comprising the entire 193 states parties, in November elected Nigeria into the UNESCO World Heritage Committee is a positive development for our quest to have more sites designated as World Heritage Sites. We shall use our presence on this Committee to fight for the enlistment of many more sites from Nigeria into the World Heritage list. Nigeria is really blessed with a lot of potential sites.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

ALSO READ:<\/strong> 10 Must-Visit Luxury Hotels In Johannesburg South Africa<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Brazilian
Brazilian Baracoon Museum Point of No Return in Badagry, Lagos State<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Threats to the Heritage Sites in Nigeria<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

The two heritage sites in Nigeria are facing significant threats. In the South, land grabbers are encroaching into the Osun-Oshogbo Sacred Grove. In the north, the fate of Sukur Cultural Landscape lies in the hands of the military. According to the minister,<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cOur gallant men and women in uniform have succeeded in repelling the attempt by the Boko Haram terrorists to destroy the Sukur Cultural Landscape.\u2019\u2019<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

However, the minister said the government will do all within its powers to protect the sites. Also, he warned land grabbers to stay clear of the 45 hectares buffer zone around the Osun-Oshogbo Sacred Grove. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Citing the importance of UNESCO world heritage sites, do you think governments around the world are doing enough to protect them? What do you think can be done better? We would love to hear your views in the comment box below.<\/p>\n","post_title":"Nigeria Identifies Landmarks Fit For Declaration As UNESCO World Heritage Sites","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"nigeria-identifies-landmarks-fit-for-declaration-as-unesco-world-heritage-sites","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-10-06 06:40:44","post_modified_gmt":"2024-10-06 06:40:44","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.africanvibes.com\/?p=212236","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":195426,"post_author":"2777","post_date":"2019-11-16 10:18:21","post_date_gmt":"2019-11-16 10:18:21","post_content":"\n\n[caption id=\"attachment_195428\" align=\"aligncenter\" width=\"735\"]\"\" New Studies Suggest Africa Was The Home Of Modern Man<\/em>[\/caption]\n\nScientists are continually trying to trace the origin of humans. A new study<\/a> says Africa was homeland of modern man. According to the study, the area Makgadikgadi-Okavango in the southern part of Africa was the home to a large population of Homo sapiens<\/em> until the advent of climate change. The fingered region is around northern Botswana.\n\nAbout 200 thousand years ago, there was an enormous lake in the region. The lake was roughly twice the size of modern-day Lake Victoria. Thus, modern humans settled there for at least 70 thousand years. However, as a result of climate change, the area is now reduced to salt plains. Consequently, the human population began to migrate roughly 130 thousand years ago. The first set of migrants ventured northeast while the second wave went southwest. However, some remained in the homeland until today.  \n

ALSO READ: 10 Most spoken Languages in Africa<\/a><\/strong><\/div>\nAccording to the researchers, it was this migration that triggered the development of human\u2019s genetic, cultural and ethnic diversity in modern man. Speaking about the new study, Vanessa Hayes from the Garvan Institute of Medical Research and the University of Sydney, and Extraordinary Professor at the University of Pretoria said,\n\n\"We've known for a long time that modern man originated in Africa roughly 200,000 years ago. But what we hadn't known until the study was where exactly this homeland was.\"<\/em>\n\n\n

The role played by mitochondrial DNA in the research<\/h2>\nTo reach the conclusion, the researchers analyzed DNA samples for about 200 Khoisan people. The ethnic group lives in modern-day Namibia and South Africa. They are known to carry a high proportion of mitogenomes called \u2018L0\u2019 lineage which are the earliest genomes of modern man. Explaining the importance of mitogenomes, Hayes said,\n\n\"Mitochondrial DNA acts like a time capsule of our ancestral mothers, accumulating changes slowly over generations. Comparing the complete DNA code, or mitogenome, from different individuals provides information on how closely they are related. Our work would not have been possible without the generous contributions of local communities and study participants in Namibia and South Africa, which allowed us to uncover rare and new L0 sub-branches.\"<\/em>\n
ALSO READ: You Can Now Study Kinyarwanda And Other African Languages In Beijing Foreign Studies University<\/a><\/strong><\/div>\nSubsequently, the researchers linked the L0 lineage timeline with the cultural, linguistic, and geographic distribution of different sub-lineages. This led to the finding that the \u2018homeland\u2019 of modern man was south of the Greater Zambezi River Basin which covers entire northern Botswana and stretches into the west of Namibia and east of Zimbabwe. Lead phylogenetic analyst, Dr. Eva Chan from Garvan Institute of Medical Research said,\n\n\"We merged 198 new, rare mitogenomes to the current database of modern human's earliest known population, the L0 lineage. This allowed us to refine the evolutionary tree of our earliest ancestral branches better than ever before.\"<\/em>\n\n\n

The uniqueness of the new study on modern man<\/h2>\nUnlike previous studies, the uniqueness of the present study lies in the combination of disciplines namely climatic physics, geology, and genetics. Geologist, Dr. Andy Moore from Rhodes University investigated existing fossil, archeological, and geological evidence to establish the one-time existence of Lake Makgadikgadi, Africa\u2019s largest lake system. He said,\n\n\"Prior to modern man emergence, the lake had begun to drain due to shifts in underlying tectonic plates. This would have created, a vast wetland, which is known to be one of the most productive ecosystems for sustaining life.\"<\/em>\n
ALSO READ: 5 Ideas for Online Investing in Africa<\/a><\/strong><\/div>\nThe range of error of previous studies was 150,000 to 250,000. However, the new study has a range of error of 165,000 to 240,000.\n

Not everyone agrees with the study<\/h2>\nSome scientists have their doubts about the authenticity of the study. For example, Sarah Tishkoff of the University of Pennsylvania argues that mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) alone is a poor tool for tracing the history of ancient Africa\u2019s population. Others argue that the female ancestors of the Khosian speakers with the L0 lineage could have migrated from somewhere else.\n\n\n\nAnother researcher who expressed doubt about the findings of the study was Chris Stringer. Stringer is a researcher of human evolution at the Natural History Museum in the UK. He highlighted the complexity of human origins study. In a statement posted on Twitter<\/a>, Stringer said,\n\n\"I am very cautious about using modern genetic distributions to infer exactly where ancestral populations were living 200,000 years ago, particularly in a continent as large and complex as Africa. Moreover, like so many studies that concentrate on one small bit of the genome, or one region, or one stone tool industry, or one 'critical' fossil, it cannot capture the full complexity of our mosaic origins, once other data are considered.\u201d<\/em>\n\nNotwithstanding the divergence in the opinion of different researchers, one thing remains clear; Africa had an important role to play in the history and evolution of modern man. We will like to know what you think about this study in the comment box.","post_title":"New Studies Suggest Africa Is The Origin Of Modern Man","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"new-studies-suggest-africa-was-the-homeland-of-modern-man","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-10-06 06:39:42","post_modified_gmt":"2024-10-06 06:39:42","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.africanvibes.com\/?p=195426","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":9778,"post_author":"7","post_date":"2017-04-19 04:47:28","post_date_gmt":"2017-04-19 04:47:28","post_content":"\n\n[caption id=\"attachment_301462\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"219\"]\"Ghana's<\/a> Ghana's Aunty Ocloo Is No Ordinary Google Doodle Photo credit ghanaianmuseum<\/em>[\/caption]\n\nA dollar. That's all Esther Afua Ocloo needed to kickstart Ghana's first food processing factory in 1942. She was a college student. And she was broke. So she used the money, a gift from her aunt, to buy some oranges, sugar, firewood, and jam jars. She produced 12 pots of marmalade. And Nkulenu Industries was born. She sold the jam to her classmates, then the school, then the country, then the world.\n\nALSO READ:\u00a0Zimbabwean Woman Gets Life-Size Statue In New York. Here Is Why<\/a><\/strong>\n\nEsther Afua Ocloo, the star of today's Google Doodle<\/a>, was more than a jam star. She also became a pioneer in the field of microfinance \u2014 lending a small amount of money to women with a dream like she once had.\n\n[caption id=\"attachment_9779\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"1000\"]\"Ghana's Photo credit Youtube<\/a><\/em>[\/caption]\n\nRead More Here >><\/strong><\/span><\/a>","post_title":"Ghana's Aunty Ocloo Is No Ordinary Google Doodle","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"ghanas-aunty-ocloo-no-ordinary-google-doodle","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-10-04 05:58:30","post_modified_gmt":"2024-10-04 05:58:30","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.africanvibes.com\/?p=9778","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"}],"next":false,"prev":false,"total_page":1},"paged":1,"column_class":"jeg_col_2o3","class":"epic_block_3"};

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\n

Why Being on UNESCO World Heritage Sites List is a Big Deal<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Properties listed on UNESCO world heritage sites list are those with cultural, historical, scientific or other forms of significance. Consequently, they are under legal protection by international treaties. Such sites are important to humanity\u2019s collective interest. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Therefore, it is a thing of pride to have a country\u2019s properties on the list. Also, properties on the list get greater government attention which can be crucial for their existence. According to Mr. Mohammed,<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cThe fact that the General Assembly, comprising the entire 193 states parties, in November elected Nigeria into the UNESCO World Heritage Committee is a positive development for our quest to have more sites designated as World Heritage Sites. We shall use our presence on this Committee to fight for the enlistment of many more sites from Nigeria into the World Heritage list. Nigeria is really blessed with a lot of potential sites.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

ALSO READ:<\/strong> 10 Must-Visit Luxury Hotels In Johannesburg South Africa<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Brazilian
Brazilian Baracoon Museum Point of No Return in Badagry, Lagos State<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Threats to the Heritage Sites in Nigeria<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

The two heritage sites in Nigeria are facing significant threats. In the South, land grabbers are encroaching into the Osun-Oshogbo Sacred Grove. In the north, the fate of Sukur Cultural Landscape lies in the hands of the military. According to the minister,<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cOur gallant men and women in uniform have succeeded in repelling the attempt by the Boko Haram terrorists to destroy the Sukur Cultural Landscape.\u2019\u2019<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

However, the minister said the government will do all within its powers to protect the sites. Also, he warned land grabbers to stay clear of the 45 hectares buffer zone around the Osun-Oshogbo Sacred Grove. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Citing the importance of UNESCO world heritage sites, do you think governments around the world are doing enough to protect them? What do you think can be done better? We would love to hear your views in the comment box below.<\/p>\n","post_title":"Nigeria Identifies Landmarks Fit For Declaration As UNESCO World Heritage Sites","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"nigeria-identifies-landmarks-fit-for-declaration-as-unesco-world-heritage-sites","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-10-06 06:40:44","post_modified_gmt":"2024-10-06 06:40:44","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.africanvibes.com\/?p=212236","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":195426,"post_author":"2777","post_date":"2019-11-16 10:18:21","post_date_gmt":"2019-11-16 10:18:21","post_content":"\n\n[caption id=\"attachment_195428\" align=\"aligncenter\" width=\"735\"]\"\" New Studies Suggest Africa Was The Home Of Modern Man<\/em>[\/caption]\n\nScientists are continually trying to trace the origin of humans. A new study<\/a> says Africa was homeland of modern man. According to the study, the area Makgadikgadi-Okavango in the southern part of Africa was the home to a large population of Homo sapiens<\/em> until the advent of climate change. The fingered region is around northern Botswana.\n\nAbout 200 thousand years ago, there was an enormous lake in the region. The lake was roughly twice the size of modern-day Lake Victoria. Thus, modern humans settled there for at least 70 thousand years. However, as a result of climate change, the area is now reduced to salt plains. Consequently, the human population began to migrate roughly 130 thousand years ago. The first set of migrants ventured northeast while the second wave went southwest. However, some remained in the homeland until today.  \n

ALSO READ: 10 Most spoken Languages in Africa<\/a><\/strong><\/div>\nAccording to the researchers, it was this migration that triggered the development of human\u2019s genetic, cultural and ethnic diversity in modern man. Speaking about the new study, Vanessa Hayes from the Garvan Institute of Medical Research and the University of Sydney, and Extraordinary Professor at the University of Pretoria said,\n\n\"We've known for a long time that modern man originated in Africa roughly 200,000 years ago. But what we hadn't known until the study was where exactly this homeland was.\"<\/em>\n\n\n

The role played by mitochondrial DNA in the research<\/h2>\nTo reach the conclusion, the researchers analyzed DNA samples for about 200 Khoisan people. The ethnic group lives in modern-day Namibia and South Africa. They are known to carry a high proportion of mitogenomes called \u2018L0\u2019 lineage which are the earliest genomes of modern man. Explaining the importance of mitogenomes, Hayes said,\n\n\"Mitochondrial DNA acts like a time capsule of our ancestral mothers, accumulating changes slowly over generations. Comparing the complete DNA code, or mitogenome, from different individuals provides information on how closely they are related. Our work would not have been possible without the generous contributions of local communities and study participants in Namibia and South Africa, which allowed us to uncover rare and new L0 sub-branches.\"<\/em>\n
ALSO READ: You Can Now Study Kinyarwanda And Other African Languages In Beijing Foreign Studies University<\/a><\/strong><\/div>\nSubsequently, the researchers linked the L0 lineage timeline with the cultural, linguistic, and geographic distribution of different sub-lineages. This led to the finding that the \u2018homeland\u2019 of modern man was south of the Greater Zambezi River Basin which covers entire northern Botswana and stretches into the west of Namibia and east of Zimbabwe. Lead phylogenetic analyst, Dr. Eva Chan from Garvan Institute of Medical Research said,\n\n\"We merged 198 new, rare mitogenomes to the current database of modern human's earliest known population, the L0 lineage. This allowed us to refine the evolutionary tree of our earliest ancestral branches better than ever before.\"<\/em>\n\n\n

The uniqueness of the new study on modern man<\/h2>\nUnlike previous studies, the uniqueness of the present study lies in the combination of disciplines namely climatic physics, geology, and genetics. Geologist, Dr. Andy Moore from Rhodes University investigated existing fossil, archeological, and geological evidence to establish the one-time existence of Lake Makgadikgadi, Africa\u2019s largest lake system. He said,\n\n\"Prior to modern man emergence, the lake had begun to drain due to shifts in underlying tectonic plates. This would have created, a vast wetland, which is known to be one of the most productive ecosystems for sustaining life.\"<\/em>\n
ALSO READ: 5 Ideas for Online Investing in Africa<\/a><\/strong><\/div>\nThe range of error of previous studies was 150,000 to 250,000. However, the new study has a range of error of 165,000 to 240,000.\n

Not everyone agrees with the study<\/h2>\nSome scientists have their doubts about the authenticity of the study. For example, Sarah Tishkoff of the University of Pennsylvania argues that mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) alone is a poor tool for tracing the history of ancient Africa\u2019s population. Others argue that the female ancestors of the Khosian speakers with the L0 lineage could have migrated from somewhere else.\n\n\n\nAnother researcher who expressed doubt about the findings of the study was Chris Stringer. Stringer is a researcher of human evolution at the Natural History Museum in the UK. He highlighted the complexity of human origins study. In a statement posted on Twitter<\/a>, Stringer said,\n\n\"I am very cautious about using modern genetic distributions to infer exactly where ancestral populations were living 200,000 years ago, particularly in a continent as large and complex as Africa. Moreover, like so many studies that concentrate on one small bit of the genome, or one region, or one stone tool industry, or one 'critical' fossil, it cannot capture the full complexity of our mosaic origins, once other data are considered.\u201d<\/em>\n\nNotwithstanding the divergence in the opinion of different researchers, one thing remains clear; Africa had an important role to play in the history and evolution of modern man. We will like to know what you think about this study in the comment box.","post_title":"New Studies Suggest Africa Is The Origin Of Modern Man","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"new-studies-suggest-africa-was-the-homeland-of-modern-man","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-10-06 06:39:42","post_modified_gmt":"2024-10-06 06:39:42","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.africanvibes.com\/?p=195426","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":9778,"post_author":"7","post_date":"2017-04-19 04:47:28","post_date_gmt":"2017-04-19 04:47:28","post_content":"\n\n[caption id=\"attachment_301462\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"219\"]\"Ghana's<\/a> Ghana's Aunty Ocloo Is No Ordinary Google Doodle Photo credit ghanaianmuseum<\/em>[\/caption]\n\nA dollar. That's all Esther Afua Ocloo needed to kickstart Ghana's first food processing factory in 1942. She was a college student. And she was broke. So she used the money, a gift from her aunt, to buy some oranges, sugar, firewood, and jam jars. She produced 12 pots of marmalade. And Nkulenu Industries was born. She sold the jam to her classmates, then the school, then the country, then the world.\n\nALSO READ:\u00a0Zimbabwean Woman Gets Life-Size Statue In New York. Here Is Why<\/a><\/strong>\n\nEsther Afua Ocloo, the star of today's Google Doodle<\/a>, was more than a jam star. She also became a pioneer in the field of microfinance \u2014 lending a small amount of money to women with a dream like she once had.\n\n[caption id=\"attachment_9779\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"1000\"]\"Ghana's Photo credit Youtube<\/a><\/em>[\/caption]\n\nRead More Here >><\/strong><\/span><\/a>","post_title":"Ghana's Aunty Ocloo Is No Ordinary Google Doodle","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"ghanas-aunty-ocloo-no-ordinary-google-doodle","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-10-04 05:58:30","post_modified_gmt":"2024-10-04 05:58:30","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.africanvibes.com\/?p=9778","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"}],"next":false,"prev":false,"total_page":1},"paged":1,"column_class":"jeg_col_2o3","class":"epic_block_3"};

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See all
\n

Other landmarks the minister wants to be on the UNESCO world heritage sites list are The Brazilian Baracoon Museum\/Point of No Return in Badagry, Lagos State and the Gashaka-Gumti National Park, Nigeria\u2019s largest national park in the eastern province of Taraba and Adamawa states close to Cameroon border.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Why Being on UNESCO World Heritage Sites List is a Big Deal<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Properties listed on UNESCO world heritage sites list are those with cultural, historical, scientific or other forms of significance. Consequently, they are under legal protection by international treaties. Such sites are important to humanity\u2019s collective interest. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Therefore, it is a thing of pride to have a country\u2019s properties on the list. Also, properties on the list get greater government attention which can be crucial for their existence. According to Mr. Mohammed,<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cThe fact that the General Assembly, comprising the entire 193 states parties, in November elected Nigeria into the UNESCO World Heritage Committee is a positive development for our quest to have more sites designated as World Heritage Sites. We shall use our presence on this Committee to fight for the enlistment of many more sites from Nigeria into the World Heritage list. Nigeria is really blessed with a lot of potential sites.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

ALSO READ:<\/strong> 10 Must-Visit Luxury Hotels In Johannesburg South Africa<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Brazilian
Brazilian Baracoon Museum Point of No Return in Badagry, Lagos State<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Threats to the Heritage Sites in Nigeria<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

The two heritage sites in Nigeria are facing significant threats. In the South, land grabbers are encroaching into the Osun-Oshogbo Sacred Grove. In the north, the fate of Sukur Cultural Landscape lies in the hands of the military. According to the minister,<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cOur gallant men and women in uniform have succeeded in repelling the attempt by the Boko Haram terrorists to destroy the Sukur Cultural Landscape.\u2019\u2019<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

However, the minister said the government will do all within its powers to protect the sites. Also, he warned land grabbers to stay clear of the 45 hectares buffer zone around the Osun-Oshogbo Sacred Grove. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Citing the importance of UNESCO world heritage sites, do you think governments around the world are doing enough to protect them? What do you think can be done better? We would love to hear your views in the comment box below.<\/p>\n","post_title":"Nigeria Identifies Landmarks Fit For Declaration As UNESCO World Heritage Sites","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"nigeria-identifies-landmarks-fit-for-declaration-as-unesco-world-heritage-sites","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-10-06 06:40:44","post_modified_gmt":"2024-10-06 06:40:44","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.africanvibes.com\/?p=212236","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":195426,"post_author":"2777","post_date":"2019-11-16 10:18:21","post_date_gmt":"2019-11-16 10:18:21","post_content":"\n\n[caption id=\"attachment_195428\" align=\"aligncenter\" width=\"735\"]\"\" New Studies Suggest Africa Was The Home Of Modern Man<\/em>[\/caption]\n\nScientists are continually trying to trace the origin of humans. A new study<\/a> says Africa was homeland of modern man. According to the study, the area Makgadikgadi-Okavango in the southern part of Africa was the home to a large population of Homo sapiens<\/em> until the advent of climate change. The fingered region is around northern Botswana.\n\nAbout 200 thousand years ago, there was an enormous lake in the region. The lake was roughly twice the size of modern-day Lake Victoria. Thus, modern humans settled there for at least 70 thousand years. However, as a result of climate change, the area is now reduced to salt plains. Consequently, the human population began to migrate roughly 130 thousand years ago. The first set of migrants ventured northeast while the second wave went southwest. However, some remained in the homeland until today.  \n

ALSO READ: 10 Most spoken Languages in Africa<\/a><\/strong><\/div>\nAccording to the researchers, it was this migration that triggered the development of human\u2019s genetic, cultural and ethnic diversity in modern man. Speaking about the new study, Vanessa Hayes from the Garvan Institute of Medical Research and the University of Sydney, and Extraordinary Professor at the University of Pretoria said,\n\n\"We've known for a long time that modern man originated in Africa roughly 200,000 years ago. But what we hadn't known until the study was where exactly this homeland was.\"<\/em>\n\n\n

The role played by mitochondrial DNA in the research<\/h2>\nTo reach the conclusion, the researchers analyzed DNA samples for about 200 Khoisan people. The ethnic group lives in modern-day Namibia and South Africa. They are known to carry a high proportion of mitogenomes called \u2018L0\u2019 lineage which are the earliest genomes of modern man. Explaining the importance of mitogenomes, Hayes said,\n\n\"Mitochondrial DNA acts like a time capsule of our ancestral mothers, accumulating changes slowly over generations. Comparing the complete DNA code, or mitogenome, from different individuals provides information on how closely they are related. Our work would not have been possible without the generous contributions of local communities and study participants in Namibia and South Africa, which allowed us to uncover rare and new L0 sub-branches.\"<\/em>\n
ALSO READ: You Can Now Study Kinyarwanda And Other African Languages In Beijing Foreign Studies University<\/a><\/strong><\/div>\nSubsequently, the researchers linked the L0 lineage timeline with the cultural, linguistic, and geographic distribution of different sub-lineages. This led to the finding that the \u2018homeland\u2019 of modern man was south of the Greater Zambezi River Basin which covers entire northern Botswana and stretches into the west of Namibia and east of Zimbabwe. Lead phylogenetic analyst, Dr. Eva Chan from Garvan Institute of Medical Research said,\n\n\"We merged 198 new, rare mitogenomes to the current database of modern human's earliest known population, the L0 lineage. This allowed us to refine the evolutionary tree of our earliest ancestral branches better than ever before.\"<\/em>\n\n\n

The uniqueness of the new study on modern man<\/h2>\nUnlike previous studies, the uniqueness of the present study lies in the combination of disciplines namely climatic physics, geology, and genetics. Geologist, Dr. Andy Moore from Rhodes University investigated existing fossil, archeological, and geological evidence to establish the one-time existence of Lake Makgadikgadi, Africa\u2019s largest lake system. He said,\n\n\"Prior to modern man emergence, the lake had begun to drain due to shifts in underlying tectonic plates. This would have created, a vast wetland, which is known to be one of the most productive ecosystems for sustaining life.\"<\/em>\n
ALSO READ: 5 Ideas for Online Investing in Africa<\/a><\/strong><\/div>\nThe range of error of previous studies was 150,000 to 250,000. However, the new study has a range of error of 165,000 to 240,000.\n

Not everyone agrees with the study<\/h2>\nSome scientists have their doubts about the authenticity of the study. For example, Sarah Tishkoff of the University of Pennsylvania argues that mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) alone is a poor tool for tracing the history of ancient Africa\u2019s population. Others argue that the female ancestors of the Khosian speakers with the L0 lineage could have migrated from somewhere else.\n\n\n\nAnother researcher who expressed doubt about the findings of the study was Chris Stringer. Stringer is a researcher of human evolution at the Natural History Museum in the UK. He highlighted the complexity of human origins study. In a statement posted on Twitter<\/a>, Stringer said,\n\n\"I am very cautious about using modern genetic distributions to infer exactly where ancestral populations were living 200,000 years ago, particularly in a continent as large and complex as Africa. Moreover, like so many studies that concentrate on one small bit of the genome, or one region, or one stone tool industry, or one 'critical' fossil, it cannot capture the full complexity of our mosaic origins, once other data are considered.\u201d<\/em>\n\nNotwithstanding the divergence in the opinion of different researchers, one thing remains clear; Africa had an important role to play in the history and evolution of modern man. We will like to know what you think about this study in the comment box.","post_title":"New Studies Suggest Africa Is The Origin Of Modern Man","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"new-studies-suggest-africa-was-the-homeland-of-modern-man","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-10-06 06:39:42","post_modified_gmt":"2024-10-06 06:39:42","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.africanvibes.com\/?p=195426","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":9778,"post_author":"7","post_date":"2017-04-19 04:47:28","post_date_gmt":"2017-04-19 04:47:28","post_content":"\n\n[caption id=\"attachment_301462\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"219\"]\"Ghana's<\/a> Ghana's Aunty Ocloo Is No Ordinary Google Doodle Photo credit ghanaianmuseum<\/em>[\/caption]\n\nA dollar. That's all Esther Afua Ocloo needed to kickstart Ghana's first food processing factory in 1942. She was a college student. And she was broke. So she used the money, a gift from her aunt, to buy some oranges, sugar, firewood, and jam jars. She produced 12 pots of marmalade. And Nkulenu Industries was born. She sold the jam to her classmates, then the school, then the country, then the world.\n\nALSO READ:\u00a0Zimbabwean Woman Gets Life-Size Statue In New York. Here Is Why<\/a><\/strong>\n\nEsther Afua Ocloo, the star of today's Google Doodle<\/a>, was more than a jam star. She also became a pioneer in the field of microfinance \u2014 lending a small amount of money to women with a dream like she once had.\n\n[caption id=\"attachment_9779\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"1000\"]\"Ghana's Photo credit Youtube<\/a><\/em>[\/caption]\n\nRead More Here >><\/strong><\/span><\/a>","post_title":"Ghana's Aunty Ocloo Is No Ordinary Google Doodle","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"ghanas-aunty-ocloo-no-ordinary-google-doodle","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-10-04 05:58:30","post_modified_gmt":"2024-10-04 05:58:30","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.africanvibes.com\/?p=9778","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"}],"next":false,"prev":false,"total_page":1},"paged":1,"column_class":"jeg_col_2o3","class":"epic_block_3"};

Recent Posts
See all
\n
\"Ogbunike
Ogbunike Cave in Anambra State<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Other landmarks the minister wants to be on the UNESCO world heritage sites list are The Brazilian Baracoon Museum\/Point of No Return in Badagry, Lagos State and the Gashaka-Gumti National Park, Nigeria\u2019s largest national park in the eastern province of Taraba and Adamawa states close to Cameroon border.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Why Being on UNESCO World Heritage Sites List is a Big Deal<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Properties listed on UNESCO world heritage sites list are those with cultural, historical, scientific or other forms of significance. Consequently, they are under legal protection by international treaties. Such sites are important to humanity\u2019s collective interest. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Therefore, it is a thing of pride to have a country\u2019s properties on the list. Also, properties on the list get greater government attention which can be crucial for their existence. According to Mr. Mohammed,<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cThe fact that the General Assembly, comprising the entire 193 states parties, in November elected Nigeria into the UNESCO World Heritage Committee is a positive development for our quest to have more sites designated as World Heritage Sites. We shall use our presence on this Committee to fight for the enlistment of many more sites from Nigeria into the World Heritage list. Nigeria is really blessed with a lot of potential sites.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

ALSO READ:<\/strong> 10 Must-Visit Luxury Hotels In Johannesburg South Africa<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Brazilian
Brazilian Baracoon Museum Point of No Return in Badagry, Lagos State<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Threats to the Heritage Sites in Nigeria<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

The two heritage sites in Nigeria are facing significant threats. In the South, land grabbers are encroaching into the Osun-Oshogbo Sacred Grove. In the north, the fate of Sukur Cultural Landscape lies in the hands of the military. According to the minister,<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cOur gallant men and women in uniform have succeeded in repelling the attempt by the Boko Haram terrorists to destroy the Sukur Cultural Landscape.\u2019\u2019<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

However, the minister said the government will do all within its powers to protect the sites. Also, he warned land grabbers to stay clear of the 45 hectares buffer zone around the Osun-Oshogbo Sacred Grove. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Citing the importance of UNESCO world heritage sites, do you think governments around the world are doing enough to protect them? What do you think can be done better? We would love to hear your views in the comment box below.<\/p>\n","post_title":"Nigeria Identifies Landmarks Fit For Declaration As UNESCO World Heritage Sites","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"nigeria-identifies-landmarks-fit-for-declaration-as-unesco-world-heritage-sites","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-10-06 06:40:44","post_modified_gmt":"2024-10-06 06:40:44","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.africanvibes.com\/?p=212236","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":195426,"post_author":"2777","post_date":"2019-11-16 10:18:21","post_date_gmt":"2019-11-16 10:18:21","post_content":"\n\n[caption id=\"attachment_195428\" align=\"aligncenter\" width=\"735\"]\"\" New Studies Suggest Africa Was The Home Of Modern Man<\/em>[\/caption]\n\nScientists are continually trying to trace the origin of humans. A new study<\/a> says Africa was homeland of modern man. According to the study, the area Makgadikgadi-Okavango in the southern part of Africa was the home to a large population of Homo sapiens<\/em> until the advent of climate change. The fingered region is around northern Botswana.\n\nAbout 200 thousand years ago, there was an enormous lake in the region. The lake was roughly twice the size of modern-day Lake Victoria. Thus, modern humans settled there for at least 70 thousand years. However, as a result of climate change, the area is now reduced to salt plains. Consequently, the human population began to migrate roughly 130 thousand years ago. The first set of migrants ventured northeast while the second wave went southwest. However, some remained in the homeland until today.  \n

ALSO READ: 10 Most spoken Languages in Africa<\/a><\/strong><\/div>\nAccording to the researchers, it was this migration that triggered the development of human\u2019s genetic, cultural and ethnic diversity in modern man. Speaking about the new study, Vanessa Hayes from the Garvan Institute of Medical Research and the University of Sydney, and Extraordinary Professor at the University of Pretoria said,\n\n\"We've known for a long time that modern man originated in Africa roughly 200,000 years ago. But what we hadn't known until the study was where exactly this homeland was.\"<\/em>\n\n\n

The role played by mitochondrial DNA in the research<\/h2>\nTo reach the conclusion, the researchers analyzed DNA samples for about 200 Khoisan people. The ethnic group lives in modern-day Namibia and South Africa. They are known to carry a high proportion of mitogenomes called \u2018L0\u2019 lineage which are the earliest genomes of modern man. Explaining the importance of mitogenomes, Hayes said,\n\n\"Mitochondrial DNA acts like a time capsule of our ancestral mothers, accumulating changes slowly over generations. Comparing the complete DNA code, or mitogenome, from different individuals provides information on how closely they are related. Our work would not have been possible without the generous contributions of local communities and study participants in Namibia and South Africa, which allowed us to uncover rare and new L0 sub-branches.\"<\/em>\n
ALSO READ: You Can Now Study Kinyarwanda And Other African Languages In Beijing Foreign Studies University<\/a><\/strong><\/div>\nSubsequently, the researchers linked the L0 lineage timeline with the cultural, linguistic, and geographic distribution of different sub-lineages. This led to the finding that the \u2018homeland\u2019 of modern man was south of the Greater Zambezi River Basin which covers entire northern Botswana and stretches into the west of Namibia and east of Zimbabwe. Lead phylogenetic analyst, Dr. Eva Chan from Garvan Institute of Medical Research said,\n\n\"We merged 198 new, rare mitogenomes to the current database of modern human's earliest known population, the L0 lineage. This allowed us to refine the evolutionary tree of our earliest ancestral branches better than ever before.\"<\/em>\n\n\n

The uniqueness of the new study on modern man<\/h2>\nUnlike previous studies, the uniqueness of the present study lies in the combination of disciplines namely climatic physics, geology, and genetics. Geologist, Dr. Andy Moore from Rhodes University investigated existing fossil, archeological, and geological evidence to establish the one-time existence of Lake Makgadikgadi, Africa\u2019s largest lake system. He said,\n\n\"Prior to modern man emergence, the lake had begun to drain due to shifts in underlying tectonic plates. This would have created, a vast wetland, which is known to be one of the most productive ecosystems for sustaining life.\"<\/em>\n
ALSO READ: 5 Ideas for Online Investing in Africa<\/a><\/strong><\/div>\nThe range of error of previous studies was 150,000 to 250,000. However, the new study has a range of error of 165,000 to 240,000.\n

Not everyone agrees with the study<\/h2>\nSome scientists have their doubts about the authenticity of the study. For example, Sarah Tishkoff of the University of Pennsylvania argues that mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) alone is a poor tool for tracing the history of ancient Africa\u2019s population. Others argue that the female ancestors of the Khosian speakers with the L0 lineage could have migrated from somewhere else.\n\n\n\nAnother researcher who expressed doubt about the findings of the study was Chris Stringer. Stringer is a researcher of human evolution at the Natural History Museum in the UK. He highlighted the complexity of human origins study. In a statement posted on Twitter<\/a>, Stringer said,\n\n\"I am very cautious about using modern genetic distributions to infer exactly where ancestral populations were living 200,000 years ago, particularly in a continent as large and complex as Africa. Moreover, like so many studies that concentrate on one small bit of the genome, or one region, or one stone tool industry, or one 'critical' fossil, it cannot capture the full complexity of our mosaic origins, once other data are considered.\u201d<\/em>\n\nNotwithstanding the divergence in the opinion of different researchers, one thing remains clear; Africa had an important role to play in the history and evolution of modern man. We will like to know what you think about this study in the comment box.","post_title":"New Studies Suggest Africa Is The Origin Of Modern Man","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"new-studies-suggest-africa-was-the-homeland-of-modern-man","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-10-06 06:39:42","post_modified_gmt":"2024-10-06 06:39:42","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.africanvibes.com\/?p=195426","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":9778,"post_author":"7","post_date":"2017-04-19 04:47:28","post_date_gmt":"2017-04-19 04:47:28","post_content":"\n\n[caption id=\"attachment_301462\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"219\"]\"Ghana's<\/a> Ghana's Aunty Ocloo Is No Ordinary Google Doodle Photo credit ghanaianmuseum<\/em>[\/caption]\n\nA dollar. That's all Esther Afua Ocloo needed to kickstart Ghana's first food processing factory in 1942. She was a college student. And she was broke. So she used the money, a gift from her aunt, to buy some oranges, sugar, firewood, and jam jars. She produced 12 pots of marmalade. And Nkulenu Industries was born. She sold the jam to her classmates, then the school, then the country, then the world.\n\nALSO READ:\u00a0Zimbabwean Woman Gets Life-Size Statue In New York. Here Is Why<\/a><\/strong>\n\nEsther Afua Ocloo, the star of today's Google Doodle<\/a>, was more than a jam star. She also became a pioneer in the field of microfinance \u2014 lending a small amount of money to women with a dream like she once had.\n\n[caption id=\"attachment_9779\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"1000\"]\"Ghana's Photo credit Youtube<\/a><\/em>[\/caption]\n\nRead More Here >><\/strong><\/span><\/a>","post_title":"Ghana's Aunty Ocloo Is No Ordinary Google Doodle","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"ghanas-aunty-ocloo-no-ordinary-google-doodle","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-10-04 05:58:30","post_modified_gmt":"2024-10-04 05:58:30","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.africanvibes.com\/?p=9778","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"}],"next":false,"prev":false,"total_page":1},"paged":1,"column_class":"jeg_col_2o3","class":"epic_block_3"};

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\n

\u201cPrior to now we almost know nothing about the foremost dinosaurs in Africa. The discovery of Mbiresaurus raathi change<\/em>s everything. It is one of the most important discoveries in recent times about the dinosaur anywhere on the globe.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

At the moment, the Mbiresaurus raathi<\/em> fossil remains are kept in a room in a museum in Bulawayo, a southern city in the country. A University of Edinburgh paleontologist, Steve Brusatte who was not part of the study said,<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cPrior to now we almost know nothing about the foremost dinosaurs in Africa. The discovery of Mbiresaurus raathi change<\/em>s everything. It is one of the most important discoveries in recent times about the dinosaur anywhere on the globe.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n","post_title":"Scientists Unearth Africa\u2019s Oldest Dinosaur Mbiresaurus raathi In Zimbabwe","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"scientists-unearth-mbiresaurus-raathi","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-10-16 16:59:25","post_modified_gmt":"2024-10-16 16:59:25","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/africanvibes.com\/?p=340932","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":190293,"post_author":"7","post_date":"2020-01-07 18:14:51","post_date_gmt":"2020-01-07 18:14:51","post_content":"\n\nWhat would you do if you find a priceless 18th-century crown in a suitcase?\n\nIn 1998, Sirak Asfaw, a Dutch-Ethiopian hosted Ethiopian pilots, refugees, and diplomats who were passing through Rotterdam. In the suitcase of one of his visitors, he saw an 18th-century Ethiopian crown. \n\n\"I looked into the suitcase and saw something really amazing and I thought 'this is not right. This has been stolen. This should not be here. This belongs to Ethiopia'.\"<\/em>\n\nAsfaw confronted the owner of the suitcase and told him the crown will not leave his house. \n\n\n\n\u201c[I told him the crown] will not leave my house unless it goes back to Ethiopia.\" <\/em>The owner obliged and gave him the artifact. \n

ALSO READ: Ethiopia's Prime Minister Takes Home the 2019 Nobel Peace Prize<\/a><\/strong><\/div>\n

Why Sirak Asfaw became the custodian of the Ethiopia crown<\/h2>\nShortly after having the crown in his custody, he went to a message board to ask what people thought he should do to \u2018an Ethiopian artifact\u2019. Some suggested he should turn it over to the Dutch government. Fearing the Dutch government may claim it, he decided to keep it. \n\nFor 21 years, he hid the priceless Ethiopia crown in his apartment waiting for the right time to return it. However, Ethiopians who knew he had the treasure tried to pressure him into returning it.\n\nAsfaw, who became a refugee during the \u2018Red Terror\u2019 purge where as many as 500k Ethiopians were killed in a bloodbath, talked about his decision saying\n\n\"I did not want to return it to the same regime that had made it possible for the crown to get stolen. [I decided to be the custodian] until such time it could go back. I knew if I gave it back, it would just disappear again.\u201d<\/em>\n\nWith the coming into power of Abiy Ahmed, the atmosphere was ripe to return the crown. Consequently, he contacted Arthur Brand, a Dutch \u2018art detective\u2019 and told him about the crown. In an interview, Mr. Brand said,\n\n[caption id=\"attachment_190297\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"634\"]\"\" Sirak Asfew (left) and Arthur Brand (right) pose with the 18th-century Ethiopia crown<\/em>[\/caption]\n\n
 <\/div>\n
ALSO READ: Ethiopia Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed Disarms Armed Protesting Soldiers with Push-Ups<\/a><\/strong><\/div>\n\u201cIt turns out that Sirak Asfaw had been the custodian of a rare 18th-century Ethiopia crown for the past 21 years and wants to give it back. It was a story straight from a crime thriller.\u201d<\/em>\n\nAfter returning the artifact, Asfaw said, \u201cThis is Ethiopian cultural heritage, this is Ethiopia's identity and finally it feels good to give it back.\u201d<\/em>\n

Striking features of the artifact<\/h2>\nThe Ethiopia crown is made of gilded copper. The body of the crown, around the base, bears the image of the Holy Trinity and the 12 Apostles. The crown is one of the less than 20 that were made\u2014and the most valuable of them all. The artifact bears the date 1633-34 but a research associate at Oxford University, Jacopo Gnisci suggests it may have been made a century later. He believes a powerful warlord, \u2018ras\u2019 Welde Sellase gave the crown to the church in Cheleqot, a village near Mekelle in northern Ethiopia. After confirming the authenticity of the artifact, Gnisci said,\n
ALSO READ: Ethiopian Prime Minister's War On Corruption Results In Arrests Of 59 More Officials<\/a><\/strong><\/div>\n\u201cThese crowns are of great cultural and symbolic significance in Ethiopia, as they are usually donated by high-ranking officials to churches in a practice that reaches as far back as the Late Antiquity. These crowns are of priceless symbolic value and it is important that they be returned to Ethiopia,\u201d<\/em>\n\nThe last time the Ethiopia crown was seen in public was in 1993. At that time it was worn by a priest in a photograph. However, it disappeared afterward. Investigations were launched but the culprit was never found. The artifact is currently held in a secure facility in the Netherlands pending further actions.","post_title":"Here Is What Sirak Asfaw Did When He Found A Priceless 18th-Century Crown In A Suitcase","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"priceless-ethiopia-crown-to-return-home-after-21-years-in-dutch-apartment","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-08-16 16:10:29","post_modified_gmt":"2024-08-16 16:10:29","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.africanvibes.com\/?p=190293","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":212236,"post_author":"2777","post_date":"2020-01-03 10:18:22","post_date_gmt":"2020-01-03 10:18:22","post_content":"\n

There are 1121 properties on the United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) list. Out of these large numbers, only two Nigerian cultural sites are on the list. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

They are Sukur Cultural Landscape in Adamawa State and Osun-Oshogbo Sacred Grove in Osun State. However, the government of Nigeria has identified more sites in the country that are fit to be on the list of UNESCO world heritage sites.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The minister of Information and Culture, Mr. Lai Mohammed made this known after a visit to the Osun-Oshogbo Sacred Grove. According to the minister, they were other sites in the country that meet the requirements of being on the UNESCO world heritage sites list. These include Igbo Olodumare, Kano City Walls, and Ogbunike Cave. Explaining the reason why the sites should be on the list, the minister said,<\/p>\n\n\n\n

ALSO READ:<\/strong> 10 Must See Historic Sites In Ghana<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cThe ancient Kano City Walls witnessed the famous Trans- Sahara Trade of which Kano was the dominant force. This trade linked the great kingdoms and empires of West Africa with North America and even Europe. The forests in Oke-Igbo, Ile Oluji Axis of Ondo State, which was the inspiration for D. O. Fagunwa\u2019s book, \u2018Igbo Olodumare\u2019 should be considered for the reason of its scenic state. The Ogbunike Caves<\/a> in Anambra State for its natural significance\u201d.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Ogbunike
Ogbunike Cave in Anambra State<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Other landmarks the minister wants to be on the UNESCO world heritage sites list are The Brazilian Baracoon Museum\/Point of No Return in Badagry, Lagos State and the Gashaka-Gumti National Park, Nigeria\u2019s largest national park in the eastern province of Taraba and Adamawa states close to Cameroon border.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Why Being on UNESCO World Heritage Sites List is a Big Deal<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Properties listed on UNESCO world heritage sites list are those with cultural, historical, scientific or other forms of significance. Consequently, they are under legal protection by international treaties. Such sites are important to humanity\u2019s collective interest. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Therefore, it is a thing of pride to have a country\u2019s properties on the list. Also, properties on the list get greater government attention which can be crucial for their existence. According to Mr. Mohammed,<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cThe fact that the General Assembly, comprising the entire 193 states parties, in November elected Nigeria into the UNESCO World Heritage Committee is a positive development for our quest to have more sites designated as World Heritage Sites. We shall use our presence on this Committee to fight for the enlistment of many more sites from Nigeria into the World Heritage list. Nigeria is really blessed with a lot of potential sites.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

ALSO READ:<\/strong> 10 Must-Visit Luxury Hotels In Johannesburg South Africa<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Brazilian
Brazilian Baracoon Museum Point of No Return in Badagry, Lagos State<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Threats to the Heritage Sites in Nigeria<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

The two heritage sites in Nigeria are facing significant threats. In the South, land grabbers are encroaching into the Osun-Oshogbo Sacred Grove. In the north, the fate of Sukur Cultural Landscape lies in the hands of the military. According to the minister,<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cOur gallant men and women in uniform have succeeded in repelling the attempt by the Boko Haram terrorists to destroy the Sukur Cultural Landscape.\u2019\u2019<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

However, the minister said the government will do all within its powers to protect the sites. Also, he warned land grabbers to stay clear of the 45 hectares buffer zone around the Osun-Oshogbo Sacred Grove. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Citing the importance of UNESCO world heritage sites, do you think governments around the world are doing enough to protect them? What do you think can be done better? We would love to hear your views in the comment box below.<\/p>\n","post_title":"Nigeria Identifies Landmarks Fit For Declaration As UNESCO World Heritage Sites","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"nigeria-identifies-landmarks-fit-for-declaration-as-unesco-world-heritage-sites","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-10-06 06:40:44","post_modified_gmt":"2024-10-06 06:40:44","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.africanvibes.com\/?p=212236","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":195426,"post_author":"2777","post_date":"2019-11-16 10:18:21","post_date_gmt":"2019-11-16 10:18:21","post_content":"\n\n[caption id=\"attachment_195428\" align=\"aligncenter\" width=\"735\"]\"\" New Studies Suggest Africa Was The Home Of Modern Man<\/em>[\/caption]\n\nScientists are continually trying to trace the origin of humans. A new study<\/a> says Africa was homeland of modern man. According to the study, the area Makgadikgadi-Okavango in the southern part of Africa was the home to a large population of Homo sapiens<\/em> until the advent of climate change. The fingered region is around northern Botswana.\n\nAbout 200 thousand years ago, there was an enormous lake in the region. The lake was roughly twice the size of modern-day Lake Victoria. Thus, modern humans settled there for at least 70 thousand years. However, as a result of climate change, the area is now reduced to salt plains. Consequently, the human population began to migrate roughly 130 thousand years ago. The first set of migrants ventured northeast while the second wave went southwest. However, some remained in the homeland until today.  \n

ALSO READ: 10 Most spoken Languages in Africa<\/a><\/strong><\/div>\nAccording to the researchers, it was this migration that triggered the development of human\u2019s genetic, cultural and ethnic diversity in modern man. Speaking about the new study, Vanessa Hayes from the Garvan Institute of Medical Research and the University of Sydney, and Extraordinary Professor at the University of Pretoria said,\n\n\"We've known for a long time that modern man originated in Africa roughly 200,000 years ago. But what we hadn't known until the study was where exactly this homeland was.\"<\/em>\n\n\n

The role played by mitochondrial DNA in the research<\/h2>\nTo reach the conclusion, the researchers analyzed DNA samples for about 200 Khoisan people. The ethnic group lives in modern-day Namibia and South Africa. They are known to carry a high proportion of mitogenomes called \u2018L0\u2019 lineage which are the earliest genomes of modern man. Explaining the importance of mitogenomes, Hayes said,\n\n\"Mitochondrial DNA acts like a time capsule of our ancestral mothers, accumulating changes slowly over generations. Comparing the complete DNA code, or mitogenome, from different individuals provides information on how closely they are related. Our work would not have been possible without the generous contributions of local communities and study participants in Namibia and South Africa, which allowed us to uncover rare and new L0 sub-branches.\"<\/em>\n
ALSO READ: You Can Now Study Kinyarwanda And Other African Languages In Beijing Foreign Studies University<\/a><\/strong><\/div>\nSubsequently, the researchers linked the L0 lineage timeline with the cultural, linguistic, and geographic distribution of different sub-lineages. This led to the finding that the \u2018homeland\u2019 of modern man was south of the Greater Zambezi River Basin which covers entire northern Botswana and stretches into the west of Namibia and east of Zimbabwe. Lead phylogenetic analyst, Dr. Eva Chan from Garvan Institute of Medical Research said,\n\n\"We merged 198 new, rare mitogenomes to the current database of modern human's earliest known population, the L0 lineage. This allowed us to refine the evolutionary tree of our earliest ancestral branches better than ever before.\"<\/em>\n\n\n

The uniqueness of the new study on modern man<\/h2>\nUnlike previous studies, the uniqueness of the present study lies in the combination of disciplines namely climatic physics, geology, and genetics. Geologist, Dr. Andy Moore from Rhodes University investigated existing fossil, archeological, and geological evidence to establish the one-time existence of Lake Makgadikgadi, Africa\u2019s largest lake system. He said,\n\n\"Prior to modern man emergence, the lake had begun to drain due to shifts in underlying tectonic plates. This would have created, a vast wetland, which is known to be one of the most productive ecosystems for sustaining life.\"<\/em>\n
ALSO READ: 5 Ideas for Online Investing in Africa<\/a><\/strong><\/div>\nThe range of error of previous studies was 150,000 to 250,000. However, the new study has a range of error of 165,000 to 240,000.\n

Not everyone agrees with the study<\/h2>\nSome scientists have their doubts about the authenticity of the study. For example, Sarah Tishkoff of the University of Pennsylvania argues that mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) alone is a poor tool for tracing the history of ancient Africa\u2019s population. Others argue that the female ancestors of the Khosian speakers with the L0 lineage could have migrated from somewhere else.\n\n\n\nAnother researcher who expressed doubt about the findings of the study was Chris Stringer. Stringer is a researcher of human evolution at the Natural History Museum in the UK. He highlighted the complexity of human origins study. In a statement posted on Twitter<\/a>, Stringer said,\n\n\"I am very cautious about using modern genetic distributions to infer exactly where ancestral populations were living 200,000 years ago, particularly in a continent as large and complex as Africa. Moreover, like so many studies that concentrate on one small bit of the genome, or one region, or one stone tool industry, or one 'critical' fossil, it cannot capture the full complexity of our mosaic origins, once other data are considered.\u201d<\/em>\n\nNotwithstanding the divergence in the opinion of different researchers, one thing remains clear; Africa had an important role to play in the history and evolution of modern man. We will like to know what you think about this study in the comment box.","post_title":"New Studies Suggest Africa Is The Origin Of Modern Man","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"new-studies-suggest-africa-was-the-homeland-of-modern-man","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-10-06 06:39:42","post_modified_gmt":"2024-10-06 06:39:42","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.africanvibes.com\/?p=195426","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":9778,"post_author":"7","post_date":"2017-04-19 04:47:28","post_date_gmt":"2017-04-19 04:47:28","post_content":"\n\n[caption id=\"attachment_301462\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"219\"]\"Ghana's<\/a> Ghana's Aunty Ocloo Is No Ordinary Google Doodle Photo credit ghanaianmuseum<\/em>[\/caption]\n\nA dollar. That's all Esther Afua Ocloo needed to kickstart Ghana's first food processing factory in 1942. She was a college student. And she was broke. So she used the money, a gift from her aunt, to buy some oranges, sugar, firewood, and jam jars. She produced 12 pots of marmalade. And Nkulenu Industries was born. She sold the jam to her classmates, then the school, then the country, then the world.\n\nALSO READ:\u00a0Zimbabwean Woman Gets Life-Size Statue In New York. Here Is Why<\/a><\/strong>\n\nEsther Afua Ocloo, the star of today's Google Doodle<\/a>, was more than a jam star. She also became a pioneer in the field of microfinance \u2014 lending a small amount of money to women with a dream like she once had.\n\n[caption id=\"attachment_9779\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"1000\"]\"Ghana's Photo credit Youtube<\/a><\/em>[\/caption]\n\nRead More Here >><\/strong><\/span><\/a>","post_title":"Ghana's Aunty Ocloo Is No Ordinary Google Doodle","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"ghanas-aunty-ocloo-no-ordinary-google-doodle","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-10-04 05:58:30","post_modified_gmt":"2024-10-04 05:58:30","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.africanvibes.com\/?p=9778","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"}],"next":false,"prev":false,"total_page":1},"paged":1,"column_class":"jeg_col_2o3","class":"epic_block_3"};

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\n

With the discovery of the new fossils of the Mbiresaurus raathi<\/em>, Zimbabwe experts now have a new concern. Prof Chinsamy-Turan echoed this sentiment when she told BBC, \u201cI hope there is a strict policy to ensure the handing over of such fossils to the museum to avoid losing the material.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

At the moment, the Mbiresaurus raathi<\/em> fossil remains are kept in a room in a museum in Bulawayo, a southern city in the country. A University of Edinburgh paleontologist, Steve Brusatte who was not part of the study said,<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cPrior to now we almost know nothing about the foremost dinosaurs in Africa. The discovery of Mbiresaurus raathi change<\/em>s everything. It is one of the most important discoveries in recent times about the dinosaur anywhere on the globe.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n","post_title":"Scientists Unearth Africa\u2019s Oldest Dinosaur Mbiresaurus raathi In Zimbabwe","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"scientists-unearth-mbiresaurus-raathi","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-10-16 16:59:25","post_modified_gmt":"2024-10-16 16:59:25","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/africanvibes.com\/?p=340932","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":190293,"post_author":"7","post_date":"2020-01-07 18:14:51","post_date_gmt":"2020-01-07 18:14:51","post_content":"\n\nWhat would you do if you find a priceless 18th-century crown in a suitcase?\n\nIn 1998, Sirak Asfaw, a Dutch-Ethiopian hosted Ethiopian pilots, refugees, and diplomats who were passing through Rotterdam. In the suitcase of one of his visitors, he saw an 18th-century Ethiopian crown. \n\n\"I looked into the suitcase and saw something really amazing and I thought 'this is not right. This has been stolen. This should not be here. This belongs to Ethiopia'.\"<\/em>\n\nAsfaw confronted the owner of the suitcase and told him the crown will not leave his house. \n\n\n\n\u201c[I told him the crown] will not leave my house unless it goes back to Ethiopia.\" <\/em>The owner obliged and gave him the artifact. \n

ALSO READ: Ethiopia's Prime Minister Takes Home the 2019 Nobel Peace Prize<\/a><\/strong><\/div>\n

Why Sirak Asfaw became the custodian of the Ethiopia crown<\/h2>\nShortly after having the crown in his custody, he went to a message board to ask what people thought he should do to \u2018an Ethiopian artifact\u2019. Some suggested he should turn it over to the Dutch government. Fearing the Dutch government may claim it, he decided to keep it. \n\nFor 21 years, he hid the priceless Ethiopia crown in his apartment waiting for the right time to return it. However, Ethiopians who knew he had the treasure tried to pressure him into returning it.\n\nAsfaw, who became a refugee during the \u2018Red Terror\u2019 purge where as many as 500k Ethiopians were killed in a bloodbath, talked about his decision saying\n\n\"I did not want to return it to the same regime that had made it possible for the crown to get stolen. [I decided to be the custodian] until such time it could go back. I knew if I gave it back, it would just disappear again.\u201d<\/em>\n\nWith the coming into power of Abiy Ahmed, the atmosphere was ripe to return the crown. Consequently, he contacted Arthur Brand, a Dutch \u2018art detective\u2019 and told him about the crown. In an interview, Mr. Brand said,\n\n[caption id=\"attachment_190297\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"634\"]\"\" Sirak Asfew (left) and Arthur Brand (right) pose with the 18th-century Ethiopia crown<\/em>[\/caption]\n\n
 <\/div>\n
ALSO READ: Ethiopia Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed Disarms Armed Protesting Soldiers with Push-Ups<\/a><\/strong><\/div>\n\u201cIt turns out that Sirak Asfaw had been the custodian of a rare 18th-century Ethiopia crown for the past 21 years and wants to give it back. It was a story straight from a crime thriller.\u201d<\/em>\n\nAfter returning the artifact, Asfaw said, \u201cThis is Ethiopian cultural heritage, this is Ethiopia's identity and finally it feels good to give it back.\u201d<\/em>\n

Striking features of the artifact<\/h2>\nThe Ethiopia crown is made of gilded copper. The body of the crown, around the base, bears the image of the Holy Trinity and the 12 Apostles. The crown is one of the less than 20 that were made\u2014and the most valuable of them all. The artifact bears the date 1633-34 but a research associate at Oxford University, Jacopo Gnisci suggests it may have been made a century later. He believes a powerful warlord, \u2018ras\u2019 Welde Sellase gave the crown to the church in Cheleqot, a village near Mekelle in northern Ethiopia. After confirming the authenticity of the artifact, Gnisci said,\n
ALSO READ: Ethiopian Prime Minister's War On Corruption Results In Arrests Of 59 More Officials<\/a><\/strong><\/div>\n\u201cThese crowns are of great cultural and symbolic significance in Ethiopia, as they are usually donated by high-ranking officials to churches in a practice that reaches as far back as the Late Antiquity. These crowns are of priceless symbolic value and it is important that they be returned to Ethiopia,\u201d<\/em>\n\nThe last time the Ethiopia crown was seen in public was in 1993. At that time it was worn by a priest in a photograph. However, it disappeared afterward. Investigations were launched but the culprit was never found. The artifact is currently held in a secure facility in the Netherlands pending further actions.","post_title":"Here Is What Sirak Asfaw Did When He Found A Priceless 18th-Century Crown In A Suitcase","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"priceless-ethiopia-crown-to-return-home-after-21-years-in-dutch-apartment","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-08-16 16:10:29","post_modified_gmt":"2024-08-16 16:10:29","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.africanvibes.com\/?p=190293","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":212236,"post_author":"2777","post_date":"2020-01-03 10:18:22","post_date_gmt":"2020-01-03 10:18:22","post_content":"\n

There are 1121 properties on the United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) list. Out of these large numbers, only two Nigerian cultural sites are on the list. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

They are Sukur Cultural Landscape in Adamawa State and Osun-Oshogbo Sacred Grove in Osun State. However, the government of Nigeria has identified more sites in the country that are fit to be on the list of UNESCO world heritage sites.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The minister of Information and Culture, Mr. Lai Mohammed made this known after a visit to the Osun-Oshogbo Sacred Grove. According to the minister, they were other sites in the country that meet the requirements of being on the UNESCO world heritage sites list. These include Igbo Olodumare, Kano City Walls, and Ogbunike Cave. Explaining the reason why the sites should be on the list, the minister said,<\/p>\n\n\n\n

ALSO READ:<\/strong> 10 Must See Historic Sites In Ghana<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cThe ancient Kano City Walls witnessed the famous Trans- Sahara Trade of which Kano was the dominant force. This trade linked the great kingdoms and empires of West Africa with North America and even Europe. The forests in Oke-Igbo, Ile Oluji Axis of Ondo State, which was the inspiration for D. O. Fagunwa\u2019s book, \u2018Igbo Olodumare\u2019 should be considered for the reason of its scenic state. The Ogbunike Caves<\/a> in Anambra State for its natural significance\u201d.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Ogbunike
Ogbunike Cave in Anambra State<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Other landmarks the minister wants to be on the UNESCO world heritage sites list are The Brazilian Baracoon Museum\/Point of No Return in Badagry, Lagos State and the Gashaka-Gumti National Park, Nigeria\u2019s largest national park in the eastern province of Taraba and Adamawa states close to Cameroon border.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Why Being on UNESCO World Heritage Sites List is a Big Deal<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Properties listed on UNESCO world heritage sites list are those with cultural, historical, scientific or other forms of significance. Consequently, they are under legal protection by international treaties. Such sites are important to humanity\u2019s collective interest. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Therefore, it is a thing of pride to have a country\u2019s properties on the list. Also, properties on the list get greater government attention which can be crucial for their existence. According to Mr. Mohammed,<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cThe fact that the General Assembly, comprising the entire 193 states parties, in November elected Nigeria into the UNESCO World Heritage Committee is a positive development for our quest to have more sites designated as World Heritage Sites. We shall use our presence on this Committee to fight for the enlistment of many more sites from Nigeria into the World Heritage list. Nigeria is really blessed with a lot of potential sites.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

ALSO READ:<\/strong> 10 Must-Visit Luxury Hotels In Johannesburg South Africa<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Brazilian
Brazilian Baracoon Museum Point of No Return in Badagry, Lagos State<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Threats to the Heritage Sites in Nigeria<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

The two heritage sites in Nigeria are facing significant threats. In the South, land grabbers are encroaching into the Osun-Oshogbo Sacred Grove. In the north, the fate of Sukur Cultural Landscape lies in the hands of the military. According to the minister,<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cOur gallant men and women in uniform have succeeded in repelling the attempt by the Boko Haram terrorists to destroy the Sukur Cultural Landscape.\u2019\u2019<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

However, the minister said the government will do all within its powers to protect the sites. Also, he warned land grabbers to stay clear of the 45 hectares buffer zone around the Osun-Oshogbo Sacred Grove. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Citing the importance of UNESCO world heritage sites, do you think governments around the world are doing enough to protect them? What do you think can be done better? We would love to hear your views in the comment box below.<\/p>\n","post_title":"Nigeria Identifies Landmarks Fit For Declaration As UNESCO World Heritage Sites","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"nigeria-identifies-landmarks-fit-for-declaration-as-unesco-world-heritage-sites","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-10-06 06:40:44","post_modified_gmt":"2024-10-06 06:40:44","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.africanvibes.com\/?p=212236","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":195426,"post_author":"2777","post_date":"2019-11-16 10:18:21","post_date_gmt":"2019-11-16 10:18:21","post_content":"\n\n[caption id=\"attachment_195428\" align=\"aligncenter\" width=\"735\"]\"\" New Studies Suggest Africa Was The Home Of Modern Man<\/em>[\/caption]\n\nScientists are continually trying to trace the origin of humans. A new study<\/a> says Africa was homeland of modern man. According to the study, the area Makgadikgadi-Okavango in the southern part of Africa was the home to a large population of Homo sapiens<\/em> until the advent of climate change. The fingered region is around northern Botswana.\n\nAbout 200 thousand years ago, there was an enormous lake in the region. The lake was roughly twice the size of modern-day Lake Victoria. Thus, modern humans settled there for at least 70 thousand years. However, as a result of climate change, the area is now reduced to salt plains. Consequently, the human population began to migrate roughly 130 thousand years ago. The first set of migrants ventured northeast while the second wave went southwest. However, some remained in the homeland until today.  \n

ALSO READ: 10 Most spoken Languages in Africa<\/a><\/strong><\/div>\nAccording to the researchers, it was this migration that triggered the development of human\u2019s genetic, cultural and ethnic diversity in modern man. Speaking about the new study, Vanessa Hayes from the Garvan Institute of Medical Research and the University of Sydney, and Extraordinary Professor at the University of Pretoria said,\n\n\"We've known for a long time that modern man originated in Africa roughly 200,000 years ago. But what we hadn't known until the study was where exactly this homeland was.\"<\/em>\n\n\n

The role played by mitochondrial DNA in the research<\/h2>\nTo reach the conclusion, the researchers analyzed DNA samples for about 200 Khoisan people. The ethnic group lives in modern-day Namibia and South Africa. They are known to carry a high proportion of mitogenomes called \u2018L0\u2019 lineage which are the earliest genomes of modern man. Explaining the importance of mitogenomes, Hayes said,\n\n\"Mitochondrial DNA acts like a time capsule of our ancestral mothers, accumulating changes slowly over generations. Comparing the complete DNA code, or mitogenome, from different individuals provides information on how closely they are related. Our work would not have been possible without the generous contributions of local communities and study participants in Namibia and South Africa, which allowed us to uncover rare and new L0 sub-branches.\"<\/em>\n
ALSO READ: You Can Now Study Kinyarwanda And Other African Languages In Beijing Foreign Studies University<\/a><\/strong><\/div>\nSubsequently, the researchers linked the L0 lineage timeline with the cultural, linguistic, and geographic distribution of different sub-lineages. This led to the finding that the \u2018homeland\u2019 of modern man was south of the Greater Zambezi River Basin which covers entire northern Botswana and stretches into the west of Namibia and east of Zimbabwe. Lead phylogenetic analyst, Dr. Eva Chan from Garvan Institute of Medical Research said,\n\n\"We merged 198 new, rare mitogenomes to the current database of modern human's earliest known population, the L0 lineage. This allowed us to refine the evolutionary tree of our earliest ancestral branches better than ever before.\"<\/em>\n\n\n

The uniqueness of the new study on modern man<\/h2>\nUnlike previous studies, the uniqueness of the present study lies in the combination of disciplines namely climatic physics, geology, and genetics. Geologist, Dr. Andy Moore from Rhodes University investigated existing fossil, archeological, and geological evidence to establish the one-time existence of Lake Makgadikgadi, Africa\u2019s largest lake system. He said,\n\n\"Prior to modern man emergence, the lake had begun to drain due to shifts in underlying tectonic plates. This would have created, a vast wetland, which is known to be one of the most productive ecosystems for sustaining life.\"<\/em>\n
ALSO READ: 5 Ideas for Online Investing in Africa<\/a><\/strong><\/div>\nThe range of error of previous studies was 150,000 to 250,000. However, the new study has a range of error of 165,000 to 240,000.\n

Not everyone agrees with the study<\/h2>\nSome scientists have their doubts about the authenticity of the study. For example, Sarah Tishkoff of the University of Pennsylvania argues that mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) alone is a poor tool for tracing the history of ancient Africa\u2019s population. Others argue that the female ancestors of the Khosian speakers with the L0 lineage could have migrated from somewhere else.\n\n\n\nAnother researcher who expressed doubt about the findings of the study was Chris Stringer. Stringer is a researcher of human evolution at the Natural History Museum in the UK. He highlighted the complexity of human origins study. In a statement posted on Twitter<\/a>, Stringer said,\n\n\"I am very cautious about using modern genetic distributions to infer exactly where ancestral populations were living 200,000 years ago, particularly in a continent as large and complex as Africa. Moreover, like so many studies that concentrate on one small bit of the genome, or one region, or one stone tool industry, or one 'critical' fossil, it cannot capture the full complexity of our mosaic origins, once other data are considered.\u201d<\/em>\n\nNotwithstanding the divergence in the opinion of different researchers, one thing remains clear; Africa had an important role to play in the history and evolution of modern man. We will like to know what you think about this study in the comment box.","post_title":"New Studies Suggest Africa Is The Origin Of Modern Man","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"new-studies-suggest-africa-was-the-homeland-of-modern-man","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-10-06 06:39:42","post_modified_gmt":"2024-10-06 06:39:42","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.africanvibes.com\/?p=195426","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":9778,"post_author":"7","post_date":"2017-04-19 04:47:28","post_date_gmt":"2017-04-19 04:47:28","post_content":"\n\n[caption id=\"attachment_301462\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"219\"]\"Ghana's<\/a> Ghana's Aunty Ocloo Is No Ordinary Google Doodle Photo credit ghanaianmuseum<\/em>[\/caption]\n\nA dollar. That's all Esther Afua Ocloo needed to kickstart Ghana's first food processing factory in 1942. She was a college student. And she was broke. So she used the money, a gift from her aunt, to buy some oranges, sugar, firewood, and jam jars. She produced 12 pots of marmalade. And Nkulenu Industries was born. She sold the jam to her classmates, then the school, then the country, then the world.\n\nALSO READ:\u00a0Zimbabwean Woman Gets Life-Size Statue In New York. Here Is Why<\/a><\/strong>\n\nEsther Afua Ocloo, the star of today's Google Doodle<\/a>, was more than a jam star. She also became a pioneer in the field of microfinance \u2014 lending a small amount of money to women with a dream like she once had.\n\n[caption id=\"attachment_9779\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"1000\"]\"Ghana's Photo credit Youtube<\/a><\/em>[\/caption]\n\nRead More Here >><\/strong><\/span><\/a>","post_title":"Ghana's Aunty Ocloo Is No Ordinary Google Doodle","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"ghanas-aunty-ocloo-no-ordinary-google-doodle","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-10-04 05:58:30","post_modified_gmt":"2024-10-04 05:58:30","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.africanvibes.com\/?p=9778","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"}],"next":false,"prev":false,"total_page":1},"paged":1,"column_class":"jeg_col_2o3","class":"epic_block_3"};

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ALSO READ:<\/strong> Entrepreneur Spotlight: Microfuse Stick By Ugandan Engineers Is The Future Of Computer<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

With the discovery of the new fossils of the Mbiresaurus raathi<\/em>, Zimbabwe experts now have a new concern. Prof Chinsamy-Turan echoed this sentiment when she told BBC, \u201cI hope there is a strict policy to ensure the handing over of such fossils to the museum to avoid losing the material.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

At the moment, the Mbiresaurus raathi<\/em> fossil remains are kept in a room in a museum in Bulawayo, a southern city in the country. A University of Edinburgh paleontologist, Steve Brusatte who was not part of the study said,<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cPrior to now we almost know nothing about the foremost dinosaurs in Africa. The discovery of Mbiresaurus raathi change<\/em>s everything. It is one of the most important discoveries in recent times about the dinosaur anywhere on the globe.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n","post_title":"Scientists Unearth Africa\u2019s Oldest Dinosaur Mbiresaurus raathi In Zimbabwe","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"scientists-unearth-mbiresaurus-raathi","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-10-16 16:59:25","post_modified_gmt":"2024-10-16 16:59:25","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/africanvibes.com\/?p=340932","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":190293,"post_author":"7","post_date":"2020-01-07 18:14:51","post_date_gmt":"2020-01-07 18:14:51","post_content":"\n\nWhat would you do if you find a priceless 18th-century crown in a suitcase?\n\nIn 1998, Sirak Asfaw, a Dutch-Ethiopian hosted Ethiopian pilots, refugees, and diplomats who were passing through Rotterdam. In the suitcase of one of his visitors, he saw an 18th-century Ethiopian crown. \n\n\"I looked into the suitcase and saw something really amazing and I thought 'this is not right. This has been stolen. This should not be here. This belongs to Ethiopia'.\"<\/em>\n\nAsfaw confronted the owner of the suitcase and told him the crown will not leave his house. \n\n\n\n\u201c[I told him the crown] will not leave my house unless it goes back to Ethiopia.\" <\/em>The owner obliged and gave him the artifact. \n

ALSO READ: Ethiopia's Prime Minister Takes Home the 2019 Nobel Peace Prize<\/a><\/strong><\/div>\n

Why Sirak Asfaw became the custodian of the Ethiopia crown<\/h2>\nShortly after having the crown in his custody, he went to a message board to ask what people thought he should do to \u2018an Ethiopian artifact\u2019. Some suggested he should turn it over to the Dutch government. Fearing the Dutch government may claim it, he decided to keep it. \n\nFor 21 years, he hid the priceless Ethiopia crown in his apartment waiting for the right time to return it. However, Ethiopians who knew he had the treasure tried to pressure him into returning it.\n\nAsfaw, who became a refugee during the \u2018Red Terror\u2019 purge where as many as 500k Ethiopians were killed in a bloodbath, talked about his decision saying\n\n\"I did not want to return it to the same regime that had made it possible for the crown to get stolen. [I decided to be the custodian] until such time it could go back. I knew if I gave it back, it would just disappear again.\u201d<\/em>\n\nWith the coming into power of Abiy Ahmed, the atmosphere was ripe to return the crown. Consequently, he contacted Arthur Brand, a Dutch \u2018art detective\u2019 and told him about the crown. In an interview, Mr. Brand said,\n\n[caption id=\"attachment_190297\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"634\"]\"\" Sirak Asfew (left) and Arthur Brand (right) pose with the 18th-century Ethiopia crown<\/em>[\/caption]\n\n
 <\/div>\n
ALSO READ: Ethiopia Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed Disarms Armed Protesting Soldiers with Push-Ups<\/a><\/strong><\/div>\n\u201cIt turns out that Sirak Asfaw had been the custodian of a rare 18th-century Ethiopia crown for the past 21 years and wants to give it back. It was a story straight from a crime thriller.\u201d<\/em>\n\nAfter returning the artifact, Asfaw said, \u201cThis is Ethiopian cultural heritage, this is Ethiopia's identity and finally it feels good to give it back.\u201d<\/em>\n

Striking features of the artifact<\/h2>\nThe Ethiopia crown is made of gilded copper. The body of the crown, around the base, bears the image of the Holy Trinity and the 12 Apostles. The crown is one of the less than 20 that were made\u2014and the most valuable of them all. The artifact bears the date 1633-34 but a research associate at Oxford University, Jacopo Gnisci suggests it may have been made a century later. He believes a powerful warlord, \u2018ras\u2019 Welde Sellase gave the crown to the church in Cheleqot, a village near Mekelle in northern Ethiopia. After confirming the authenticity of the artifact, Gnisci said,\n
ALSO READ: Ethiopian Prime Minister's War On Corruption Results In Arrests Of 59 More Officials<\/a><\/strong><\/div>\n\u201cThese crowns are of great cultural and symbolic significance in Ethiopia, as they are usually donated by high-ranking officials to churches in a practice that reaches as far back as the Late Antiquity. These crowns are of priceless symbolic value and it is important that they be returned to Ethiopia,\u201d<\/em>\n\nThe last time the Ethiopia crown was seen in public was in 1993. At that time it was worn by a priest in a photograph. However, it disappeared afterward. Investigations were launched but the culprit was never found. The artifact is currently held in a secure facility in the Netherlands pending further actions.","post_title":"Here Is What Sirak Asfaw Did When He Found A Priceless 18th-Century Crown In A Suitcase","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"priceless-ethiopia-crown-to-return-home-after-21-years-in-dutch-apartment","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-08-16 16:10:29","post_modified_gmt":"2024-08-16 16:10:29","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.africanvibes.com\/?p=190293","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":212236,"post_author":"2777","post_date":"2020-01-03 10:18:22","post_date_gmt":"2020-01-03 10:18:22","post_content":"\n

There are 1121 properties on the United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) list. Out of these large numbers, only two Nigerian cultural sites are on the list. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

They are Sukur Cultural Landscape in Adamawa State and Osun-Oshogbo Sacred Grove in Osun State. However, the government of Nigeria has identified more sites in the country that are fit to be on the list of UNESCO world heritage sites.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The minister of Information and Culture, Mr. Lai Mohammed made this known after a visit to the Osun-Oshogbo Sacred Grove. According to the minister, they were other sites in the country that meet the requirements of being on the UNESCO world heritage sites list. These include Igbo Olodumare, Kano City Walls, and Ogbunike Cave. Explaining the reason why the sites should be on the list, the minister said,<\/p>\n\n\n\n

ALSO READ:<\/strong> 10 Must See Historic Sites In Ghana<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cThe ancient Kano City Walls witnessed the famous Trans- Sahara Trade of which Kano was the dominant force. This trade linked the great kingdoms and empires of West Africa with North America and even Europe. The forests in Oke-Igbo, Ile Oluji Axis of Ondo State, which was the inspiration for D. O. Fagunwa\u2019s book, \u2018Igbo Olodumare\u2019 should be considered for the reason of its scenic state. The Ogbunike Caves<\/a> in Anambra State for its natural significance\u201d.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Ogbunike
Ogbunike Cave in Anambra State<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Other landmarks the minister wants to be on the UNESCO world heritage sites list are The Brazilian Baracoon Museum\/Point of No Return in Badagry, Lagos State and the Gashaka-Gumti National Park, Nigeria\u2019s largest national park in the eastern province of Taraba and Adamawa states close to Cameroon border.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Why Being on UNESCO World Heritage Sites List is a Big Deal<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Properties listed on UNESCO world heritage sites list are those with cultural, historical, scientific or other forms of significance. Consequently, they are under legal protection by international treaties. Such sites are important to humanity\u2019s collective interest. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Therefore, it is a thing of pride to have a country\u2019s properties on the list. Also, properties on the list get greater government attention which can be crucial for their existence. According to Mr. Mohammed,<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cThe fact that the General Assembly, comprising the entire 193 states parties, in November elected Nigeria into the UNESCO World Heritage Committee is a positive development for our quest to have more sites designated as World Heritage Sites. We shall use our presence on this Committee to fight for the enlistment of many more sites from Nigeria into the World Heritage list. Nigeria is really blessed with a lot of potential sites.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

ALSO READ:<\/strong> 10 Must-Visit Luxury Hotels In Johannesburg South Africa<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Brazilian
Brazilian Baracoon Museum Point of No Return in Badagry, Lagos State<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Threats to the Heritage Sites in Nigeria<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

The two heritage sites in Nigeria are facing significant threats. In the South, land grabbers are encroaching into the Osun-Oshogbo Sacred Grove. In the north, the fate of Sukur Cultural Landscape lies in the hands of the military. According to the minister,<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cOur gallant men and women in uniform have succeeded in repelling the attempt by the Boko Haram terrorists to destroy the Sukur Cultural Landscape.\u2019\u2019<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

However, the minister said the government will do all within its powers to protect the sites. Also, he warned land grabbers to stay clear of the 45 hectares buffer zone around the Osun-Oshogbo Sacred Grove. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Citing the importance of UNESCO world heritage sites, do you think governments around the world are doing enough to protect them? What do you think can be done better? We would love to hear your views in the comment box below.<\/p>\n","post_title":"Nigeria Identifies Landmarks Fit For Declaration As UNESCO World Heritage Sites","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"nigeria-identifies-landmarks-fit-for-declaration-as-unesco-world-heritage-sites","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-10-06 06:40:44","post_modified_gmt":"2024-10-06 06:40:44","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.africanvibes.com\/?p=212236","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":195426,"post_author":"2777","post_date":"2019-11-16 10:18:21","post_date_gmt":"2019-11-16 10:18:21","post_content":"\n\n[caption id=\"attachment_195428\" align=\"aligncenter\" width=\"735\"]\"\" New Studies Suggest Africa Was The Home Of Modern Man<\/em>[\/caption]\n\nScientists are continually trying to trace the origin of humans. A new study<\/a> says Africa was homeland of modern man. According to the study, the area Makgadikgadi-Okavango in the southern part of Africa was the home to a large population of Homo sapiens<\/em> until the advent of climate change. The fingered region is around northern Botswana.\n\nAbout 200 thousand years ago, there was an enormous lake in the region. The lake was roughly twice the size of modern-day Lake Victoria. Thus, modern humans settled there for at least 70 thousand years. However, as a result of climate change, the area is now reduced to salt plains. Consequently, the human population began to migrate roughly 130 thousand years ago. The first set of migrants ventured northeast while the second wave went southwest. However, some remained in the homeland until today.  \n

ALSO READ: 10 Most spoken Languages in Africa<\/a><\/strong><\/div>\nAccording to the researchers, it was this migration that triggered the development of human\u2019s genetic, cultural and ethnic diversity in modern man. Speaking about the new study, Vanessa Hayes from the Garvan Institute of Medical Research and the University of Sydney, and Extraordinary Professor at the University of Pretoria said,\n\n\"We've known for a long time that modern man originated in Africa roughly 200,000 years ago. But what we hadn't known until the study was where exactly this homeland was.\"<\/em>\n\n\n

The role played by mitochondrial DNA in the research<\/h2>\nTo reach the conclusion, the researchers analyzed DNA samples for about 200 Khoisan people. The ethnic group lives in modern-day Namibia and South Africa. They are known to carry a high proportion of mitogenomes called \u2018L0\u2019 lineage which are the earliest genomes of modern man. Explaining the importance of mitogenomes, Hayes said,\n\n\"Mitochondrial DNA acts like a time capsule of our ancestral mothers, accumulating changes slowly over generations. Comparing the complete DNA code, or mitogenome, from different individuals provides information on how closely they are related. Our work would not have been possible without the generous contributions of local communities and study participants in Namibia and South Africa, which allowed us to uncover rare and new L0 sub-branches.\"<\/em>\n
ALSO READ: You Can Now Study Kinyarwanda And Other African Languages In Beijing Foreign Studies University<\/a><\/strong><\/div>\nSubsequently, the researchers linked the L0 lineage timeline with the cultural, linguistic, and geographic distribution of different sub-lineages. This led to the finding that the \u2018homeland\u2019 of modern man was south of the Greater Zambezi River Basin which covers entire northern Botswana and stretches into the west of Namibia and east of Zimbabwe. Lead phylogenetic analyst, Dr. Eva Chan from Garvan Institute of Medical Research said,\n\n\"We merged 198 new, rare mitogenomes to the current database of modern human's earliest known population, the L0 lineage. This allowed us to refine the evolutionary tree of our earliest ancestral branches better than ever before.\"<\/em>\n\n\n

The uniqueness of the new study on modern man<\/h2>\nUnlike previous studies, the uniqueness of the present study lies in the combination of disciplines namely climatic physics, geology, and genetics. Geologist, Dr. Andy Moore from Rhodes University investigated existing fossil, archeological, and geological evidence to establish the one-time existence of Lake Makgadikgadi, Africa\u2019s largest lake system. He said,\n\n\"Prior to modern man emergence, the lake had begun to drain due to shifts in underlying tectonic plates. This would have created, a vast wetland, which is known to be one of the most productive ecosystems for sustaining life.\"<\/em>\n
ALSO READ: 5 Ideas for Online Investing in Africa<\/a><\/strong><\/div>\nThe range of error of previous studies was 150,000 to 250,000. However, the new study has a range of error of 165,000 to 240,000.\n

Not everyone agrees with the study<\/h2>\nSome scientists have their doubts about the authenticity of the study. For example, Sarah Tishkoff of the University of Pennsylvania argues that mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) alone is a poor tool for tracing the history of ancient Africa\u2019s population. Others argue that the female ancestors of the Khosian speakers with the L0 lineage could have migrated from somewhere else.\n\n\n\nAnother researcher who expressed doubt about the findings of the study was Chris Stringer. Stringer is a researcher of human evolution at the Natural History Museum in the UK. He highlighted the complexity of human origins study. In a statement posted on Twitter<\/a>, Stringer said,\n\n\"I am very cautious about using modern genetic distributions to infer exactly where ancestral populations were living 200,000 years ago, particularly in a continent as large and complex as Africa. Moreover, like so many studies that concentrate on one small bit of the genome, or one region, or one stone tool industry, or one 'critical' fossil, it cannot capture the full complexity of our mosaic origins, once other data are considered.\u201d<\/em>\n\nNotwithstanding the divergence in the opinion of different researchers, one thing remains clear; Africa had an important role to play in the history and evolution of modern man. We will like to know what you think about this study in the comment box.","post_title":"New Studies Suggest Africa Is The Origin Of Modern Man","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"new-studies-suggest-africa-was-the-homeland-of-modern-man","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-10-06 06:39:42","post_modified_gmt":"2024-10-06 06:39:42","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.africanvibes.com\/?p=195426","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":9778,"post_author":"7","post_date":"2017-04-19 04:47:28","post_date_gmt":"2017-04-19 04:47:28","post_content":"\n\n[caption id=\"attachment_301462\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"219\"]\"Ghana's<\/a> Ghana's Aunty Ocloo Is No Ordinary Google Doodle Photo credit ghanaianmuseum<\/em>[\/caption]\n\nA dollar. That's all Esther Afua Ocloo needed to kickstart Ghana's first food processing factory in 1942. She was a college student. And she was broke. So she used the money, a gift from her aunt, to buy some oranges, sugar, firewood, and jam jars. She produced 12 pots of marmalade. And Nkulenu Industries was born. She sold the jam to her classmates, then the school, then the country, then the world.\n\nALSO READ:\u00a0Zimbabwean Woman Gets Life-Size Statue In New York. Here Is Why<\/a><\/strong>\n\nEsther Afua Ocloo, the star of today's Google Doodle<\/a>, was more than a jam star. She also became a pioneer in the field of microfinance \u2014 lending a small amount of money to women with a dream like she once had.\n\n[caption id=\"attachment_9779\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"1000\"]\"Ghana's Photo credit Youtube<\/a><\/em>[\/caption]\n\nRead More Here >><\/strong><\/span><\/a>","post_title":"Ghana's Aunty Ocloo Is No Ordinary Google Doodle","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"ghanas-aunty-ocloo-no-ordinary-google-doodle","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-10-04 05:58:30","post_modified_gmt":"2024-10-04 05:58:30","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.africanvibes.com\/?p=9778","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"}],"next":false,"prev":false,"total_page":1},"paged":1,"column_class":"jeg_col_2o3","class":"epic_block_3"};

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\n

\u201cIt teaches us that during the evolution of dinosaurs, they existed in different continents but seem to trace a hot humid path instead of dry inhospitable environments. Hopefully, we would find more in that area.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

ALSO READ:<\/strong> Entrepreneur Spotlight: Microfuse Stick By Ugandan Engineers Is The Future Of Computer<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

With the discovery of the new fossils of the Mbiresaurus raathi<\/em>, Zimbabwe experts now have a new concern. Prof Chinsamy-Turan echoed this sentiment when she told BBC, \u201cI hope there is a strict policy to ensure the handing over of such fossils to the museum to avoid losing the material.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

At the moment, the Mbiresaurus raathi<\/em> fossil remains are kept in a room in a museum in Bulawayo, a southern city in the country. A University of Edinburgh paleontologist, Steve Brusatte who was not part of the study said,<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cPrior to now we almost know nothing about the foremost dinosaurs in Africa. The discovery of Mbiresaurus raathi change<\/em>s everything. It is one of the most important discoveries in recent times about the dinosaur anywhere on the globe.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n","post_title":"Scientists Unearth Africa\u2019s Oldest Dinosaur Mbiresaurus raathi In Zimbabwe","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"scientists-unearth-mbiresaurus-raathi","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-10-16 16:59:25","post_modified_gmt":"2024-10-16 16:59:25","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/africanvibes.com\/?p=340932","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":190293,"post_author":"7","post_date":"2020-01-07 18:14:51","post_date_gmt":"2020-01-07 18:14:51","post_content":"\n\nWhat would you do if you find a priceless 18th-century crown in a suitcase?\n\nIn 1998, Sirak Asfaw, a Dutch-Ethiopian hosted Ethiopian pilots, refugees, and diplomats who were passing through Rotterdam. In the suitcase of one of his visitors, he saw an 18th-century Ethiopian crown. \n\n\"I looked into the suitcase and saw something really amazing and I thought 'this is not right. This has been stolen. This should not be here. This belongs to Ethiopia'.\"<\/em>\n\nAsfaw confronted the owner of the suitcase and told him the crown will not leave his house. \n\n\n\n\u201c[I told him the crown] will not leave my house unless it goes back to Ethiopia.\" <\/em>The owner obliged and gave him the artifact. \n

ALSO READ: Ethiopia's Prime Minister Takes Home the 2019 Nobel Peace Prize<\/a><\/strong><\/div>\n

Why Sirak Asfaw became the custodian of the Ethiopia crown<\/h2>\nShortly after having the crown in his custody, he went to a message board to ask what people thought he should do to \u2018an Ethiopian artifact\u2019. Some suggested he should turn it over to the Dutch government. Fearing the Dutch government may claim it, he decided to keep it. \n\nFor 21 years, he hid the priceless Ethiopia crown in his apartment waiting for the right time to return it. However, Ethiopians who knew he had the treasure tried to pressure him into returning it.\n\nAsfaw, who became a refugee during the \u2018Red Terror\u2019 purge where as many as 500k Ethiopians were killed in a bloodbath, talked about his decision saying\n\n\"I did not want to return it to the same regime that had made it possible for the crown to get stolen. [I decided to be the custodian] until such time it could go back. I knew if I gave it back, it would just disappear again.\u201d<\/em>\n\nWith the coming into power of Abiy Ahmed, the atmosphere was ripe to return the crown. Consequently, he contacted Arthur Brand, a Dutch \u2018art detective\u2019 and told him about the crown. In an interview, Mr. Brand said,\n\n[caption id=\"attachment_190297\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"634\"]\"\" Sirak Asfew (left) and Arthur Brand (right) pose with the 18th-century Ethiopia crown<\/em>[\/caption]\n\n
 <\/div>\n
ALSO READ: Ethiopia Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed Disarms Armed Protesting Soldiers with Push-Ups<\/a><\/strong><\/div>\n\u201cIt turns out that Sirak Asfaw had been the custodian of a rare 18th-century Ethiopia crown for the past 21 years and wants to give it back. It was a story straight from a crime thriller.\u201d<\/em>\n\nAfter returning the artifact, Asfaw said, \u201cThis is Ethiopian cultural heritage, this is Ethiopia's identity and finally it feels good to give it back.\u201d<\/em>\n

Striking features of the artifact<\/h2>\nThe Ethiopia crown is made of gilded copper. The body of the crown, around the base, bears the image of the Holy Trinity and the 12 Apostles. The crown is one of the less than 20 that were made\u2014and the most valuable of them all. The artifact bears the date 1633-34 but a research associate at Oxford University, Jacopo Gnisci suggests it may have been made a century later. He believes a powerful warlord, \u2018ras\u2019 Welde Sellase gave the crown to the church in Cheleqot, a village near Mekelle in northern Ethiopia. After confirming the authenticity of the artifact, Gnisci said,\n
ALSO READ: Ethiopian Prime Minister's War On Corruption Results In Arrests Of 59 More Officials<\/a><\/strong><\/div>\n\u201cThese crowns are of great cultural and symbolic significance in Ethiopia, as they are usually donated by high-ranking officials to churches in a practice that reaches as far back as the Late Antiquity. These crowns are of priceless symbolic value and it is important that they be returned to Ethiopia,\u201d<\/em>\n\nThe last time the Ethiopia crown was seen in public was in 1993. At that time it was worn by a priest in a photograph. However, it disappeared afterward. Investigations were launched but the culprit was never found. The artifact is currently held in a secure facility in the Netherlands pending further actions.","post_title":"Here Is What Sirak Asfaw Did When He Found A Priceless 18th-Century Crown In A Suitcase","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"priceless-ethiopia-crown-to-return-home-after-21-years-in-dutch-apartment","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-08-16 16:10:29","post_modified_gmt":"2024-08-16 16:10:29","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.africanvibes.com\/?p=190293","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":212236,"post_author":"2777","post_date":"2020-01-03 10:18:22","post_date_gmt":"2020-01-03 10:18:22","post_content":"\n

There are 1121 properties on the United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) list. Out of these large numbers, only two Nigerian cultural sites are on the list. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

They are Sukur Cultural Landscape in Adamawa State and Osun-Oshogbo Sacred Grove in Osun State. However, the government of Nigeria has identified more sites in the country that are fit to be on the list of UNESCO world heritage sites.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The minister of Information and Culture, Mr. Lai Mohammed made this known after a visit to the Osun-Oshogbo Sacred Grove. According to the minister, they were other sites in the country that meet the requirements of being on the UNESCO world heritage sites list. These include Igbo Olodumare, Kano City Walls, and Ogbunike Cave. Explaining the reason why the sites should be on the list, the minister said,<\/p>\n\n\n\n

ALSO READ:<\/strong> 10 Must See Historic Sites In Ghana<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cThe ancient Kano City Walls witnessed the famous Trans- Sahara Trade of which Kano was the dominant force. This trade linked the great kingdoms and empires of West Africa with North America and even Europe. The forests in Oke-Igbo, Ile Oluji Axis of Ondo State, which was the inspiration for D. O. Fagunwa\u2019s book, \u2018Igbo Olodumare\u2019 should be considered for the reason of its scenic state. The Ogbunike Caves<\/a> in Anambra State for its natural significance\u201d.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Ogbunike
Ogbunike Cave in Anambra State<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Other landmarks the minister wants to be on the UNESCO world heritage sites list are The Brazilian Baracoon Museum\/Point of No Return in Badagry, Lagos State and the Gashaka-Gumti National Park, Nigeria\u2019s largest national park in the eastern province of Taraba and Adamawa states close to Cameroon border.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Why Being on UNESCO World Heritage Sites List is a Big Deal<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Properties listed on UNESCO world heritage sites list are those with cultural, historical, scientific or other forms of significance. Consequently, they are under legal protection by international treaties. Such sites are important to humanity\u2019s collective interest. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Therefore, it is a thing of pride to have a country\u2019s properties on the list. Also, properties on the list get greater government attention which can be crucial for their existence. According to Mr. Mohammed,<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cThe fact that the General Assembly, comprising the entire 193 states parties, in November elected Nigeria into the UNESCO World Heritage Committee is a positive development for our quest to have more sites designated as World Heritage Sites. We shall use our presence on this Committee to fight for the enlistment of many more sites from Nigeria into the World Heritage list. Nigeria is really blessed with a lot of potential sites.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

ALSO READ:<\/strong> 10 Must-Visit Luxury Hotels In Johannesburg South Africa<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Brazilian
Brazilian Baracoon Museum Point of No Return in Badagry, Lagos State<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Threats to the Heritage Sites in Nigeria<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

The two heritage sites in Nigeria are facing significant threats. In the South, land grabbers are encroaching into the Osun-Oshogbo Sacred Grove. In the north, the fate of Sukur Cultural Landscape lies in the hands of the military. According to the minister,<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cOur gallant men and women in uniform have succeeded in repelling the attempt by the Boko Haram terrorists to destroy the Sukur Cultural Landscape.\u2019\u2019<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

However, the minister said the government will do all within its powers to protect the sites. Also, he warned land grabbers to stay clear of the 45 hectares buffer zone around the Osun-Oshogbo Sacred Grove. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Citing the importance of UNESCO world heritage sites, do you think governments around the world are doing enough to protect them? What do you think can be done better? We would love to hear your views in the comment box below.<\/p>\n","post_title":"Nigeria Identifies Landmarks Fit For Declaration As UNESCO World Heritage Sites","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"nigeria-identifies-landmarks-fit-for-declaration-as-unesco-world-heritage-sites","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-10-06 06:40:44","post_modified_gmt":"2024-10-06 06:40:44","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.africanvibes.com\/?p=212236","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":195426,"post_author":"2777","post_date":"2019-11-16 10:18:21","post_date_gmt":"2019-11-16 10:18:21","post_content":"\n\n[caption id=\"attachment_195428\" align=\"aligncenter\" width=\"735\"]\"\" New Studies Suggest Africa Was The Home Of Modern Man<\/em>[\/caption]\n\nScientists are continually trying to trace the origin of humans. A new study<\/a> says Africa was homeland of modern man. According to the study, the area Makgadikgadi-Okavango in the southern part of Africa was the home to a large population of Homo sapiens<\/em> until the advent of climate change. The fingered region is around northern Botswana.\n\nAbout 200 thousand years ago, there was an enormous lake in the region. The lake was roughly twice the size of modern-day Lake Victoria. Thus, modern humans settled there for at least 70 thousand years. However, as a result of climate change, the area is now reduced to salt plains. Consequently, the human population began to migrate roughly 130 thousand years ago. The first set of migrants ventured northeast while the second wave went southwest. However, some remained in the homeland until today.  \n

ALSO READ: 10 Most spoken Languages in Africa<\/a><\/strong><\/div>\nAccording to the researchers, it was this migration that triggered the development of human\u2019s genetic, cultural and ethnic diversity in modern man. Speaking about the new study, Vanessa Hayes from the Garvan Institute of Medical Research and the University of Sydney, and Extraordinary Professor at the University of Pretoria said,\n\n\"We've known for a long time that modern man originated in Africa roughly 200,000 years ago. But what we hadn't known until the study was where exactly this homeland was.\"<\/em>\n\n\n

The role played by mitochondrial DNA in the research<\/h2>\nTo reach the conclusion, the researchers analyzed DNA samples for about 200 Khoisan people. The ethnic group lives in modern-day Namibia and South Africa. They are known to carry a high proportion of mitogenomes called \u2018L0\u2019 lineage which are the earliest genomes of modern man. Explaining the importance of mitogenomes, Hayes said,\n\n\"Mitochondrial DNA acts like a time capsule of our ancestral mothers, accumulating changes slowly over generations. Comparing the complete DNA code, or mitogenome, from different individuals provides information on how closely they are related. Our work would not have been possible without the generous contributions of local communities and study participants in Namibia and South Africa, which allowed us to uncover rare and new L0 sub-branches.\"<\/em>\n
ALSO READ: You Can Now Study Kinyarwanda And Other African Languages In Beijing Foreign Studies University<\/a><\/strong><\/div>\nSubsequently, the researchers linked the L0 lineage timeline with the cultural, linguistic, and geographic distribution of different sub-lineages. This led to the finding that the \u2018homeland\u2019 of modern man was south of the Greater Zambezi River Basin which covers entire northern Botswana and stretches into the west of Namibia and east of Zimbabwe. Lead phylogenetic analyst, Dr. Eva Chan from Garvan Institute of Medical Research said,\n\n\"We merged 198 new, rare mitogenomes to the current database of modern human's earliest known population, the L0 lineage. This allowed us to refine the evolutionary tree of our earliest ancestral branches better than ever before.\"<\/em>\n\n\n

The uniqueness of the new study on modern man<\/h2>\nUnlike previous studies, the uniqueness of the present study lies in the combination of disciplines namely climatic physics, geology, and genetics. Geologist, Dr. Andy Moore from Rhodes University investigated existing fossil, archeological, and geological evidence to establish the one-time existence of Lake Makgadikgadi, Africa\u2019s largest lake system. He said,\n\n\"Prior to modern man emergence, the lake had begun to drain due to shifts in underlying tectonic plates. This would have created, a vast wetland, which is known to be one of the most productive ecosystems for sustaining life.\"<\/em>\n
ALSO READ: 5 Ideas for Online Investing in Africa<\/a><\/strong><\/div>\nThe range of error of previous studies was 150,000 to 250,000. However, the new study has a range of error of 165,000 to 240,000.\n

Not everyone agrees with the study<\/h2>\nSome scientists have their doubts about the authenticity of the study. For example, Sarah Tishkoff of the University of Pennsylvania argues that mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) alone is a poor tool for tracing the history of ancient Africa\u2019s population. Others argue that the female ancestors of the Khosian speakers with the L0 lineage could have migrated from somewhere else.\n\n\n\nAnother researcher who expressed doubt about the findings of the study was Chris Stringer. Stringer is a researcher of human evolution at the Natural History Museum in the UK. He highlighted the complexity of human origins study. In a statement posted on Twitter<\/a>, Stringer said,\n\n\"I am very cautious about using modern genetic distributions to infer exactly where ancestral populations were living 200,000 years ago, particularly in a continent as large and complex as Africa. Moreover, like so many studies that concentrate on one small bit of the genome, or one region, or one stone tool industry, or one 'critical' fossil, it cannot capture the full complexity of our mosaic origins, once other data are considered.\u201d<\/em>\n\nNotwithstanding the divergence in the opinion of different researchers, one thing remains clear; Africa had an important role to play in the history and evolution of modern man. We will like to know what you think about this study in the comment box.","post_title":"New Studies Suggest Africa Is The Origin Of Modern Man","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"new-studies-suggest-africa-was-the-homeland-of-modern-man","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-10-06 06:39:42","post_modified_gmt":"2024-10-06 06:39:42","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.africanvibes.com\/?p=195426","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":9778,"post_author":"7","post_date":"2017-04-19 04:47:28","post_date_gmt":"2017-04-19 04:47:28","post_content":"\n\n[caption id=\"attachment_301462\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"219\"]\"Ghana's<\/a> Ghana's Aunty Ocloo Is No Ordinary Google Doodle Photo credit ghanaianmuseum<\/em>[\/caption]\n\nA dollar. That's all Esther Afua Ocloo needed to kickstart Ghana's first food processing factory in 1942. She was a college student. And she was broke. So she used the money, a gift from her aunt, to buy some oranges, sugar, firewood, and jam jars. She produced 12 pots of marmalade. And Nkulenu Industries was born. She sold the jam to her classmates, then the school, then the country, then the world.\n\nALSO READ:\u00a0Zimbabwean Woman Gets Life-Size Statue In New York. Here Is Why<\/a><\/strong>\n\nEsther Afua Ocloo, the star of today's Google Doodle<\/a>, was more than a jam star. She also became a pioneer in the field of microfinance \u2014 lending a small amount of money to women with a dream like she once had.\n\n[caption id=\"attachment_9779\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"1000\"]\"Ghana's Photo credit Youtube<\/a><\/em>[\/caption]\n\nRead More Here >><\/strong><\/span><\/a>","post_title":"Ghana's Aunty Ocloo Is No Ordinary Google Doodle","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"ghanas-aunty-ocloo-no-ordinary-google-doodle","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-10-04 05:58:30","post_modified_gmt":"2024-10-04 05:58:30","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.africanvibes.com\/?p=9778","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"}],"next":false,"prev":false,"total_page":1},"paged":1,"column_class":"jeg_col_2o3","class":"epic_block_3"};

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\n

University of Cape Town paleontologist, Prof Anusuya Chinsamy-Turan told the BBC that Mbiresaurus raathi<\/em>\u2019s discovery is a vital part of the lineage that gave rise to the sauropod dinosaurs (encompassing brontosaurus and diplodocus).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cIt teaches us that during the evolution of dinosaurs, they existed in different continents but seem to trace a hot humid path instead of dry inhospitable environments. Hopefully, we would find more in that area.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

ALSO READ:<\/strong> Entrepreneur Spotlight: Microfuse Stick By Ugandan Engineers Is The Future Of Computer<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

With the discovery of the new fossils of the Mbiresaurus raathi<\/em>, Zimbabwe experts now have a new concern. Prof Chinsamy-Turan echoed this sentiment when she told BBC, \u201cI hope there is a strict policy to ensure the handing over of such fossils to the museum to avoid losing the material.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

At the moment, the Mbiresaurus raathi<\/em> fossil remains are kept in a room in a museum in Bulawayo, a southern city in the country. A University of Edinburgh paleontologist, Steve Brusatte who was not part of the study said,<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cPrior to now we almost know nothing about the foremost dinosaurs in Africa. The discovery of Mbiresaurus raathi change<\/em>s everything. It is one of the most important discoveries in recent times about the dinosaur anywhere on the globe.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n","post_title":"Scientists Unearth Africa\u2019s Oldest Dinosaur Mbiresaurus raathi In Zimbabwe","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"scientists-unearth-mbiresaurus-raathi","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-10-16 16:59:25","post_modified_gmt":"2024-10-16 16:59:25","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/africanvibes.com\/?p=340932","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":190293,"post_author":"7","post_date":"2020-01-07 18:14:51","post_date_gmt":"2020-01-07 18:14:51","post_content":"\n\nWhat would you do if you find a priceless 18th-century crown in a suitcase?\n\nIn 1998, Sirak Asfaw, a Dutch-Ethiopian hosted Ethiopian pilots, refugees, and diplomats who were passing through Rotterdam. In the suitcase of one of his visitors, he saw an 18th-century Ethiopian crown. \n\n\"I looked into the suitcase and saw something really amazing and I thought 'this is not right. This has been stolen. This should not be here. This belongs to Ethiopia'.\"<\/em>\n\nAsfaw confronted the owner of the suitcase and told him the crown will not leave his house. \n\n\n\n\u201c[I told him the crown] will not leave my house unless it goes back to Ethiopia.\" <\/em>The owner obliged and gave him the artifact. \n

ALSO READ: Ethiopia's Prime Minister Takes Home the 2019 Nobel Peace Prize<\/a><\/strong><\/div>\n

Why Sirak Asfaw became the custodian of the Ethiopia crown<\/h2>\nShortly after having the crown in his custody, he went to a message board to ask what people thought he should do to \u2018an Ethiopian artifact\u2019. Some suggested he should turn it over to the Dutch government. Fearing the Dutch government may claim it, he decided to keep it. \n\nFor 21 years, he hid the priceless Ethiopia crown in his apartment waiting for the right time to return it. However, Ethiopians who knew he had the treasure tried to pressure him into returning it.\n\nAsfaw, who became a refugee during the \u2018Red Terror\u2019 purge where as many as 500k Ethiopians were killed in a bloodbath, talked about his decision saying\n\n\"I did not want to return it to the same regime that had made it possible for the crown to get stolen. [I decided to be the custodian] until such time it could go back. I knew if I gave it back, it would just disappear again.\u201d<\/em>\n\nWith the coming into power of Abiy Ahmed, the atmosphere was ripe to return the crown. Consequently, he contacted Arthur Brand, a Dutch \u2018art detective\u2019 and told him about the crown. In an interview, Mr. Brand said,\n\n[caption id=\"attachment_190297\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"634\"]\"\" Sirak Asfew (left) and Arthur Brand (right) pose with the 18th-century Ethiopia crown<\/em>[\/caption]\n\n
 <\/div>\n
ALSO READ: Ethiopia Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed Disarms Armed Protesting Soldiers with Push-Ups<\/a><\/strong><\/div>\n\u201cIt turns out that Sirak Asfaw had been the custodian of a rare 18th-century Ethiopia crown for the past 21 years and wants to give it back. It was a story straight from a crime thriller.\u201d<\/em>\n\nAfter returning the artifact, Asfaw said, \u201cThis is Ethiopian cultural heritage, this is Ethiopia's identity and finally it feels good to give it back.\u201d<\/em>\n

Striking features of the artifact<\/h2>\nThe Ethiopia crown is made of gilded copper. The body of the crown, around the base, bears the image of the Holy Trinity and the 12 Apostles. The crown is one of the less than 20 that were made\u2014and the most valuable of them all. The artifact bears the date 1633-34 but a research associate at Oxford University, Jacopo Gnisci suggests it may have been made a century later. He believes a powerful warlord, \u2018ras\u2019 Welde Sellase gave the crown to the church in Cheleqot, a village near Mekelle in northern Ethiopia. After confirming the authenticity of the artifact, Gnisci said,\n
ALSO READ: Ethiopian Prime Minister's War On Corruption Results In Arrests Of 59 More Officials<\/a><\/strong><\/div>\n\u201cThese crowns are of great cultural and symbolic significance in Ethiopia, as they are usually donated by high-ranking officials to churches in a practice that reaches as far back as the Late Antiquity. These crowns are of priceless symbolic value and it is important that they be returned to Ethiopia,\u201d<\/em>\n\nThe last time the Ethiopia crown was seen in public was in 1993. At that time it was worn by a priest in a photograph. However, it disappeared afterward. Investigations were launched but the culprit was never found. The artifact is currently held in a secure facility in the Netherlands pending further actions.","post_title":"Here Is What Sirak Asfaw Did When He Found A Priceless 18th-Century Crown In A Suitcase","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"priceless-ethiopia-crown-to-return-home-after-21-years-in-dutch-apartment","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-08-16 16:10:29","post_modified_gmt":"2024-08-16 16:10:29","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.africanvibes.com\/?p=190293","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":212236,"post_author":"2777","post_date":"2020-01-03 10:18:22","post_date_gmt":"2020-01-03 10:18:22","post_content":"\n

There are 1121 properties on the United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) list. Out of these large numbers, only two Nigerian cultural sites are on the list. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

They are Sukur Cultural Landscape in Adamawa State and Osun-Oshogbo Sacred Grove in Osun State. However, the government of Nigeria has identified more sites in the country that are fit to be on the list of UNESCO world heritage sites.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The minister of Information and Culture, Mr. Lai Mohammed made this known after a visit to the Osun-Oshogbo Sacred Grove. According to the minister, they were other sites in the country that meet the requirements of being on the UNESCO world heritage sites list. These include Igbo Olodumare, Kano City Walls, and Ogbunike Cave. Explaining the reason why the sites should be on the list, the minister said,<\/p>\n\n\n\n

ALSO READ:<\/strong> 10 Must See Historic Sites In Ghana<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cThe ancient Kano City Walls witnessed the famous Trans- Sahara Trade of which Kano was the dominant force. This trade linked the great kingdoms and empires of West Africa with North America and even Europe. The forests in Oke-Igbo, Ile Oluji Axis of Ondo State, which was the inspiration for D. O. Fagunwa\u2019s book, \u2018Igbo Olodumare\u2019 should be considered for the reason of its scenic state. The Ogbunike Caves<\/a> in Anambra State for its natural significance\u201d.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Ogbunike
Ogbunike Cave in Anambra State<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Other landmarks the minister wants to be on the UNESCO world heritage sites list are The Brazilian Baracoon Museum\/Point of No Return in Badagry, Lagos State and the Gashaka-Gumti National Park, Nigeria\u2019s largest national park in the eastern province of Taraba and Adamawa states close to Cameroon border.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Why Being on UNESCO World Heritage Sites List is a Big Deal<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Properties listed on UNESCO world heritage sites list are those with cultural, historical, scientific or other forms of significance. Consequently, they are under legal protection by international treaties. Such sites are important to humanity\u2019s collective interest. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Therefore, it is a thing of pride to have a country\u2019s properties on the list. Also, properties on the list get greater government attention which can be crucial for their existence. According to Mr. Mohammed,<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cThe fact that the General Assembly, comprising the entire 193 states parties, in November elected Nigeria into the UNESCO World Heritage Committee is a positive development for our quest to have more sites designated as World Heritage Sites. We shall use our presence on this Committee to fight for the enlistment of many more sites from Nigeria into the World Heritage list. Nigeria is really blessed with a lot of potential sites.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

ALSO READ:<\/strong> 10 Must-Visit Luxury Hotels In Johannesburg South Africa<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Brazilian
Brazilian Baracoon Museum Point of No Return in Badagry, Lagos State<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Threats to the Heritage Sites in Nigeria<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

The two heritage sites in Nigeria are facing significant threats. In the South, land grabbers are encroaching into the Osun-Oshogbo Sacred Grove. In the north, the fate of Sukur Cultural Landscape lies in the hands of the military. According to the minister,<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cOur gallant men and women in uniform have succeeded in repelling the attempt by the Boko Haram terrorists to destroy the Sukur Cultural Landscape.\u2019\u2019<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

However, the minister said the government will do all within its powers to protect the sites. Also, he warned land grabbers to stay clear of the 45 hectares buffer zone around the Osun-Oshogbo Sacred Grove. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Citing the importance of UNESCO world heritage sites, do you think governments around the world are doing enough to protect them? What do you think can be done better? We would love to hear your views in the comment box below.<\/p>\n","post_title":"Nigeria Identifies Landmarks Fit For Declaration As UNESCO World Heritage Sites","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"nigeria-identifies-landmarks-fit-for-declaration-as-unesco-world-heritage-sites","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-10-06 06:40:44","post_modified_gmt":"2024-10-06 06:40:44","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.africanvibes.com\/?p=212236","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":195426,"post_author":"2777","post_date":"2019-11-16 10:18:21","post_date_gmt":"2019-11-16 10:18:21","post_content":"\n\n[caption id=\"attachment_195428\" align=\"aligncenter\" width=\"735\"]\"\" New Studies Suggest Africa Was The Home Of Modern Man<\/em>[\/caption]\n\nScientists are continually trying to trace the origin of humans. A new study<\/a> says Africa was homeland of modern man. According to the study, the area Makgadikgadi-Okavango in the southern part of Africa was the home to a large population of Homo sapiens<\/em> until the advent of climate change. The fingered region is around northern Botswana.\n\nAbout 200 thousand years ago, there was an enormous lake in the region. The lake was roughly twice the size of modern-day Lake Victoria. Thus, modern humans settled there for at least 70 thousand years. However, as a result of climate change, the area is now reduced to salt plains. Consequently, the human population began to migrate roughly 130 thousand years ago. The first set of migrants ventured northeast while the second wave went southwest. However, some remained in the homeland until today.  \n

ALSO READ: 10 Most spoken Languages in Africa<\/a><\/strong><\/div>\nAccording to the researchers, it was this migration that triggered the development of human\u2019s genetic, cultural and ethnic diversity in modern man. Speaking about the new study, Vanessa Hayes from the Garvan Institute of Medical Research and the University of Sydney, and Extraordinary Professor at the University of Pretoria said,\n\n\"We've known for a long time that modern man originated in Africa roughly 200,000 years ago. But what we hadn't known until the study was where exactly this homeland was.\"<\/em>\n\n\n

The role played by mitochondrial DNA in the research<\/h2>\nTo reach the conclusion, the researchers analyzed DNA samples for about 200 Khoisan people. The ethnic group lives in modern-day Namibia and South Africa. They are known to carry a high proportion of mitogenomes called \u2018L0\u2019 lineage which are the earliest genomes of modern man. Explaining the importance of mitogenomes, Hayes said,\n\n\"Mitochondrial DNA acts like a time capsule of our ancestral mothers, accumulating changes slowly over generations. Comparing the complete DNA code, or mitogenome, from different individuals provides information on how closely they are related. Our work would not have been possible without the generous contributions of local communities and study participants in Namibia and South Africa, which allowed us to uncover rare and new L0 sub-branches.\"<\/em>\n
ALSO READ: You Can Now Study Kinyarwanda And Other African Languages In Beijing Foreign Studies University<\/a><\/strong><\/div>\nSubsequently, the researchers linked the L0 lineage timeline with the cultural, linguistic, and geographic distribution of different sub-lineages. This led to the finding that the \u2018homeland\u2019 of modern man was south of the Greater Zambezi River Basin which covers entire northern Botswana and stretches into the west of Namibia and east of Zimbabwe. Lead phylogenetic analyst, Dr. Eva Chan from Garvan Institute of Medical Research said,\n\n\"We merged 198 new, rare mitogenomes to the current database of modern human's earliest known population, the L0 lineage. This allowed us to refine the evolutionary tree of our earliest ancestral branches better than ever before.\"<\/em>\n\n\n

The uniqueness of the new study on modern man<\/h2>\nUnlike previous studies, the uniqueness of the present study lies in the combination of disciplines namely climatic physics, geology, and genetics. Geologist, Dr. Andy Moore from Rhodes University investigated existing fossil, archeological, and geological evidence to establish the one-time existence of Lake Makgadikgadi, Africa\u2019s largest lake system. He said,\n\n\"Prior to modern man emergence, the lake had begun to drain due to shifts in underlying tectonic plates. This would have created, a vast wetland, which is known to be one of the most productive ecosystems for sustaining life.\"<\/em>\n
ALSO READ: 5 Ideas for Online Investing in Africa<\/a><\/strong><\/div>\nThe range of error of previous studies was 150,000 to 250,000. However, the new study has a range of error of 165,000 to 240,000.\n

Not everyone agrees with the study<\/h2>\nSome scientists have their doubts about the authenticity of the study. For example, Sarah Tishkoff of the University of Pennsylvania argues that mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) alone is a poor tool for tracing the history of ancient Africa\u2019s population. Others argue that the female ancestors of the Khosian speakers with the L0 lineage could have migrated from somewhere else.\n\n\n\nAnother researcher who expressed doubt about the findings of the study was Chris Stringer. Stringer is a researcher of human evolution at the Natural History Museum in the UK. He highlighted the complexity of human origins study. In a statement posted on Twitter<\/a>, Stringer said,\n\n\"I am very cautious about using modern genetic distributions to infer exactly where ancestral populations were living 200,000 years ago, particularly in a continent as large and complex as Africa. Moreover, like so many studies that concentrate on one small bit of the genome, or one region, or one stone tool industry, or one 'critical' fossil, it cannot capture the full complexity of our mosaic origins, once other data are considered.\u201d<\/em>\n\nNotwithstanding the divergence in the opinion of different researchers, one thing remains clear; Africa had an important role to play in the history and evolution of modern man. We will like to know what you think about this study in the comment box.","post_title":"New Studies Suggest Africa Is The Origin Of Modern Man","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"new-studies-suggest-africa-was-the-homeland-of-modern-man","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-10-06 06:39:42","post_modified_gmt":"2024-10-06 06:39:42","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.africanvibes.com\/?p=195426","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":9778,"post_author":"7","post_date":"2017-04-19 04:47:28","post_date_gmt":"2017-04-19 04:47:28","post_content":"\n\n[caption id=\"attachment_301462\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"219\"]\"Ghana's<\/a> Ghana's Aunty Ocloo Is No Ordinary Google Doodle Photo credit ghanaianmuseum<\/em>[\/caption]\n\nA dollar. That's all Esther Afua Ocloo needed to kickstart Ghana's first food processing factory in 1942. She was a college student. And she was broke. So she used the money, a gift from her aunt, to buy some oranges, sugar, firewood, and jam jars. She produced 12 pots of marmalade. And Nkulenu Industries was born. She sold the jam to her classmates, then the school, then the country, then the world.\n\nALSO READ:\u00a0Zimbabwean Woman Gets Life-Size Statue In New York. Here Is Why<\/a><\/strong>\n\nEsther Afua Ocloo, the star of today's Google Doodle<\/a>, was more than a jam star. She also became a pioneer in the field of microfinance \u2014 lending a small amount of money to women with a dream like she once had.\n\n[caption id=\"attachment_9779\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"1000\"]\"Ghana's Photo credit Youtube<\/a><\/em>[\/caption]\n\nRead More Here >><\/strong><\/span><\/a>","post_title":"Ghana's Aunty Ocloo Is No Ordinary Google Doodle","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"ghanas-aunty-ocloo-no-ordinary-google-doodle","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-10-04 05:58:30","post_modified_gmt":"2024-10-04 05:58:30","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.africanvibes.com\/?p=9778","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"}],"next":false,"prev":false,"total_page":1},"paged":1,"column_class":"jeg_col_2o3","class":"epic_block_3"};

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\n

Scientists are now having a better understanding of the Triassic lineage and how dinosaurs evolved from small creatures to the giant most of us know today. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

University of Cape Town paleontologist, Prof Anusuya Chinsamy-Turan told the BBC that Mbiresaurus raathi<\/em>\u2019s discovery is a vital part of the lineage that gave rise to the sauropod dinosaurs (encompassing brontosaurus and diplodocus).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cIt teaches us that during the evolution of dinosaurs, they existed in different continents but seem to trace a hot humid path instead of dry inhospitable environments. Hopefully, we would find more in that area.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

ALSO READ:<\/strong> Entrepreneur Spotlight: Microfuse Stick By Ugandan Engineers Is The Future Of Computer<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

With the discovery of the new fossils of the Mbiresaurus raathi<\/em>, Zimbabwe experts now have a new concern. Prof Chinsamy-Turan echoed this sentiment when she told BBC, \u201cI hope there is a strict policy to ensure the handing over of such fossils to the museum to avoid losing the material.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

At the moment, the Mbiresaurus raathi<\/em> fossil remains are kept in a room in a museum in Bulawayo, a southern city in the country. A University of Edinburgh paleontologist, Steve Brusatte who was not part of the study said,<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cPrior to now we almost know nothing about the foremost dinosaurs in Africa. The discovery of Mbiresaurus raathi change<\/em>s everything. It is one of the most important discoveries in recent times about the dinosaur anywhere on the globe.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n","post_title":"Scientists Unearth Africa\u2019s Oldest Dinosaur Mbiresaurus raathi In Zimbabwe","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"scientists-unearth-mbiresaurus-raathi","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-10-16 16:59:25","post_modified_gmt":"2024-10-16 16:59:25","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/africanvibes.com\/?p=340932","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":190293,"post_author":"7","post_date":"2020-01-07 18:14:51","post_date_gmt":"2020-01-07 18:14:51","post_content":"\n\nWhat would you do if you find a priceless 18th-century crown in a suitcase?\n\nIn 1998, Sirak Asfaw, a Dutch-Ethiopian hosted Ethiopian pilots, refugees, and diplomats who were passing through Rotterdam. In the suitcase of one of his visitors, he saw an 18th-century Ethiopian crown. \n\n\"I looked into the suitcase and saw something really amazing and I thought 'this is not right. This has been stolen. This should not be here. This belongs to Ethiopia'.\"<\/em>\n\nAsfaw confronted the owner of the suitcase and told him the crown will not leave his house. \n\n\n\n\u201c[I told him the crown] will not leave my house unless it goes back to Ethiopia.\" <\/em>The owner obliged and gave him the artifact. \n

ALSO READ: Ethiopia's Prime Minister Takes Home the 2019 Nobel Peace Prize<\/a><\/strong><\/div>\n

Why Sirak Asfaw became the custodian of the Ethiopia crown<\/h2>\nShortly after having the crown in his custody, he went to a message board to ask what people thought he should do to \u2018an Ethiopian artifact\u2019. Some suggested he should turn it over to the Dutch government. Fearing the Dutch government may claim it, he decided to keep it. \n\nFor 21 years, he hid the priceless Ethiopia crown in his apartment waiting for the right time to return it. However, Ethiopians who knew he had the treasure tried to pressure him into returning it.\n\nAsfaw, who became a refugee during the \u2018Red Terror\u2019 purge where as many as 500k Ethiopians were killed in a bloodbath, talked about his decision saying\n\n\"I did not want to return it to the same regime that had made it possible for the crown to get stolen. [I decided to be the custodian] until such time it could go back. I knew if I gave it back, it would just disappear again.\u201d<\/em>\n\nWith the coming into power of Abiy Ahmed, the atmosphere was ripe to return the crown. Consequently, he contacted Arthur Brand, a Dutch \u2018art detective\u2019 and told him about the crown. In an interview, Mr. Brand said,\n\n[caption id=\"attachment_190297\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"634\"]\"\" Sirak Asfew (left) and Arthur Brand (right) pose with the 18th-century Ethiopia crown<\/em>[\/caption]\n\n
 <\/div>\n
ALSO READ: Ethiopia Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed Disarms Armed Protesting Soldiers with Push-Ups<\/a><\/strong><\/div>\n\u201cIt turns out that Sirak Asfaw had been the custodian of a rare 18th-century Ethiopia crown for the past 21 years and wants to give it back. It was a story straight from a crime thriller.\u201d<\/em>\n\nAfter returning the artifact, Asfaw said, \u201cThis is Ethiopian cultural heritage, this is Ethiopia's identity and finally it feels good to give it back.\u201d<\/em>\n

Striking features of the artifact<\/h2>\nThe Ethiopia crown is made of gilded copper. The body of the crown, around the base, bears the image of the Holy Trinity and the 12 Apostles. The crown is one of the less than 20 that were made\u2014and the most valuable of them all. The artifact bears the date 1633-34 but a research associate at Oxford University, Jacopo Gnisci suggests it may have been made a century later. He believes a powerful warlord, \u2018ras\u2019 Welde Sellase gave the crown to the church in Cheleqot, a village near Mekelle in northern Ethiopia. After confirming the authenticity of the artifact, Gnisci said,\n
ALSO READ: Ethiopian Prime Minister's War On Corruption Results In Arrests Of 59 More Officials<\/a><\/strong><\/div>\n\u201cThese crowns are of great cultural and symbolic significance in Ethiopia, as they are usually donated by high-ranking officials to churches in a practice that reaches as far back as the Late Antiquity. These crowns are of priceless symbolic value and it is important that they be returned to Ethiopia,\u201d<\/em>\n\nThe last time the Ethiopia crown was seen in public was in 1993. At that time it was worn by a priest in a photograph. However, it disappeared afterward. Investigations were launched but the culprit was never found. The artifact is currently held in a secure facility in the Netherlands pending further actions.","post_title":"Here Is What Sirak Asfaw Did When He Found A Priceless 18th-Century Crown In A Suitcase","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"priceless-ethiopia-crown-to-return-home-after-21-years-in-dutch-apartment","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-08-16 16:10:29","post_modified_gmt":"2024-08-16 16:10:29","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.africanvibes.com\/?p=190293","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":212236,"post_author":"2777","post_date":"2020-01-03 10:18:22","post_date_gmt":"2020-01-03 10:18:22","post_content":"\n

There are 1121 properties on the United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) list. Out of these large numbers, only two Nigerian cultural sites are on the list. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

They are Sukur Cultural Landscape in Adamawa State and Osun-Oshogbo Sacred Grove in Osun State. However, the government of Nigeria has identified more sites in the country that are fit to be on the list of UNESCO world heritage sites.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The minister of Information and Culture, Mr. Lai Mohammed made this known after a visit to the Osun-Oshogbo Sacred Grove. According to the minister, they were other sites in the country that meet the requirements of being on the UNESCO world heritage sites list. These include Igbo Olodumare, Kano City Walls, and Ogbunike Cave. Explaining the reason why the sites should be on the list, the minister said,<\/p>\n\n\n\n

ALSO READ:<\/strong> 10 Must See Historic Sites In Ghana<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cThe ancient Kano City Walls witnessed the famous Trans- Sahara Trade of which Kano was the dominant force. This trade linked the great kingdoms and empires of West Africa with North America and even Europe. The forests in Oke-Igbo, Ile Oluji Axis of Ondo State, which was the inspiration for D. O. Fagunwa\u2019s book, \u2018Igbo Olodumare\u2019 should be considered for the reason of its scenic state. The Ogbunike Caves<\/a> in Anambra State for its natural significance\u201d.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Ogbunike
Ogbunike Cave in Anambra State<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Other landmarks the minister wants to be on the UNESCO world heritage sites list are The Brazilian Baracoon Museum\/Point of No Return in Badagry, Lagos State and the Gashaka-Gumti National Park, Nigeria\u2019s largest national park in the eastern province of Taraba and Adamawa states close to Cameroon border.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Why Being on UNESCO World Heritage Sites List is a Big Deal<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Properties listed on UNESCO world heritage sites list are those with cultural, historical, scientific or other forms of significance. Consequently, they are under legal protection by international treaties. Such sites are important to humanity\u2019s collective interest. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Therefore, it is a thing of pride to have a country\u2019s properties on the list. Also, properties on the list get greater government attention which can be crucial for their existence. According to Mr. Mohammed,<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cThe fact that the General Assembly, comprising the entire 193 states parties, in November elected Nigeria into the UNESCO World Heritage Committee is a positive development for our quest to have more sites designated as World Heritage Sites. We shall use our presence on this Committee to fight for the enlistment of many more sites from Nigeria into the World Heritage list. Nigeria is really blessed with a lot of potential sites.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

ALSO READ:<\/strong> 10 Must-Visit Luxury Hotels In Johannesburg South Africa<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Brazilian
Brazilian Baracoon Museum Point of No Return in Badagry, Lagos State<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Threats to the Heritage Sites in Nigeria<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

The two heritage sites in Nigeria are facing significant threats. In the South, land grabbers are encroaching into the Osun-Oshogbo Sacred Grove. In the north, the fate of Sukur Cultural Landscape lies in the hands of the military. According to the minister,<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cOur gallant men and women in uniform have succeeded in repelling the attempt by the Boko Haram terrorists to destroy the Sukur Cultural Landscape.\u2019\u2019<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

However, the minister said the government will do all within its powers to protect the sites. Also, he warned land grabbers to stay clear of the 45 hectares buffer zone around the Osun-Oshogbo Sacred Grove. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Citing the importance of UNESCO world heritage sites, do you think governments around the world are doing enough to protect them? What do you think can be done better? We would love to hear your views in the comment box below.<\/p>\n","post_title":"Nigeria Identifies Landmarks Fit For Declaration As UNESCO World Heritage Sites","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"nigeria-identifies-landmarks-fit-for-declaration-as-unesco-world-heritage-sites","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-10-06 06:40:44","post_modified_gmt":"2024-10-06 06:40:44","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.africanvibes.com\/?p=212236","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":195426,"post_author":"2777","post_date":"2019-11-16 10:18:21","post_date_gmt":"2019-11-16 10:18:21","post_content":"\n\n[caption id=\"attachment_195428\" align=\"aligncenter\" width=\"735\"]\"\" New Studies Suggest Africa Was The Home Of Modern Man<\/em>[\/caption]\n\nScientists are continually trying to trace the origin of humans. A new study<\/a> says Africa was homeland of modern man. According to the study, the area Makgadikgadi-Okavango in the southern part of Africa was the home to a large population of Homo sapiens<\/em> until the advent of climate change. The fingered region is around northern Botswana.\n\nAbout 200 thousand years ago, there was an enormous lake in the region. The lake was roughly twice the size of modern-day Lake Victoria. Thus, modern humans settled there for at least 70 thousand years. However, as a result of climate change, the area is now reduced to salt plains. Consequently, the human population began to migrate roughly 130 thousand years ago. The first set of migrants ventured northeast while the second wave went southwest. However, some remained in the homeland until today.  \n

ALSO READ: 10 Most spoken Languages in Africa<\/a><\/strong><\/div>\nAccording to the researchers, it was this migration that triggered the development of human\u2019s genetic, cultural and ethnic diversity in modern man. Speaking about the new study, Vanessa Hayes from the Garvan Institute of Medical Research and the University of Sydney, and Extraordinary Professor at the University of Pretoria said,\n\n\"We've known for a long time that modern man originated in Africa roughly 200,000 years ago. But what we hadn't known until the study was where exactly this homeland was.\"<\/em>\n\n\n

The role played by mitochondrial DNA in the research<\/h2>\nTo reach the conclusion, the researchers analyzed DNA samples for about 200 Khoisan people. The ethnic group lives in modern-day Namibia and South Africa. They are known to carry a high proportion of mitogenomes called \u2018L0\u2019 lineage which are the earliest genomes of modern man. Explaining the importance of mitogenomes, Hayes said,\n\n\"Mitochondrial DNA acts like a time capsule of our ancestral mothers, accumulating changes slowly over generations. Comparing the complete DNA code, or mitogenome, from different individuals provides information on how closely they are related. Our work would not have been possible without the generous contributions of local communities and study participants in Namibia and South Africa, which allowed us to uncover rare and new L0 sub-branches.\"<\/em>\n
ALSO READ: You Can Now Study Kinyarwanda And Other African Languages In Beijing Foreign Studies University<\/a><\/strong><\/div>\nSubsequently, the researchers linked the L0 lineage timeline with the cultural, linguistic, and geographic distribution of different sub-lineages. This led to the finding that the \u2018homeland\u2019 of modern man was south of the Greater Zambezi River Basin which covers entire northern Botswana and stretches into the west of Namibia and east of Zimbabwe. Lead phylogenetic analyst, Dr. Eva Chan from Garvan Institute of Medical Research said,\n\n\"We merged 198 new, rare mitogenomes to the current database of modern human's earliest known population, the L0 lineage. This allowed us to refine the evolutionary tree of our earliest ancestral branches better than ever before.\"<\/em>\n\n\n

The uniqueness of the new study on modern man<\/h2>\nUnlike previous studies, the uniqueness of the present study lies in the combination of disciplines namely climatic physics, geology, and genetics. Geologist, Dr. Andy Moore from Rhodes University investigated existing fossil, archeological, and geological evidence to establish the one-time existence of Lake Makgadikgadi, Africa\u2019s largest lake system. He said,\n\n\"Prior to modern man emergence, the lake had begun to drain due to shifts in underlying tectonic plates. This would have created, a vast wetland, which is known to be one of the most productive ecosystems for sustaining life.\"<\/em>\n
ALSO READ: 5 Ideas for Online Investing in Africa<\/a><\/strong><\/div>\nThe range of error of previous studies was 150,000 to 250,000. However, the new study has a range of error of 165,000 to 240,000.\n

Not everyone agrees with the study<\/h2>\nSome scientists have their doubts about the authenticity of the study. For example, Sarah Tishkoff of the University of Pennsylvania argues that mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) alone is a poor tool for tracing the history of ancient Africa\u2019s population. Others argue that the female ancestors of the Khosian speakers with the L0 lineage could have migrated from somewhere else.\n\n\n\nAnother researcher who expressed doubt about the findings of the study was Chris Stringer. Stringer is a researcher of human evolution at the Natural History Museum in the UK. He highlighted the complexity of human origins study. In a statement posted on Twitter<\/a>, Stringer said,\n\n\"I am very cautious about using modern genetic distributions to infer exactly where ancestral populations were living 200,000 years ago, particularly in a continent as large and complex as Africa. Moreover, like so many studies that concentrate on one small bit of the genome, or one region, or one stone tool industry, or one 'critical' fossil, it cannot capture the full complexity of our mosaic origins, once other data are considered.\u201d<\/em>\n\nNotwithstanding the divergence in the opinion of different researchers, one thing remains clear; Africa had an important role to play in the history and evolution of modern man. We will like to know what you think about this study in the comment box.","post_title":"New Studies Suggest Africa Is The Origin Of Modern Man","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"new-studies-suggest-africa-was-the-homeland-of-modern-man","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-10-06 06:39:42","post_modified_gmt":"2024-10-06 06:39:42","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.africanvibes.com\/?p=195426","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":9778,"post_author":"7","post_date":"2017-04-19 04:47:28","post_date_gmt":"2017-04-19 04:47:28","post_content":"\n\n[caption id=\"attachment_301462\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"219\"]\"Ghana's<\/a> Ghana's Aunty Ocloo Is No Ordinary Google Doodle Photo credit ghanaianmuseum<\/em>[\/caption]\n\nA dollar. That's all Esther Afua Ocloo needed to kickstart Ghana's first food processing factory in 1942. She was a college student. And she was broke. So she used the money, a gift from her aunt, to buy some oranges, sugar, firewood, and jam jars. She produced 12 pots of marmalade. And Nkulenu Industries was born. She sold the jam to her classmates, then the school, then the country, then the world.\n\nALSO READ:\u00a0Zimbabwean Woman Gets Life-Size Statue In New York. Here Is Why<\/a><\/strong>\n\nEsther Afua Ocloo, the star of today's Google Doodle<\/a>, was more than a jam star. She also became a pioneer in the field of microfinance \u2014 lending a small amount of money to women with a dream like she once had.\n\n[caption id=\"attachment_9779\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"1000\"]\"Ghana's Photo credit Youtube<\/a><\/em>[\/caption]\n\nRead More Here >><\/strong><\/span><\/a>","post_title":"Ghana's Aunty Ocloo Is No Ordinary Google Doodle","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"ghanas-aunty-ocloo-no-ordinary-google-doodle","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-10-04 05:58:30","post_modified_gmt":"2024-10-04 05:58:30","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.africanvibes.com\/?p=9778","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"}],"next":false,"prev":false,"total_page":1},"paged":1,"column_class":"jeg_col_2o3","class":"epic_block_3"};

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See all

\n
\"\"
Skeletal anatomy of the Mbiresaurus raathi holotype (NHMZ 2222) and paratype (NHMZ 2547) (Photo credit: Nature)<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Scientists are now having a better understanding of the Triassic lineage and how dinosaurs evolved from small creatures to the giant most of us know today. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

University of Cape Town paleontologist, Prof Anusuya Chinsamy-Turan told the BBC that Mbiresaurus raathi<\/em>\u2019s discovery is a vital part of the lineage that gave rise to the sauropod dinosaurs (encompassing brontosaurus and diplodocus).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cIt teaches us that during the evolution of dinosaurs, they existed in different continents but seem to trace a hot humid path instead of dry inhospitable environments. Hopefully, we would find more in that area.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

ALSO READ:<\/strong> Entrepreneur Spotlight: Microfuse Stick By Ugandan Engineers Is The Future Of Computer<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

With the discovery of the new fossils of the Mbiresaurus raathi<\/em>, Zimbabwe experts now have a new concern. Prof Chinsamy-Turan echoed this sentiment when she told BBC, \u201cI hope there is a strict policy to ensure the handing over of such fossils to the museum to avoid losing the material.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

At the moment, the Mbiresaurus raathi<\/em> fossil remains are kept in a room in a museum in Bulawayo, a southern city in the country. A University of Edinburgh paleontologist, Steve Brusatte who was not part of the study said,<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cPrior to now we almost know nothing about the foremost dinosaurs in Africa. The discovery of Mbiresaurus raathi change<\/em>s everything. It is one of the most important discoveries in recent times about the dinosaur anywhere on the globe.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n","post_title":"Scientists Unearth Africa\u2019s Oldest Dinosaur Mbiresaurus raathi In Zimbabwe","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"scientists-unearth-mbiresaurus-raathi","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-10-16 16:59:25","post_modified_gmt":"2024-10-16 16:59:25","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/africanvibes.com\/?p=340932","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":190293,"post_author":"7","post_date":"2020-01-07 18:14:51","post_date_gmt":"2020-01-07 18:14:51","post_content":"\n\nWhat would you do if you find a priceless 18th-century crown in a suitcase?\n\nIn 1998, Sirak Asfaw, a Dutch-Ethiopian hosted Ethiopian pilots, refugees, and diplomats who were passing through Rotterdam. In the suitcase of one of his visitors, he saw an 18th-century Ethiopian crown. \n\n\"I looked into the suitcase and saw something really amazing and I thought 'this is not right. This has been stolen. This should not be here. This belongs to Ethiopia'.\"<\/em>\n\nAsfaw confronted the owner of the suitcase and told him the crown will not leave his house. \n\n\n\n\u201c[I told him the crown] will not leave my house unless it goes back to Ethiopia.\" <\/em>The owner obliged and gave him the artifact. \n

ALSO READ: Ethiopia's Prime Minister Takes Home the 2019 Nobel Peace Prize<\/a><\/strong><\/div>\n

Why Sirak Asfaw became the custodian of the Ethiopia crown<\/h2>\nShortly after having the crown in his custody, he went to a message board to ask what people thought he should do to \u2018an Ethiopian artifact\u2019. Some suggested he should turn it over to the Dutch government. Fearing the Dutch government may claim it, he decided to keep it. \n\nFor 21 years, he hid the priceless Ethiopia crown in his apartment waiting for the right time to return it. However, Ethiopians who knew he had the treasure tried to pressure him into returning it.\n\nAsfaw, who became a refugee during the \u2018Red Terror\u2019 purge where as many as 500k Ethiopians were killed in a bloodbath, talked about his decision saying\n\n\"I did not want to return it to the same regime that had made it possible for the crown to get stolen. [I decided to be the custodian] until such time it could go back. I knew if I gave it back, it would just disappear again.\u201d<\/em>\n\nWith the coming into power of Abiy Ahmed, the atmosphere was ripe to return the crown. Consequently, he contacted Arthur Brand, a Dutch \u2018art detective\u2019 and told him about the crown. In an interview, Mr. Brand said,\n\n[caption id=\"attachment_190297\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"634\"]\"\" Sirak Asfew (left) and Arthur Brand (right) pose with the 18th-century Ethiopia crown<\/em>[\/caption]\n\n
 <\/div>\n
ALSO READ: Ethiopia Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed Disarms Armed Protesting Soldiers with Push-Ups<\/a><\/strong><\/div>\n\u201cIt turns out that Sirak Asfaw had been the custodian of a rare 18th-century Ethiopia crown for the past 21 years and wants to give it back. It was a story straight from a crime thriller.\u201d<\/em>\n\nAfter returning the artifact, Asfaw said, \u201cThis is Ethiopian cultural heritage, this is Ethiopia's identity and finally it feels good to give it back.\u201d<\/em>\n

Striking features of the artifact<\/h2>\nThe Ethiopia crown is made of gilded copper. The body of the crown, around the base, bears the image of the Holy Trinity and the 12 Apostles. The crown is one of the less than 20 that were made\u2014and the most valuable of them all. The artifact bears the date 1633-34 but a research associate at Oxford University, Jacopo Gnisci suggests it may have been made a century later. He believes a powerful warlord, \u2018ras\u2019 Welde Sellase gave the crown to the church in Cheleqot, a village near Mekelle in northern Ethiopia. After confirming the authenticity of the artifact, Gnisci said,\n
ALSO READ: Ethiopian Prime Minister's War On Corruption Results In Arrests Of 59 More Officials<\/a><\/strong><\/div>\n\u201cThese crowns are of great cultural and symbolic significance in Ethiopia, as they are usually donated by high-ranking officials to churches in a practice that reaches as far back as the Late Antiquity. These crowns are of priceless symbolic value and it is important that they be returned to Ethiopia,\u201d<\/em>\n\nThe last time the Ethiopia crown was seen in public was in 1993. At that time it was worn by a priest in a photograph. However, it disappeared afterward. Investigations were launched but the culprit was never found. The artifact is currently held in a secure facility in the Netherlands pending further actions.","post_title":"Here Is What Sirak Asfaw Did When He Found A Priceless 18th-Century Crown In A Suitcase","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"priceless-ethiopia-crown-to-return-home-after-21-years-in-dutch-apartment","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-08-16 16:10:29","post_modified_gmt":"2024-08-16 16:10:29","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.africanvibes.com\/?p=190293","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":212236,"post_author":"2777","post_date":"2020-01-03 10:18:22","post_date_gmt":"2020-01-03 10:18:22","post_content":"\n

There are 1121 properties on the United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) list. Out of these large numbers, only two Nigerian cultural sites are on the list. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

They are Sukur Cultural Landscape in Adamawa State and Osun-Oshogbo Sacred Grove in Osun State. However, the government of Nigeria has identified more sites in the country that are fit to be on the list of UNESCO world heritage sites.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The minister of Information and Culture, Mr. Lai Mohammed made this known after a visit to the Osun-Oshogbo Sacred Grove. According to the minister, they were other sites in the country that meet the requirements of being on the UNESCO world heritage sites list. These include Igbo Olodumare, Kano City Walls, and Ogbunike Cave. Explaining the reason why the sites should be on the list, the minister said,<\/p>\n\n\n\n

ALSO READ:<\/strong> 10 Must See Historic Sites In Ghana<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cThe ancient Kano City Walls witnessed the famous Trans- Sahara Trade of which Kano was the dominant force. This trade linked the great kingdoms and empires of West Africa with North America and even Europe. The forests in Oke-Igbo, Ile Oluji Axis of Ondo State, which was the inspiration for D. O. Fagunwa\u2019s book, \u2018Igbo Olodumare\u2019 should be considered for the reason of its scenic state. The Ogbunike Caves<\/a> in Anambra State for its natural significance\u201d.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Ogbunike
Ogbunike Cave in Anambra State<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Other landmarks the minister wants to be on the UNESCO world heritage sites list are The Brazilian Baracoon Museum\/Point of No Return in Badagry, Lagos State and the Gashaka-Gumti National Park, Nigeria\u2019s largest national park in the eastern province of Taraba and Adamawa states close to Cameroon border.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Why Being on UNESCO World Heritage Sites List is a Big Deal<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Properties listed on UNESCO world heritage sites list are those with cultural, historical, scientific or other forms of significance. Consequently, they are under legal protection by international treaties. Such sites are important to humanity\u2019s collective interest. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Therefore, it is a thing of pride to have a country\u2019s properties on the list. Also, properties on the list get greater government attention which can be crucial for their existence. According to Mr. Mohammed,<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cThe fact that the General Assembly, comprising the entire 193 states parties, in November elected Nigeria into the UNESCO World Heritage Committee is a positive development for our quest to have more sites designated as World Heritage Sites. We shall use our presence on this Committee to fight for the enlistment of many more sites from Nigeria into the World Heritage list. Nigeria is really blessed with a lot of potential sites.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

ALSO READ:<\/strong> 10 Must-Visit Luxury Hotels In Johannesburg South Africa<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Brazilian
Brazilian Baracoon Museum Point of No Return in Badagry, Lagos State<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Threats to the Heritage Sites in Nigeria<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

The two heritage sites in Nigeria are facing significant threats. In the South, land grabbers are encroaching into the Osun-Oshogbo Sacred Grove. In the north, the fate of Sukur Cultural Landscape lies in the hands of the military. According to the minister,<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cOur gallant men and women in uniform have succeeded in repelling the attempt by the Boko Haram terrorists to destroy the Sukur Cultural Landscape.\u2019\u2019<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

However, the minister said the government will do all within its powers to protect the sites. Also, he warned land grabbers to stay clear of the 45 hectares buffer zone around the Osun-Oshogbo Sacred Grove. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Citing the importance of UNESCO world heritage sites, do you think governments around the world are doing enough to protect them? What do you think can be done better? We would love to hear your views in the comment box below.<\/p>\n","post_title":"Nigeria Identifies Landmarks Fit For Declaration As UNESCO World Heritage Sites","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"nigeria-identifies-landmarks-fit-for-declaration-as-unesco-world-heritage-sites","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-10-06 06:40:44","post_modified_gmt":"2024-10-06 06:40:44","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.africanvibes.com\/?p=212236","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":195426,"post_author":"2777","post_date":"2019-11-16 10:18:21","post_date_gmt":"2019-11-16 10:18:21","post_content":"\n\n[caption id=\"attachment_195428\" align=\"aligncenter\" width=\"735\"]\"\" New Studies Suggest Africa Was The Home Of Modern Man<\/em>[\/caption]\n\nScientists are continually trying to trace the origin of humans. A new study<\/a> says Africa was homeland of modern man. According to the study, the area Makgadikgadi-Okavango in the southern part of Africa was the home to a large population of Homo sapiens<\/em> until the advent of climate change. The fingered region is around northern Botswana.\n\nAbout 200 thousand years ago, there was an enormous lake in the region. The lake was roughly twice the size of modern-day Lake Victoria. Thus, modern humans settled there for at least 70 thousand years. However, as a result of climate change, the area is now reduced to salt plains. Consequently, the human population began to migrate roughly 130 thousand years ago. The first set of migrants ventured northeast while the second wave went southwest. However, some remained in the homeland until today.  \n

ALSO READ: 10 Most spoken Languages in Africa<\/a><\/strong><\/div>\nAccording to the researchers, it was this migration that triggered the development of human\u2019s genetic, cultural and ethnic diversity in modern man. Speaking about the new study, Vanessa Hayes from the Garvan Institute of Medical Research and the University of Sydney, and Extraordinary Professor at the University of Pretoria said,\n\n\"We've known for a long time that modern man originated in Africa roughly 200,000 years ago. But what we hadn't known until the study was where exactly this homeland was.\"<\/em>\n\n\n

The role played by mitochondrial DNA in the research<\/h2>\nTo reach the conclusion, the researchers analyzed DNA samples for about 200 Khoisan people. The ethnic group lives in modern-day Namibia and South Africa. They are known to carry a high proportion of mitogenomes called \u2018L0\u2019 lineage which are the earliest genomes of modern man. Explaining the importance of mitogenomes, Hayes said,\n\n\"Mitochondrial DNA acts like a time capsule of our ancestral mothers, accumulating changes slowly over generations. Comparing the complete DNA code, or mitogenome, from different individuals provides information on how closely they are related. Our work would not have been possible without the generous contributions of local communities and study participants in Namibia and South Africa, which allowed us to uncover rare and new L0 sub-branches.\"<\/em>\n
ALSO READ: You Can Now Study Kinyarwanda And Other African Languages In Beijing Foreign Studies University<\/a><\/strong><\/div>\nSubsequently, the researchers linked the L0 lineage timeline with the cultural, linguistic, and geographic distribution of different sub-lineages. This led to the finding that the \u2018homeland\u2019 of modern man was south of the Greater Zambezi River Basin which covers entire northern Botswana and stretches into the west of Namibia and east of Zimbabwe. Lead phylogenetic analyst, Dr. Eva Chan from Garvan Institute of Medical Research said,\n\n\"We merged 198 new, rare mitogenomes to the current database of modern human's earliest known population, the L0 lineage. This allowed us to refine the evolutionary tree of our earliest ancestral branches better than ever before.\"<\/em>\n\n\n

The uniqueness of the new study on modern man<\/h2>\nUnlike previous studies, the uniqueness of the present study lies in the combination of disciplines namely climatic physics, geology, and genetics. Geologist, Dr. Andy Moore from Rhodes University investigated existing fossil, archeological, and geological evidence to establish the one-time existence of Lake Makgadikgadi, Africa\u2019s largest lake system. He said,\n\n\"Prior to modern man emergence, the lake had begun to drain due to shifts in underlying tectonic plates. This would have created, a vast wetland, which is known to be one of the most productive ecosystems for sustaining life.\"<\/em>\n
ALSO READ: 5 Ideas for Online Investing in Africa<\/a><\/strong><\/div>\nThe range of error of previous studies was 150,000 to 250,000. However, the new study has a range of error of 165,000 to 240,000.\n

Not everyone agrees with the study<\/h2>\nSome scientists have their doubts about the authenticity of the study. For example, Sarah Tishkoff of the University of Pennsylvania argues that mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) alone is a poor tool for tracing the history of ancient Africa\u2019s population. Others argue that the female ancestors of the Khosian speakers with the L0 lineage could have migrated from somewhere else.\n\n\n\nAnother researcher who expressed doubt about the findings of the study was Chris Stringer. Stringer is a researcher of human evolution at the Natural History Museum in the UK. He highlighted the complexity of human origins study. In a statement posted on Twitter<\/a>, Stringer said,\n\n\"I am very cautious about using modern genetic distributions to infer exactly where ancestral populations were living 200,000 years ago, particularly in a continent as large and complex as Africa. Moreover, like so many studies that concentrate on one small bit of the genome, or one region, or one stone tool industry, or one 'critical' fossil, it cannot capture the full complexity of our mosaic origins, once other data are considered.\u201d<\/em>\n\nNotwithstanding the divergence in the opinion of different researchers, one thing remains clear; Africa had an important role to play in the history and evolution of modern man. We will like to know what you think about this study in the comment box.","post_title":"New Studies Suggest Africa Is The Origin Of Modern Man","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"new-studies-suggest-africa-was-the-homeland-of-modern-man","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-10-06 06:39:42","post_modified_gmt":"2024-10-06 06:39:42","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.africanvibes.com\/?p=195426","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":9778,"post_author":"7","post_date":"2017-04-19 04:47:28","post_date_gmt":"2017-04-19 04:47:28","post_content":"\n\n[caption id=\"attachment_301462\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"219\"]\"Ghana's<\/a> Ghana's Aunty Ocloo Is No Ordinary Google Doodle Photo credit ghanaianmuseum<\/em>[\/caption]\n\nA dollar. That's all Esther Afua Ocloo needed to kickstart Ghana's first food processing factory in 1942. She was a college student. And she was broke. So she used the money, a gift from her aunt, to buy some oranges, sugar, firewood, and jam jars. She produced 12 pots of marmalade. And Nkulenu Industries was born. She sold the jam to her classmates, then the school, then the country, then the world.\n\nALSO READ:\u00a0Zimbabwean Woman Gets Life-Size Statue In New York. Here Is Why<\/a><\/strong>\n\nEsther Afua Ocloo, the star of today's Google Doodle<\/a>, was more than a jam star. She also became a pioneer in the field of microfinance \u2014 lending a small amount of money to women with a dream like she once had.\n\n[caption id=\"attachment_9779\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"1000\"]\"Ghana's Photo credit Youtube<\/a><\/em>[\/caption]\n\nRead More Here >><\/strong><\/span><\/a>","post_title":"Ghana's Aunty Ocloo Is No Ordinary Google Doodle","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"ghanas-aunty-ocloo-no-ordinary-google-doodle","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-10-04 05:58:30","post_modified_gmt":"2024-10-04 05:58:30","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.africanvibes.com\/?p=9778","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"}],"next":false,"prev":false,"total_page":1},"paged":1,"column_class":"jeg_col_2o3","class":"epic_block_3"};

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\n

The Triassic lineage<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
\"\"
Skeletal anatomy of the Mbiresaurus raathi holotype (NHMZ 2222) and paratype (NHMZ 2547) (Photo credit: Nature)<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Scientists are now having a better understanding of the Triassic lineage and how dinosaurs evolved from small creatures to the giant most of us know today. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

University of Cape Town paleontologist, Prof Anusuya Chinsamy-Turan told the BBC that Mbiresaurus raathi<\/em>\u2019s discovery is a vital part of the lineage that gave rise to the sauropod dinosaurs (encompassing brontosaurus and diplodocus).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cIt teaches us that during the evolution of dinosaurs, they existed in different continents but seem to trace a hot humid path instead of dry inhospitable environments. Hopefully, we would find more in that area.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

ALSO READ:<\/strong> Entrepreneur Spotlight: Microfuse Stick By Ugandan Engineers Is The Future Of Computer<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

With the discovery of the new fossils of the Mbiresaurus raathi<\/em>, Zimbabwe experts now have a new concern. Prof Chinsamy-Turan echoed this sentiment when she told BBC, \u201cI hope there is a strict policy to ensure the handing over of such fossils to the museum to avoid losing the material.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

At the moment, the Mbiresaurus raathi<\/em> fossil remains are kept in a room in a museum in Bulawayo, a southern city in the country. A University of Edinburgh paleontologist, Steve Brusatte who was not part of the study said,<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cPrior to now we almost know nothing about the foremost dinosaurs in Africa. The discovery of Mbiresaurus raathi change<\/em>s everything. It is one of the most important discoveries in recent times about the dinosaur anywhere on the globe.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n","post_title":"Scientists Unearth Africa\u2019s Oldest Dinosaur Mbiresaurus raathi In Zimbabwe","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"scientists-unearth-mbiresaurus-raathi","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-10-16 16:59:25","post_modified_gmt":"2024-10-16 16:59:25","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/africanvibes.com\/?p=340932","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":190293,"post_author":"7","post_date":"2020-01-07 18:14:51","post_date_gmt":"2020-01-07 18:14:51","post_content":"\n\nWhat would you do if you find a priceless 18th-century crown in a suitcase?\n\nIn 1998, Sirak Asfaw, a Dutch-Ethiopian hosted Ethiopian pilots, refugees, and diplomats who were passing through Rotterdam. In the suitcase of one of his visitors, he saw an 18th-century Ethiopian crown. \n\n\"I looked into the suitcase and saw something really amazing and I thought 'this is not right. This has been stolen. This should not be here. This belongs to Ethiopia'.\"<\/em>\n\nAsfaw confronted the owner of the suitcase and told him the crown will not leave his house. \n\n\n\n\u201c[I told him the crown] will not leave my house unless it goes back to Ethiopia.\" <\/em>The owner obliged and gave him the artifact. \n

ALSO READ: Ethiopia's Prime Minister Takes Home the 2019 Nobel Peace Prize<\/a><\/strong><\/div>\n

Why Sirak Asfaw became the custodian of the Ethiopia crown<\/h2>\nShortly after having the crown in his custody, he went to a message board to ask what people thought he should do to \u2018an Ethiopian artifact\u2019. Some suggested he should turn it over to the Dutch government. Fearing the Dutch government may claim it, he decided to keep it. \n\nFor 21 years, he hid the priceless Ethiopia crown in his apartment waiting for the right time to return it. However, Ethiopians who knew he had the treasure tried to pressure him into returning it.\n\nAsfaw, who became a refugee during the \u2018Red Terror\u2019 purge where as many as 500k Ethiopians were killed in a bloodbath, talked about his decision saying\n\n\"I did not want to return it to the same regime that had made it possible for the crown to get stolen. [I decided to be the custodian] until such time it could go back. I knew if I gave it back, it would just disappear again.\u201d<\/em>\n\nWith the coming into power of Abiy Ahmed, the atmosphere was ripe to return the crown. Consequently, he contacted Arthur Brand, a Dutch \u2018art detective\u2019 and told him about the crown. In an interview, Mr. Brand said,\n\n[caption id=\"attachment_190297\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"634\"]\"\" Sirak Asfew (left) and Arthur Brand (right) pose with the 18th-century Ethiopia crown<\/em>[\/caption]\n\n
 <\/div>\n
ALSO READ: Ethiopia Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed Disarms Armed Protesting Soldiers with Push-Ups<\/a><\/strong><\/div>\n\u201cIt turns out that Sirak Asfaw had been the custodian of a rare 18th-century Ethiopia crown for the past 21 years and wants to give it back. It was a story straight from a crime thriller.\u201d<\/em>\n\nAfter returning the artifact, Asfaw said, \u201cThis is Ethiopian cultural heritage, this is Ethiopia's identity and finally it feels good to give it back.\u201d<\/em>\n

Striking features of the artifact<\/h2>\nThe Ethiopia crown is made of gilded copper. The body of the crown, around the base, bears the image of the Holy Trinity and the 12 Apostles. The crown is one of the less than 20 that were made\u2014and the most valuable of them all. The artifact bears the date 1633-34 but a research associate at Oxford University, Jacopo Gnisci suggests it may have been made a century later. He believes a powerful warlord, \u2018ras\u2019 Welde Sellase gave the crown to the church in Cheleqot, a village near Mekelle in northern Ethiopia. After confirming the authenticity of the artifact, Gnisci said,\n
ALSO READ: Ethiopian Prime Minister's War On Corruption Results In Arrests Of 59 More Officials<\/a><\/strong><\/div>\n\u201cThese crowns are of great cultural and symbolic significance in Ethiopia, as they are usually donated by high-ranking officials to churches in a practice that reaches as far back as the Late Antiquity. These crowns are of priceless symbolic value and it is important that they be returned to Ethiopia,\u201d<\/em>\n\nThe last time the Ethiopia crown was seen in public was in 1993. At that time it was worn by a priest in a photograph. However, it disappeared afterward. Investigations were launched but the culprit was never found. The artifact is currently held in a secure facility in the Netherlands pending further actions.","post_title":"Here Is What Sirak Asfaw Did When He Found A Priceless 18th-Century Crown In A Suitcase","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"priceless-ethiopia-crown-to-return-home-after-21-years-in-dutch-apartment","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-08-16 16:10:29","post_modified_gmt":"2024-08-16 16:10:29","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.africanvibes.com\/?p=190293","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":212236,"post_author":"2777","post_date":"2020-01-03 10:18:22","post_date_gmt":"2020-01-03 10:18:22","post_content":"\n

There are 1121 properties on the United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) list. Out of these large numbers, only two Nigerian cultural sites are on the list. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

They are Sukur Cultural Landscape in Adamawa State and Osun-Oshogbo Sacred Grove in Osun State. However, the government of Nigeria has identified more sites in the country that are fit to be on the list of UNESCO world heritage sites.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The minister of Information and Culture, Mr. Lai Mohammed made this known after a visit to the Osun-Oshogbo Sacred Grove. According to the minister, they were other sites in the country that meet the requirements of being on the UNESCO world heritage sites list. These include Igbo Olodumare, Kano City Walls, and Ogbunike Cave. Explaining the reason why the sites should be on the list, the minister said,<\/p>\n\n\n\n

ALSO READ:<\/strong> 10 Must See Historic Sites In Ghana<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cThe ancient Kano City Walls witnessed the famous Trans- Sahara Trade of which Kano was the dominant force. This trade linked the great kingdoms and empires of West Africa with North America and even Europe. The forests in Oke-Igbo, Ile Oluji Axis of Ondo State, which was the inspiration for D. O. Fagunwa\u2019s book, \u2018Igbo Olodumare\u2019 should be considered for the reason of its scenic state. The Ogbunike Caves<\/a> in Anambra State for its natural significance\u201d.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Ogbunike
Ogbunike Cave in Anambra State<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Other landmarks the minister wants to be on the UNESCO world heritage sites list are The Brazilian Baracoon Museum\/Point of No Return in Badagry, Lagos State and the Gashaka-Gumti National Park, Nigeria\u2019s largest national park in the eastern province of Taraba and Adamawa states close to Cameroon border.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Why Being on UNESCO World Heritage Sites List is a Big Deal<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Properties listed on UNESCO world heritage sites list are those with cultural, historical, scientific or other forms of significance. Consequently, they are under legal protection by international treaties. Such sites are important to humanity\u2019s collective interest. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Therefore, it is a thing of pride to have a country\u2019s properties on the list. Also, properties on the list get greater government attention which can be crucial for their existence. According to Mr. Mohammed,<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cThe fact that the General Assembly, comprising the entire 193 states parties, in November elected Nigeria into the UNESCO World Heritage Committee is a positive development for our quest to have more sites designated as World Heritage Sites. We shall use our presence on this Committee to fight for the enlistment of many more sites from Nigeria into the World Heritage list. Nigeria is really blessed with a lot of potential sites.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

ALSO READ:<\/strong> 10 Must-Visit Luxury Hotels In Johannesburg South Africa<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Brazilian
Brazilian Baracoon Museum Point of No Return in Badagry, Lagos State<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Threats to the Heritage Sites in Nigeria<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

The two heritage sites in Nigeria are facing significant threats. In the South, land grabbers are encroaching into the Osun-Oshogbo Sacred Grove. In the north, the fate of Sukur Cultural Landscape lies in the hands of the military. According to the minister,<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cOur gallant men and women in uniform have succeeded in repelling the attempt by the Boko Haram terrorists to destroy the Sukur Cultural Landscape.\u2019\u2019<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

However, the minister said the government will do all within its powers to protect the sites. Also, he warned land grabbers to stay clear of the 45 hectares buffer zone around the Osun-Oshogbo Sacred Grove. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Citing the importance of UNESCO world heritage sites, do you think governments around the world are doing enough to protect them? What do you think can be done better? We would love to hear your views in the comment box below.<\/p>\n","post_title":"Nigeria Identifies Landmarks Fit For Declaration As UNESCO World Heritage Sites","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"nigeria-identifies-landmarks-fit-for-declaration-as-unesco-world-heritage-sites","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-10-06 06:40:44","post_modified_gmt":"2024-10-06 06:40:44","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.africanvibes.com\/?p=212236","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":195426,"post_author":"2777","post_date":"2019-11-16 10:18:21","post_date_gmt":"2019-11-16 10:18:21","post_content":"\n\n[caption id=\"attachment_195428\" align=\"aligncenter\" width=\"735\"]\"\" New Studies Suggest Africa Was The Home Of Modern Man<\/em>[\/caption]\n\nScientists are continually trying to trace the origin of humans. A new study<\/a> says Africa was homeland of modern man. According to the study, the area Makgadikgadi-Okavango in the southern part of Africa was the home to a large population of Homo sapiens<\/em> until the advent of climate change. The fingered region is around northern Botswana.\n\nAbout 200 thousand years ago, there was an enormous lake in the region. The lake was roughly twice the size of modern-day Lake Victoria. Thus, modern humans settled there for at least 70 thousand years. However, as a result of climate change, the area is now reduced to salt plains. Consequently, the human population began to migrate roughly 130 thousand years ago. The first set of migrants ventured northeast while the second wave went southwest. However, some remained in the homeland until today.  \n

ALSO READ: 10 Most spoken Languages in Africa<\/a><\/strong><\/div>\nAccording to the researchers, it was this migration that triggered the development of human\u2019s genetic, cultural and ethnic diversity in modern man. Speaking about the new study, Vanessa Hayes from the Garvan Institute of Medical Research and the University of Sydney, and Extraordinary Professor at the University of Pretoria said,\n\n\"We've known for a long time that modern man originated in Africa roughly 200,000 years ago. But what we hadn't known until the study was where exactly this homeland was.\"<\/em>\n\n\n

The role played by mitochondrial DNA in the research<\/h2>\nTo reach the conclusion, the researchers analyzed DNA samples for about 200 Khoisan people. The ethnic group lives in modern-day Namibia and South Africa. They are known to carry a high proportion of mitogenomes called \u2018L0\u2019 lineage which are the earliest genomes of modern man. Explaining the importance of mitogenomes, Hayes said,\n\n\"Mitochondrial DNA acts like a time capsule of our ancestral mothers, accumulating changes slowly over generations. Comparing the complete DNA code, or mitogenome, from different individuals provides information on how closely they are related. Our work would not have been possible without the generous contributions of local communities and study participants in Namibia and South Africa, which allowed us to uncover rare and new L0 sub-branches.\"<\/em>\n
ALSO READ: You Can Now Study Kinyarwanda And Other African Languages In Beijing Foreign Studies University<\/a><\/strong><\/div>\nSubsequently, the researchers linked the L0 lineage timeline with the cultural, linguistic, and geographic distribution of different sub-lineages. This led to the finding that the \u2018homeland\u2019 of modern man was south of the Greater Zambezi River Basin which covers entire northern Botswana and stretches into the west of Namibia and east of Zimbabwe. Lead phylogenetic analyst, Dr. Eva Chan from Garvan Institute of Medical Research said,\n\n\"We merged 198 new, rare mitogenomes to the current database of modern human's earliest known population, the L0 lineage. This allowed us to refine the evolutionary tree of our earliest ancestral branches better than ever before.\"<\/em>\n\n\n

The uniqueness of the new study on modern man<\/h2>\nUnlike previous studies, the uniqueness of the present study lies in the combination of disciplines namely climatic physics, geology, and genetics. Geologist, Dr. Andy Moore from Rhodes University investigated existing fossil, archeological, and geological evidence to establish the one-time existence of Lake Makgadikgadi, Africa\u2019s largest lake system. He said,\n\n\"Prior to modern man emergence, the lake had begun to drain due to shifts in underlying tectonic plates. This would have created, a vast wetland, which is known to be one of the most productive ecosystems for sustaining life.\"<\/em>\n
ALSO READ: 5 Ideas for Online Investing in Africa<\/a><\/strong><\/div>\nThe range of error of previous studies was 150,000 to 250,000. However, the new study has a range of error of 165,000 to 240,000.\n

Not everyone agrees with the study<\/h2>\nSome scientists have their doubts about the authenticity of the study. For example, Sarah Tishkoff of the University of Pennsylvania argues that mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) alone is a poor tool for tracing the history of ancient Africa\u2019s population. Others argue that the female ancestors of the Khosian speakers with the L0 lineage could have migrated from somewhere else.\n\n\n\nAnother researcher who expressed doubt about the findings of the study was Chris Stringer. Stringer is a researcher of human evolution at the Natural History Museum in the UK. He highlighted the complexity of human origins study. In a statement posted on Twitter<\/a>, Stringer said,\n\n\"I am very cautious about using modern genetic distributions to infer exactly where ancestral populations were living 200,000 years ago, particularly in a continent as large and complex as Africa. Moreover, like so many studies that concentrate on one small bit of the genome, or one region, or one stone tool industry, or one 'critical' fossil, it cannot capture the full complexity of our mosaic origins, once other data are considered.\u201d<\/em>\n\nNotwithstanding the divergence in the opinion of different researchers, one thing remains clear; Africa had an important role to play in the history and evolution of modern man. We will like to know what you think about this study in the comment box.","post_title":"New Studies Suggest Africa Is The Origin Of Modern Man","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"new-studies-suggest-africa-was-the-homeland-of-modern-man","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-10-06 06:39:42","post_modified_gmt":"2024-10-06 06:39:42","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.africanvibes.com\/?p=195426","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":9778,"post_author":"7","post_date":"2017-04-19 04:47:28","post_date_gmt":"2017-04-19 04:47:28","post_content":"\n\n[caption id=\"attachment_301462\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"219\"]\"Ghana's<\/a> Ghana's Aunty Ocloo Is No Ordinary Google Doodle Photo credit ghanaianmuseum<\/em>[\/caption]\n\nA dollar. That's all Esther Afua Ocloo needed to kickstart Ghana's first food processing factory in 1942. She was a college student. And she was broke. So she used the money, a gift from her aunt, to buy some oranges, sugar, firewood, and jam jars. She produced 12 pots of marmalade. And Nkulenu Industries was born. She sold the jam to her classmates, then the school, then the country, then the world.\n\nALSO READ:\u00a0Zimbabwean Woman Gets Life-Size Statue In New York. Here Is Why<\/a><\/strong>\n\nEsther Afua Ocloo, the star of today's Google Doodle<\/a>, was more than a jam star. She also became a pioneer in the field of microfinance \u2014 lending a small amount of money to women with a dream like she once had.\n\n[caption id=\"attachment_9779\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"1000\"]\"Ghana's Photo credit Youtube<\/a><\/em>[\/caption]\n\nRead More Here >><\/strong><\/span><\/a>","post_title":"Ghana's Aunty Ocloo Is No Ordinary Google Doodle","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"ghanas-aunty-ocloo-no-ordinary-google-doodle","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-10-04 05:58:30","post_modified_gmt":"2024-10-04 05:58:30","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.africanvibes.com\/?p=9778","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"}],"next":false,"prev":false,"total_page":1},"paged":1,"column_class":"jeg_col_2o3","class":"epic_block_3"};

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\n

\u201cThe dinosaurs and the animals that existed mutually with them tend to be confined to a specific type of environment in the far south\u2014what we know today as India, southern Africa, and South America.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

The Triassic lineage<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
\"\"
Skeletal anatomy of the Mbiresaurus raathi holotype (NHMZ 2222) and paratype (NHMZ 2547) (Photo credit: Nature)<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Scientists are now having a better understanding of the Triassic lineage and how dinosaurs evolved from small creatures to the giant most of us know today. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

University of Cape Town paleontologist, Prof Anusuya Chinsamy-Turan told the BBC that Mbiresaurus raathi<\/em>\u2019s discovery is a vital part of the lineage that gave rise to the sauropod dinosaurs (encompassing brontosaurus and diplodocus).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cIt teaches us that during the evolution of dinosaurs, they existed in different continents but seem to trace a hot humid path instead of dry inhospitable environments. Hopefully, we would find more in that area.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

ALSO READ:<\/strong> Entrepreneur Spotlight: Microfuse Stick By Ugandan Engineers Is The Future Of Computer<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

With the discovery of the new fossils of the Mbiresaurus raathi<\/em>, Zimbabwe experts now have a new concern. Prof Chinsamy-Turan echoed this sentiment when she told BBC, \u201cI hope there is a strict policy to ensure the handing over of such fossils to the museum to avoid losing the material.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

At the moment, the Mbiresaurus raathi<\/em> fossil remains are kept in a room in a museum in Bulawayo, a southern city in the country. A University of Edinburgh paleontologist, Steve Brusatte who was not part of the study said,<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cPrior to now we almost know nothing about the foremost dinosaurs in Africa. The discovery of Mbiresaurus raathi change<\/em>s everything. It is one of the most important discoveries in recent times about the dinosaur anywhere on the globe.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n","post_title":"Scientists Unearth Africa\u2019s Oldest Dinosaur Mbiresaurus raathi In Zimbabwe","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"scientists-unearth-mbiresaurus-raathi","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-10-16 16:59:25","post_modified_gmt":"2024-10-16 16:59:25","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/africanvibes.com\/?p=340932","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":190293,"post_author":"7","post_date":"2020-01-07 18:14:51","post_date_gmt":"2020-01-07 18:14:51","post_content":"\n\nWhat would you do if you find a priceless 18th-century crown in a suitcase?\n\nIn 1998, Sirak Asfaw, a Dutch-Ethiopian hosted Ethiopian pilots, refugees, and diplomats who were passing through Rotterdam. In the suitcase of one of his visitors, he saw an 18th-century Ethiopian crown. \n\n\"I looked into the suitcase and saw something really amazing and I thought 'this is not right. This has been stolen. This should not be here. This belongs to Ethiopia'.\"<\/em>\n\nAsfaw confronted the owner of the suitcase and told him the crown will not leave his house. \n\n\n\n\u201c[I told him the crown] will not leave my house unless it goes back to Ethiopia.\" <\/em>The owner obliged and gave him the artifact. \n

ALSO READ: Ethiopia's Prime Minister Takes Home the 2019 Nobel Peace Prize<\/a><\/strong><\/div>\n

Why Sirak Asfaw became the custodian of the Ethiopia crown<\/h2>\nShortly after having the crown in his custody, he went to a message board to ask what people thought he should do to \u2018an Ethiopian artifact\u2019. Some suggested he should turn it over to the Dutch government. Fearing the Dutch government may claim it, he decided to keep it. \n\nFor 21 years, he hid the priceless Ethiopia crown in his apartment waiting for the right time to return it. However, Ethiopians who knew he had the treasure tried to pressure him into returning it.\n\nAsfaw, who became a refugee during the \u2018Red Terror\u2019 purge where as many as 500k Ethiopians were killed in a bloodbath, talked about his decision saying\n\n\"I did not want to return it to the same regime that had made it possible for the crown to get stolen. [I decided to be the custodian] until such time it could go back. I knew if I gave it back, it would just disappear again.\u201d<\/em>\n\nWith the coming into power of Abiy Ahmed, the atmosphere was ripe to return the crown. Consequently, he contacted Arthur Brand, a Dutch \u2018art detective\u2019 and told him about the crown. In an interview, Mr. Brand said,\n\n[caption id=\"attachment_190297\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"634\"]\"\" Sirak Asfew (left) and Arthur Brand (right) pose with the 18th-century Ethiopia crown<\/em>[\/caption]\n\n
 <\/div>\n
ALSO READ: Ethiopia Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed Disarms Armed Protesting Soldiers with Push-Ups<\/a><\/strong><\/div>\n\u201cIt turns out that Sirak Asfaw had been the custodian of a rare 18th-century Ethiopia crown for the past 21 years and wants to give it back. It was a story straight from a crime thriller.\u201d<\/em>\n\nAfter returning the artifact, Asfaw said, \u201cThis is Ethiopian cultural heritage, this is Ethiopia's identity and finally it feels good to give it back.\u201d<\/em>\n

Striking features of the artifact<\/h2>\nThe Ethiopia crown is made of gilded copper. The body of the crown, around the base, bears the image of the Holy Trinity and the 12 Apostles. The crown is one of the less than 20 that were made\u2014and the most valuable of them all. The artifact bears the date 1633-34 but a research associate at Oxford University, Jacopo Gnisci suggests it may have been made a century later. He believes a powerful warlord, \u2018ras\u2019 Welde Sellase gave the crown to the church in Cheleqot, a village near Mekelle in northern Ethiopia. After confirming the authenticity of the artifact, Gnisci said,\n
ALSO READ: Ethiopian Prime Minister's War On Corruption Results In Arrests Of 59 More Officials<\/a><\/strong><\/div>\n\u201cThese crowns are of great cultural and symbolic significance in Ethiopia, as they are usually donated by high-ranking officials to churches in a practice that reaches as far back as the Late Antiquity. These crowns are of priceless symbolic value and it is important that they be returned to Ethiopia,\u201d<\/em>\n\nThe last time the Ethiopia crown was seen in public was in 1993. At that time it was worn by a priest in a photograph. However, it disappeared afterward. Investigations were launched but the culprit was never found. The artifact is currently held in a secure facility in the Netherlands pending further actions.","post_title":"Here Is What Sirak Asfaw Did When He Found A Priceless 18th-Century Crown In A Suitcase","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"priceless-ethiopia-crown-to-return-home-after-21-years-in-dutch-apartment","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-08-16 16:10:29","post_modified_gmt":"2024-08-16 16:10:29","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.africanvibes.com\/?p=190293","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":212236,"post_author":"2777","post_date":"2020-01-03 10:18:22","post_date_gmt":"2020-01-03 10:18:22","post_content":"\n

There are 1121 properties on the United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) list. Out of these large numbers, only two Nigerian cultural sites are on the list. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

They are Sukur Cultural Landscape in Adamawa State and Osun-Oshogbo Sacred Grove in Osun State. However, the government of Nigeria has identified more sites in the country that are fit to be on the list of UNESCO world heritage sites.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The minister of Information and Culture, Mr. Lai Mohammed made this known after a visit to the Osun-Oshogbo Sacred Grove. According to the minister, they were other sites in the country that meet the requirements of being on the UNESCO world heritage sites list. These include Igbo Olodumare, Kano City Walls, and Ogbunike Cave. Explaining the reason why the sites should be on the list, the minister said,<\/p>\n\n\n\n

ALSO READ:<\/strong> 10 Must See Historic Sites In Ghana<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cThe ancient Kano City Walls witnessed the famous Trans- Sahara Trade of which Kano was the dominant force. This trade linked the great kingdoms and empires of West Africa with North America and even Europe. The forests in Oke-Igbo, Ile Oluji Axis of Ondo State, which was the inspiration for D. O. Fagunwa\u2019s book, \u2018Igbo Olodumare\u2019 should be considered for the reason of its scenic state. The Ogbunike Caves<\/a> in Anambra State for its natural significance\u201d.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Ogbunike
Ogbunike Cave in Anambra State<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Other landmarks the minister wants to be on the UNESCO world heritage sites list are The Brazilian Baracoon Museum\/Point of No Return in Badagry, Lagos State and the Gashaka-Gumti National Park, Nigeria\u2019s largest national park in the eastern province of Taraba and Adamawa states close to Cameroon border.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Why Being on UNESCO World Heritage Sites List is a Big Deal<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Properties listed on UNESCO world heritage sites list are those with cultural, historical, scientific or other forms of significance. Consequently, they are under legal protection by international treaties. Such sites are important to humanity\u2019s collective interest. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Therefore, it is a thing of pride to have a country\u2019s properties on the list. Also, properties on the list get greater government attention which can be crucial for their existence. According to Mr. Mohammed,<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cThe fact that the General Assembly, comprising the entire 193 states parties, in November elected Nigeria into the UNESCO World Heritage Committee is a positive development for our quest to have more sites designated as World Heritage Sites. We shall use our presence on this Committee to fight for the enlistment of many more sites from Nigeria into the World Heritage list. Nigeria is really blessed with a lot of potential sites.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

ALSO READ:<\/strong> 10 Must-Visit Luxury Hotels In Johannesburg South Africa<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Brazilian
Brazilian Baracoon Museum Point of No Return in Badagry, Lagos State<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Threats to the Heritage Sites in Nigeria<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

The two heritage sites in Nigeria are facing significant threats. In the South, land grabbers are encroaching into the Osun-Oshogbo Sacred Grove. In the north, the fate of Sukur Cultural Landscape lies in the hands of the military. According to the minister,<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cOur gallant men and women in uniform have succeeded in repelling the attempt by the Boko Haram terrorists to destroy the Sukur Cultural Landscape.\u2019\u2019<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

However, the minister said the government will do all within its powers to protect the sites. Also, he warned land grabbers to stay clear of the 45 hectares buffer zone around the Osun-Oshogbo Sacred Grove. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Citing the importance of UNESCO world heritage sites, do you think governments around the world are doing enough to protect them? What do you think can be done better? We would love to hear your views in the comment box below.<\/p>\n","post_title":"Nigeria Identifies Landmarks Fit For Declaration As UNESCO World Heritage Sites","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"nigeria-identifies-landmarks-fit-for-declaration-as-unesco-world-heritage-sites","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-10-06 06:40:44","post_modified_gmt":"2024-10-06 06:40:44","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.africanvibes.com\/?p=212236","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":195426,"post_author":"2777","post_date":"2019-11-16 10:18:21","post_date_gmt":"2019-11-16 10:18:21","post_content":"\n\n[caption id=\"attachment_195428\" align=\"aligncenter\" width=\"735\"]\"\" New Studies Suggest Africa Was The Home Of Modern Man<\/em>[\/caption]\n\nScientists are continually trying to trace the origin of humans. A new study<\/a> says Africa was homeland of modern man. According to the study, the area Makgadikgadi-Okavango in the southern part of Africa was the home to a large population of Homo sapiens<\/em> until the advent of climate change. The fingered region is around northern Botswana.\n\nAbout 200 thousand years ago, there was an enormous lake in the region. The lake was roughly twice the size of modern-day Lake Victoria. Thus, modern humans settled there for at least 70 thousand years. However, as a result of climate change, the area is now reduced to salt plains. Consequently, the human population began to migrate roughly 130 thousand years ago. The first set of migrants ventured northeast while the second wave went southwest. However, some remained in the homeland until today.  \n

ALSO READ: 10 Most spoken Languages in Africa<\/a><\/strong><\/div>\nAccording to the researchers, it was this migration that triggered the development of human\u2019s genetic, cultural and ethnic diversity in modern man. Speaking about the new study, Vanessa Hayes from the Garvan Institute of Medical Research and the University of Sydney, and Extraordinary Professor at the University of Pretoria said,\n\n\"We've known for a long time that modern man originated in Africa roughly 200,000 years ago. But what we hadn't known until the study was where exactly this homeland was.\"<\/em>\n\n\n

The role played by mitochondrial DNA in the research<\/h2>\nTo reach the conclusion, the researchers analyzed DNA samples for about 200 Khoisan people. The ethnic group lives in modern-day Namibia and South Africa. They are known to carry a high proportion of mitogenomes called \u2018L0\u2019 lineage which are the earliest genomes of modern man. Explaining the importance of mitogenomes, Hayes said,\n\n\"Mitochondrial DNA acts like a time capsule of our ancestral mothers, accumulating changes slowly over generations. Comparing the complete DNA code, or mitogenome, from different individuals provides information on how closely they are related. Our work would not have been possible without the generous contributions of local communities and study participants in Namibia and South Africa, which allowed us to uncover rare and new L0 sub-branches.\"<\/em>\n
ALSO READ: You Can Now Study Kinyarwanda And Other African Languages In Beijing Foreign Studies University<\/a><\/strong><\/div>\nSubsequently, the researchers linked the L0 lineage timeline with the cultural, linguistic, and geographic distribution of different sub-lineages. This led to the finding that the \u2018homeland\u2019 of modern man was south of the Greater Zambezi River Basin which covers entire northern Botswana and stretches into the west of Namibia and east of Zimbabwe. Lead phylogenetic analyst, Dr. Eva Chan from Garvan Institute of Medical Research said,\n\n\"We merged 198 new, rare mitogenomes to the current database of modern human's earliest known population, the L0 lineage. This allowed us to refine the evolutionary tree of our earliest ancestral branches better than ever before.\"<\/em>\n\n\n

The uniqueness of the new study on modern man<\/h2>\nUnlike previous studies, the uniqueness of the present study lies in the combination of disciplines namely climatic physics, geology, and genetics. Geologist, Dr. Andy Moore from Rhodes University investigated existing fossil, archeological, and geological evidence to establish the one-time existence of Lake Makgadikgadi, Africa\u2019s largest lake system. He said,\n\n\"Prior to modern man emergence, the lake had begun to drain due to shifts in underlying tectonic plates. This would have created, a vast wetland, which is known to be one of the most productive ecosystems for sustaining life.\"<\/em>\n
ALSO READ: 5 Ideas for Online Investing in Africa<\/a><\/strong><\/div>\nThe range of error of previous studies was 150,000 to 250,000. However, the new study has a range of error of 165,000 to 240,000.\n

Not everyone agrees with the study<\/h2>\nSome scientists have their doubts about the authenticity of the study. For example, Sarah Tishkoff of the University of Pennsylvania argues that mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) alone is a poor tool for tracing the history of ancient Africa\u2019s population. Others argue that the female ancestors of the Khosian speakers with the L0 lineage could have migrated from somewhere else.\n\n\n\nAnother researcher who expressed doubt about the findings of the study was Chris Stringer. Stringer is a researcher of human evolution at the Natural History Museum in the UK. He highlighted the complexity of human origins study. In a statement posted on Twitter<\/a>, Stringer said,\n\n\"I am very cautious about using modern genetic distributions to infer exactly where ancestral populations were living 200,000 years ago, particularly in a continent as large and complex as Africa. Moreover, like so many studies that concentrate on one small bit of the genome, or one region, or one stone tool industry, or one 'critical' fossil, it cannot capture the full complexity of our mosaic origins, once other data are considered.\u201d<\/em>\n\nNotwithstanding the divergence in the opinion of different researchers, one thing remains clear; Africa had an important role to play in the history and evolution of modern man. We will like to know what you think about this study in the comment box.","post_title":"New Studies Suggest Africa Is The Origin Of Modern Man","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"new-studies-suggest-africa-was-the-homeland-of-modern-man","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-10-06 06:39:42","post_modified_gmt":"2024-10-06 06:39:42","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.africanvibes.com\/?p=195426","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":9778,"post_author":"7","post_date":"2017-04-19 04:47:28","post_date_gmt":"2017-04-19 04:47:28","post_content":"\n\n[caption id=\"attachment_301462\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"219\"]\"Ghana's<\/a> Ghana's Aunty Ocloo Is No Ordinary Google Doodle Photo credit ghanaianmuseum<\/em>[\/caption]\n\nA dollar. That's all Esther Afua Ocloo needed to kickstart Ghana's first food processing factory in 1942. She was a college student. And she was broke. So she used the money, a gift from her aunt, to buy some oranges, sugar, firewood, and jam jars. She produced 12 pots of marmalade. And Nkulenu Industries was born. She sold the jam to her classmates, then the school, then the country, then the world.\n\nALSO READ:\u00a0Zimbabwean Woman Gets Life-Size Statue In New York. Here Is Why<\/a><\/strong>\n\nEsther Afua Ocloo, the star of today's Google Doodle<\/a>, was more than a jam star. She also became a pioneer in the field of microfinance \u2014 lending a small amount of money to women with a dream like she once had.\n\n[caption id=\"attachment_9779\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"1000\"]\"Ghana's Photo credit Youtube<\/a><\/em>[\/caption]\n\nRead More Here >><\/strong><\/span><\/a>","post_title":"Ghana's Aunty Ocloo Is No Ordinary Google Doodle","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"ghanas-aunty-ocloo-no-ordinary-google-doodle","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-10-04 05:58:30","post_modified_gmt":"2024-10-04 05:58:30","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.africanvibes.com\/?p=9778","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"}],"next":false,"prev":false,"total_page":1},"paged":1,"column_class":"jeg_col_2o3","class":"epic_block_3"};

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The discovery of Mbiresaurus raathi <\/em>fossils also reveals another important piece of information that Griffin pointed out.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cThe dinosaurs and the animals that existed mutually with them tend to be confined to a specific type of environment in the far south\u2014what we know today as India, southern Africa, and South America.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

The Triassic lineage<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
\"\"
Skeletal anatomy of the Mbiresaurus raathi holotype (NHMZ 2222) and paratype (NHMZ 2547) (Photo credit: Nature)<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Scientists are now having a better understanding of the Triassic lineage and how dinosaurs evolved from small creatures to the giant most of us know today. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

University of Cape Town paleontologist, Prof Anusuya Chinsamy-Turan told the BBC that Mbiresaurus raathi<\/em>\u2019s discovery is a vital part of the lineage that gave rise to the sauropod dinosaurs (encompassing brontosaurus and diplodocus).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cIt teaches us that during the evolution of dinosaurs, they existed in different continents but seem to trace a hot humid path instead of dry inhospitable environments. Hopefully, we would find more in that area.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

ALSO READ:<\/strong> Entrepreneur Spotlight: Microfuse Stick By Ugandan Engineers Is The Future Of Computer<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

With the discovery of the new fossils of the Mbiresaurus raathi<\/em>, Zimbabwe experts now have a new concern. Prof Chinsamy-Turan echoed this sentiment when she told BBC, \u201cI hope there is a strict policy to ensure the handing over of such fossils to the museum to avoid losing the material.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

At the moment, the Mbiresaurus raathi<\/em> fossil remains are kept in a room in a museum in Bulawayo, a southern city in the country. A University of Edinburgh paleontologist, Steve Brusatte who was not part of the study said,<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cPrior to now we almost know nothing about the foremost dinosaurs in Africa. The discovery of Mbiresaurus raathi change<\/em>s everything. It is one of the most important discoveries in recent times about the dinosaur anywhere on the globe.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n","post_title":"Scientists Unearth Africa\u2019s Oldest Dinosaur Mbiresaurus raathi In Zimbabwe","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"scientists-unearth-mbiresaurus-raathi","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-10-16 16:59:25","post_modified_gmt":"2024-10-16 16:59:25","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/africanvibes.com\/?p=340932","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":190293,"post_author":"7","post_date":"2020-01-07 18:14:51","post_date_gmt":"2020-01-07 18:14:51","post_content":"\n\nWhat would you do if you find a priceless 18th-century crown in a suitcase?\n\nIn 1998, Sirak Asfaw, a Dutch-Ethiopian hosted Ethiopian pilots, refugees, and diplomats who were passing through Rotterdam. In the suitcase of one of his visitors, he saw an 18th-century Ethiopian crown. \n\n\"I looked into the suitcase and saw something really amazing and I thought 'this is not right. This has been stolen. This should not be here. This belongs to Ethiopia'.\"<\/em>\n\nAsfaw confronted the owner of the suitcase and told him the crown will not leave his house. \n\n\n\n\u201c[I told him the crown] will not leave my house unless it goes back to Ethiopia.\" <\/em>The owner obliged and gave him the artifact. \n

ALSO READ: Ethiopia's Prime Minister Takes Home the 2019 Nobel Peace Prize<\/a><\/strong><\/div>\n

Why Sirak Asfaw became the custodian of the Ethiopia crown<\/h2>\nShortly after having the crown in his custody, he went to a message board to ask what people thought he should do to \u2018an Ethiopian artifact\u2019. Some suggested he should turn it over to the Dutch government. Fearing the Dutch government may claim it, he decided to keep it. \n\nFor 21 years, he hid the priceless Ethiopia crown in his apartment waiting for the right time to return it. However, Ethiopians who knew he had the treasure tried to pressure him into returning it.\n\nAsfaw, who became a refugee during the \u2018Red Terror\u2019 purge where as many as 500k Ethiopians were killed in a bloodbath, talked about his decision saying\n\n\"I did not want to return it to the same regime that had made it possible for the crown to get stolen. [I decided to be the custodian] until such time it could go back. I knew if I gave it back, it would just disappear again.\u201d<\/em>\n\nWith the coming into power of Abiy Ahmed, the atmosphere was ripe to return the crown. Consequently, he contacted Arthur Brand, a Dutch \u2018art detective\u2019 and told him about the crown. In an interview, Mr. Brand said,\n\n[caption id=\"attachment_190297\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"634\"]\"\" Sirak Asfew (left) and Arthur Brand (right) pose with the 18th-century Ethiopia crown<\/em>[\/caption]\n\n
 <\/div>\n
ALSO READ: Ethiopia Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed Disarms Armed Protesting Soldiers with Push-Ups<\/a><\/strong><\/div>\n\u201cIt turns out that Sirak Asfaw had been the custodian of a rare 18th-century Ethiopia crown for the past 21 years and wants to give it back. It was a story straight from a crime thriller.\u201d<\/em>\n\nAfter returning the artifact, Asfaw said, \u201cThis is Ethiopian cultural heritage, this is Ethiopia's identity and finally it feels good to give it back.\u201d<\/em>\n

Striking features of the artifact<\/h2>\nThe Ethiopia crown is made of gilded copper. The body of the crown, around the base, bears the image of the Holy Trinity and the 12 Apostles. The crown is one of the less than 20 that were made\u2014and the most valuable of them all. The artifact bears the date 1633-34 but a research associate at Oxford University, Jacopo Gnisci suggests it may have been made a century later. He believes a powerful warlord, \u2018ras\u2019 Welde Sellase gave the crown to the church in Cheleqot, a village near Mekelle in northern Ethiopia. After confirming the authenticity of the artifact, Gnisci said,\n
ALSO READ: Ethiopian Prime Minister's War On Corruption Results In Arrests Of 59 More Officials<\/a><\/strong><\/div>\n\u201cThese crowns are of great cultural and symbolic significance in Ethiopia, as they are usually donated by high-ranking officials to churches in a practice that reaches as far back as the Late Antiquity. These crowns are of priceless symbolic value and it is important that they be returned to Ethiopia,\u201d<\/em>\n\nThe last time the Ethiopia crown was seen in public was in 1993. At that time it was worn by a priest in a photograph. However, it disappeared afterward. Investigations were launched but the culprit was never found. The artifact is currently held in a secure facility in the Netherlands pending further actions.","post_title":"Here Is What Sirak Asfaw Did When He Found A Priceless 18th-Century Crown In A Suitcase","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"priceless-ethiopia-crown-to-return-home-after-21-years-in-dutch-apartment","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-08-16 16:10:29","post_modified_gmt":"2024-08-16 16:10:29","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.africanvibes.com\/?p=190293","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":212236,"post_author":"2777","post_date":"2020-01-03 10:18:22","post_date_gmt":"2020-01-03 10:18:22","post_content":"\n

There are 1121 properties on the United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) list. Out of these large numbers, only two Nigerian cultural sites are on the list. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

They are Sukur Cultural Landscape in Adamawa State and Osun-Oshogbo Sacred Grove in Osun State. However, the government of Nigeria has identified more sites in the country that are fit to be on the list of UNESCO world heritage sites.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The minister of Information and Culture, Mr. Lai Mohammed made this known after a visit to the Osun-Oshogbo Sacred Grove. According to the minister, they were other sites in the country that meet the requirements of being on the UNESCO world heritage sites list. These include Igbo Olodumare, Kano City Walls, and Ogbunike Cave. Explaining the reason why the sites should be on the list, the minister said,<\/p>\n\n\n\n

ALSO READ:<\/strong> 10 Must See Historic Sites In Ghana<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cThe ancient Kano City Walls witnessed the famous Trans- Sahara Trade of which Kano was the dominant force. This trade linked the great kingdoms and empires of West Africa with North America and even Europe. The forests in Oke-Igbo, Ile Oluji Axis of Ondo State, which was the inspiration for D. O. Fagunwa\u2019s book, \u2018Igbo Olodumare\u2019 should be considered for the reason of its scenic state. The Ogbunike Caves<\/a> in Anambra State for its natural significance\u201d.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Ogbunike
Ogbunike Cave in Anambra State<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Other landmarks the minister wants to be on the UNESCO world heritage sites list are The Brazilian Baracoon Museum\/Point of No Return in Badagry, Lagos State and the Gashaka-Gumti National Park, Nigeria\u2019s largest national park in the eastern province of Taraba and Adamawa states close to Cameroon border.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Why Being on UNESCO World Heritage Sites List is a Big Deal<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Properties listed on UNESCO world heritage sites list are those with cultural, historical, scientific or other forms of significance. Consequently, they are under legal protection by international treaties. Such sites are important to humanity\u2019s collective interest. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Therefore, it is a thing of pride to have a country\u2019s properties on the list. Also, properties on the list get greater government attention which can be crucial for their existence. According to Mr. Mohammed,<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cThe fact that the General Assembly, comprising the entire 193 states parties, in November elected Nigeria into the UNESCO World Heritage Committee is a positive development for our quest to have more sites designated as World Heritage Sites. We shall use our presence on this Committee to fight for the enlistment of many more sites from Nigeria into the World Heritage list. Nigeria is really blessed with a lot of potential sites.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

ALSO READ:<\/strong> 10 Must-Visit Luxury Hotels In Johannesburg South Africa<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Brazilian
Brazilian Baracoon Museum Point of No Return in Badagry, Lagos State<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Threats to the Heritage Sites in Nigeria<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

The two heritage sites in Nigeria are facing significant threats. In the South, land grabbers are encroaching into the Osun-Oshogbo Sacred Grove. In the north, the fate of Sukur Cultural Landscape lies in the hands of the military. According to the minister,<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cOur gallant men and women in uniform have succeeded in repelling the attempt by the Boko Haram terrorists to destroy the Sukur Cultural Landscape.\u2019\u2019<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

However, the minister said the government will do all within its powers to protect the sites. Also, he warned land grabbers to stay clear of the 45 hectares buffer zone around the Osun-Oshogbo Sacred Grove. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Citing the importance of UNESCO world heritage sites, do you think governments around the world are doing enough to protect them? What do you think can be done better? We would love to hear your views in the comment box below.<\/p>\n","post_title":"Nigeria Identifies Landmarks Fit For Declaration As UNESCO World Heritage Sites","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"nigeria-identifies-landmarks-fit-for-declaration-as-unesco-world-heritage-sites","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-10-06 06:40:44","post_modified_gmt":"2024-10-06 06:40:44","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.africanvibes.com\/?p=212236","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":195426,"post_author":"2777","post_date":"2019-11-16 10:18:21","post_date_gmt":"2019-11-16 10:18:21","post_content":"\n\n[caption id=\"attachment_195428\" align=\"aligncenter\" width=\"735\"]\"\" New Studies Suggest Africa Was The Home Of Modern Man<\/em>[\/caption]\n\nScientists are continually trying to trace the origin of humans. A new study<\/a> says Africa was homeland of modern man. According to the study, the area Makgadikgadi-Okavango in the southern part of Africa was the home to a large population of Homo sapiens<\/em> until the advent of climate change. The fingered region is around northern Botswana.\n\nAbout 200 thousand years ago, there was an enormous lake in the region. The lake was roughly twice the size of modern-day Lake Victoria. Thus, modern humans settled there for at least 70 thousand years. However, as a result of climate change, the area is now reduced to salt plains. Consequently, the human population began to migrate roughly 130 thousand years ago. The first set of migrants ventured northeast while the second wave went southwest. However, some remained in the homeland until today.  \n

ALSO READ: 10 Most spoken Languages in Africa<\/a><\/strong><\/div>\nAccording to the researchers, it was this migration that triggered the development of human\u2019s genetic, cultural and ethnic diversity in modern man. Speaking about the new study, Vanessa Hayes from the Garvan Institute of Medical Research and the University of Sydney, and Extraordinary Professor at the University of Pretoria said,\n\n\"We've known for a long time that modern man originated in Africa roughly 200,000 years ago. But what we hadn't known until the study was where exactly this homeland was.\"<\/em>\n\n\n

The role played by mitochondrial DNA in the research<\/h2>\nTo reach the conclusion, the researchers analyzed DNA samples for about 200 Khoisan people. The ethnic group lives in modern-day Namibia and South Africa. They are known to carry a high proportion of mitogenomes called \u2018L0\u2019 lineage which are the earliest genomes of modern man. Explaining the importance of mitogenomes, Hayes said,\n\n\"Mitochondrial DNA acts like a time capsule of our ancestral mothers, accumulating changes slowly over generations. Comparing the complete DNA code, or mitogenome, from different individuals provides information on how closely they are related. Our work would not have been possible without the generous contributions of local communities and study participants in Namibia and South Africa, which allowed us to uncover rare and new L0 sub-branches.\"<\/em>\n
ALSO READ: You Can Now Study Kinyarwanda And Other African Languages In Beijing Foreign Studies University<\/a><\/strong><\/div>\nSubsequently, the researchers linked the L0 lineage timeline with the cultural, linguistic, and geographic distribution of different sub-lineages. This led to the finding that the \u2018homeland\u2019 of modern man was south of the Greater Zambezi River Basin which covers entire northern Botswana and stretches into the west of Namibia and east of Zimbabwe. Lead phylogenetic analyst, Dr. Eva Chan from Garvan Institute of Medical Research said,\n\n\"We merged 198 new, rare mitogenomes to the current database of modern human's earliest known population, the L0 lineage. This allowed us to refine the evolutionary tree of our earliest ancestral branches better than ever before.\"<\/em>\n\n\n

The uniqueness of the new study on modern man<\/h2>\nUnlike previous studies, the uniqueness of the present study lies in the combination of disciplines namely climatic physics, geology, and genetics. Geologist, Dr. Andy Moore from Rhodes University investigated existing fossil, archeological, and geological evidence to establish the one-time existence of Lake Makgadikgadi, Africa\u2019s largest lake system. He said,\n\n\"Prior to modern man emergence, the lake had begun to drain due to shifts in underlying tectonic plates. This would have created, a vast wetland, which is known to be one of the most productive ecosystems for sustaining life.\"<\/em>\n
ALSO READ: 5 Ideas for Online Investing in Africa<\/a><\/strong><\/div>\nThe range of error of previous studies was 150,000 to 250,000. However, the new study has a range of error of 165,000 to 240,000.\n

Not everyone agrees with the study<\/h2>\nSome scientists have their doubts about the authenticity of the study. For example, Sarah Tishkoff of the University of Pennsylvania argues that mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) alone is a poor tool for tracing the history of ancient Africa\u2019s population. Others argue that the female ancestors of the Khosian speakers with the L0 lineage could have migrated from somewhere else.\n\n\n\nAnother researcher who expressed doubt about the findings of the study was Chris Stringer. Stringer is a researcher of human evolution at the Natural History Museum in the UK. He highlighted the complexity of human origins study. In a statement posted on Twitter<\/a>, Stringer said,\n\n\"I am very cautious about using modern genetic distributions to infer exactly where ancestral populations were living 200,000 years ago, particularly in a continent as large and complex as Africa. Moreover, like so many studies that concentrate on one small bit of the genome, or one region, or one stone tool industry, or one 'critical' fossil, it cannot capture the full complexity of our mosaic origins, once other data are considered.\u201d<\/em>\n\nNotwithstanding the divergence in the opinion of different researchers, one thing remains clear; Africa had an important role to play in the history and evolution of modern man. We will like to know what you think about this study in the comment box.","post_title":"New Studies Suggest Africa Is The Origin Of Modern Man","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"new-studies-suggest-africa-was-the-homeland-of-modern-man","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-10-06 06:39:42","post_modified_gmt":"2024-10-06 06:39:42","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.africanvibes.com\/?p=195426","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":9778,"post_author":"7","post_date":"2017-04-19 04:47:28","post_date_gmt":"2017-04-19 04:47:28","post_content":"\n\n[caption id=\"attachment_301462\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"219\"]\"Ghana's<\/a> Ghana's Aunty Ocloo Is No Ordinary Google Doodle Photo credit ghanaianmuseum<\/em>[\/caption]\n\nA dollar. That's all Esther Afua Ocloo needed to kickstart Ghana's first food processing factory in 1942. She was a college student. And she was broke. So she used the money, a gift from her aunt, to buy some oranges, sugar, firewood, and jam jars. She produced 12 pots of marmalade. And Nkulenu Industries was born. She sold the jam to her classmates, then the school, then the country, then the world.\n\nALSO READ:\u00a0Zimbabwean Woman Gets Life-Size Statue In New York. Here Is Why<\/a><\/strong>\n\nEsther Afua Ocloo, the star of today's Google Doodle<\/a>, was more than a jam star. She also became a pioneer in the field of microfinance \u2014 lending a small amount of money to women with a dream like she once had.\n\n[caption id=\"attachment_9779\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"1000\"]\"Ghana's Photo credit Youtube<\/a><\/em>[\/caption]\n\nRead More Here >><\/strong><\/span><\/a>","post_title":"Ghana's Aunty Ocloo Is No Ordinary Google Doodle","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"ghanas-aunty-ocloo-no-ordinary-google-doodle","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-10-04 05:58:30","post_modified_gmt":"2024-10-04 05:58:30","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.africanvibes.com\/?p=9778","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"}],"next":false,"prev":false,"total_page":1},"paged":1,"column_class":"jeg_col_2o3","class":"epic_block_3"};

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\n

Research curator of paleontology at the North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences, Christian Kammerer, stressed, \u201cThe foremost dinosaurs were tiny\u2014far from the giants that occupy our thoughts\u201d. Kammerer was not part of the study but shared the view with Live Science.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The discovery of Mbiresaurus raathi <\/em>fossils also reveals another important piece of information that Griffin pointed out.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cThe dinosaurs and the animals that existed mutually with them tend to be confined to a specific type of environment in the far south\u2014what we know today as India, southern Africa, and South America.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

The Triassic lineage<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
\"\"
Skeletal anatomy of the Mbiresaurus raathi holotype (NHMZ 2222) and paratype (NHMZ 2547) (Photo credit: Nature)<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Scientists are now having a better understanding of the Triassic lineage and how dinosaurs evolved from small creatures to the giant most of us know today. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

University of Cape Town paleontologist, Prof Anusuya Chinsamy-Turan told the BBC that Mbiresaurus raathi<\/em>\u2019s discovery is a vital part of the lineage that gave rise to the sauropod dinosaurs (encompassing brontosaurus and diplodocus).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cIt teaches us that during the evolution of dinosaurs, they existed in different continents but seem to trace a hot humid path instead of dry inhospitable environments. Hopefully, we would find more in that area.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

ALSO READ:<\/strong> Entrepreneur Spotlight: Microfuse Stick By Ugandan Engineers Is The Future Of Computer<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

With the discovery of the new fossils of the Mbiresaurus raathi<\/em>, Zimbabwe experts now have a new concern. Prof Chinsamy-Turan echoed this sentiment when she told BBC, \u201cI hope there is a strict policy to ensure the handing over of such fossils to the museum to avoid losing the material.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

At the moment, the Mbiresaurus raathi<\/em> fossil remains are kept in a room in a museum in Bulawayo, a southern city in the country. A University of Edinburgh paleontologist, Steve Brusatte who was not part of the study said,<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cPrior to now we almost know nothing about the foremost dinosaurs in Africa. The discovery of Mbiresaurus raathi change<\/em>s everything. It is one of the most important discoveries in recent times about the dinosaur anywhere on the globe.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n","post_title":"Scientists Unearth Africa\u2019s Oldest Dinosaur Mbiresaurus raathi In Zimbabwe","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"scientists-unearth-mbiresaurus-raathi","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-10-16 16:59:25","post_modified_gmt":"2024-10-16 16:59:25","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/africanvibes.com\/?p=340932","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":190293,"post_author":"7","post_date":"2020-01-07 18:14:51","post_date_gmt":"2020-01-07 18:14:51","post_content":"\n\nWhat would you do if you find a priceless 18th-century crown in a suitcase?\n\nIn 1998, Sirak Asfaw, a Dutch-Ethiopian hosted Ethiopian pilots, refugees, and diplomats who were passing through Rotterdam. In the suitcase of one of his visitors, he saw an 18th-century Ethiopian crown. \n\n\"I looked into the suitcase and saw something really amazing and I thought 'this is not right. This has been stolen. This should not be here. This belongs to Ethiopia'.\"<\/em>\n\nAsfaw confronted the owner of the suitcase and told him the crown will not leave his house. \n\n\n\n\u201c[I told him the crown] will not leave my house unless it goes back to Ethiopia.\" <\/em>The owner obliged and gave him the artifact. \n

ALSO READ: Ethiopia's Prime Minister Takes Home the 2019 Nobel Peace Prize<\/a><\/strong><\/div>\n

Why Sirak Asfaw became the custodian of the Ethiopia crown<\/h2>\nShortly after having the crown in his custody, he went to a message board to ask what people thought he should do to \u2018an Ethiopian artifact\u2019. Some suggested he should turn it over to the Dutch government. Fearing the Dutch government may claim it, he decided to keep it. \n\nFor 21 years, he hid the priceless Ethiopia crown in his apartment waiting for the right time to return it. However, Ethiopians who knew he had the treasure tried to pressure him into returning it.\n\nAsfaw, who became a refugee during the \u2018Red Terror\u2019 purge where as many as 500k Ethiopians were killed in a bloodbath, talked about his decision saying\n\n\"I did not want to return it to the same regime that had made it possible for the crown to get stolen. [I decided to be the custodian] until such time it could go back. I knew if I gave it back, it would just disappear again.\u201d<\/em>\n\nWith the coming into power of Abiy Ahmed, the atmosphere was ripe to return the crown. Consequently, he contacted Arthur Brand, a Dutch \u2018art detective\u2019 and told him about the crown. In an interview, Mr. Brand said,\n\n[caption id=\"attachment_190297\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"634\"]\"\" Sirak Asfew (left) and Arthur Brand (right) pose with the 18th-century Ethiopia crown<\/em>[\/caption]\n\n
 <\/div>\n
ALSO READ: Ethiopia Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed Disarms Armed Protesting Soldiers with Push-Ups<\/a><\/strong><\/div>\n\u201cIt turns out that Sirak Asfaw had been the custodian of a rare 18th-century Ethiopia crown for the past 21 years and wants to give it back. It was a story straight from a crime thriller.\u201d<\/em>\n\nAfter returning the artifact, Asfaw said, \u201cThis is Ethiopian cultural heritage, this is Ethiopia's identity and finally it feels good to give it back.\u201d<\/em>\n

Striking features of the artifact<\/h2>\nThe Ethiopia crown is made of gilded copper. The body of the crown, around the base, bears the image of the Holy Trinity and the 12 Apostles. The crown is one of the less than 20 that were made\u2014and the most valuable of them all. The artifact bears the date 1633-34 but a research associate at Oxford University, Jacopo Gnisci suggests it may have been made a century later. He believes a powerful warlord, \u2018ras\u2019 Welde Sellase gave the crown to the church in Cheleqot, a village near Mekelle in northern Ethiopia. After confirming the authenticity of the artifact, Gnisci said,\n
ALSO READ: Ethiopian Prime Minister's War On Corruption Results In Arrests Of 59 More Officials<\/a><\/strong><\/div>\n\u201cThese crowns are of great cultural and symbolic significance in Ethiopia, as they are usually donated by high-ranking officials to churches in a practice that reaches as far back as the Late Antiquity. These crowns are of priceless symbolic value and it is important that they be returned to Ethiopia,\u201d<\/em>\n\nThe last time the Ethiopia crown was seen in public was in 1993. At that time it was worn by a priest in a photograph. However, it disappeared afterward. Investigations were launched but the culprit was never found. The artifact is currently held in a secure facility in the Netherlands pending further actions.","post_title":"Here Is What Sirak Asfaw Did When He Found A Priceless 18th-Century Crown In A Suitcase","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"priceless-ethiopia-crown-to-return-home-after-21-years-in-dutch-apartment","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-08-16 16:10:29","post_modified_gmt":"2024-08-16 16:10:29","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.africanvibes.com\/?p=190293","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":212236,"post_author":"2777","post_date":"2020-01-03 10:18:22","post_date_gmt":"2020-01-03 10:18:22","post_content":"\n

There are 1121 properties on the United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) list. Out of these large numbers, only two Nigerian cultural sites are on the list. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

They are Sukur Cultural Landscape in Adamawa State and Osun-Oshogbo Sacred Grove in Osun State. However, the government of Nigeria has identified more sites in the country that are fit to be on the list of UNESCO world heritage sites.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The minister of Information and Culture, Mr. Lai Mohammed made this known after a visit to the Osun-Oshogbo Sacred Grove. According to the minister, they were other sites in the country that meet the requirements of being on the UNESCO world heritage sites list. These include Igbo Olodumare, Kano City Walls, and Ogbunike Cave. Explaining the reason why the sites should be on the list, the minister said,<\/p>\n\n\n\n

ALSO READ:<\/strong> 10 Must See Historic Sites In Ghana<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cThe ancient Kano City Walls witnessed the famous Trans- Sahara Trade of which Kano was the dominant force. This trade linked the great kingdoms and empires of West Africa with North America and even Europe. The forests in Oke-Igbo, Ile Oluji Axis of Ondo State, which was the inspiration for D. O. Fagunwa\u2019s book, \u2018Igbo Olodumare\u2019 should be considered for the reason of its scenic state. The Ogbunike Caves<\/a> in Anambra State for its natural significance\u201d.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Ogbunike
Ogbunike Cave in Anambra State<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Other landmarks the minister wants to be on the UNESCO world heritage sites list are The Brazilian Baracoon Museum\/Point of No Return in Badagry, Lagos State and the Gashaka-Gumti National Park, Nigeria\u2019s largest national park in the eastern province of Taraba and Adamawa states close to Cameroon border.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Why Being on UNESCO World Heritage Sites List is a Big Deal<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Properties listed on UNESCO world heritage sites list are those with cultural, historical, scientific or other forms of significance. Consequently, they are under legal protection by international treaties. Such sites are important to humanity\u2019s collective interest. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Therefore, it is a thing of pride to have a country\u2019s properties on the list. Also, properties on the list get greater government attention which can be crucial for their existence. According to Mr. Mohammed,<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cThe fact that the General Assembly, comprising the entire 193 states parties, in November elected Nigeria into the UNESCO World Heritage Committee is a positive development for our quest to have more sites designated as World Heritage Sites. We shall use our presence on this Committee to fight for the enlistment of many more sites from Nigeria into the World Heritage list. Nigeria is really blessed with a lot of potential sites.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

ALSO READ:<\/strong> 10 Must-Visit Luxury Hotels In Johannesburg South Africa<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Brazilian
Brazilian Baracoon Museum Point of No Return in Badagry, Lagos State<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Threats to the Heritage Sites in Nigeria<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

The two heritage sites in Nigeria are facing significant threats. In the South, land grabbers are encroaching into the Osun-Oshogbo Sacred Grove. In the north, the fate of Sukur Cultural Landscape lies in the hands of the military. According to the minister,<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cOur gallant men and women in uniform have succeeded in repelling the attempt by the Boko Haram terrorists to destroy the Sukur Cultural Landscape.\u2019\u2019<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

However, the minister said the government will do all within its powers to protect the sites. Also, he warned land grabbers to stay clear of the 45 hectares buffer zone around the Osun-Oshogbo Sacred Grove. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Citing the importance of UNESCO world heritage sites, do you think governments around the world are doing enough to protect them? What do you think can be done better? We would love to hear your views in the comment box below.<\/p>\n","post_title":"Nigeria Identifies Landmarks Fit For Declaration As UNESCO World Heritage Sites","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"nigeria-identifies-landmarks-fit-for-declaration-as-unesco-world-heritage-sites","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-10-06 06:40:44","post_modified_gmt":"2024-10-06 06:40:44","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.africanvibes.com\/?p=212236","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":195426,"post_author":"2777","post_date":"2019-11-16 10:18:21","post_date_gmt":"2019-11-16 10:18:21","post_content":"\n\n[caption id=\"attachment_195428\" align=\"aligncenter\" width=\"735\"]\"\" New Studies Suggest Africa Was The Home Of Modern Man<\/em>[\/caption]\n\nScientists are continually trying to trace the origin of humans. A new study<\/a> says Africa was homeland of modern man. According to the study, the area Makgadikgadi-Okavango in the southern part of Africa was the home to a large population of Homo sapiens<\/em> until the advent of climate change. The fingered region is around northern Botswana.\n\nAbout 200 thousand years ago, there was an enormous lake in the region. The lake was roughly twice the size of modern-day Lake Victoria. Thus, modern humans settled there for at least 70 thousand years. However, as a result of climate change, the area is now reduced to salt plains. Consequently, the human population began to migrate roughly 130 thousand years ago. The first set of migrants ventured northeast while the second wave went southwest. However, some remained in the homeland until today.  \n

ALSO READ: 10 Most spoken Languages in Africa<\/a><\/strong><\/div>\nAccording to the researchers, it was this migration that triggered the development of human\u2019s genetic, cultural and ethnic diversity in modern man. Speaking about the new study, Vanessa Hayes from the Garvan Institute of Medical Research and the University of Sydney, and Extraordinary Professor at the University of Pretoria said,\n\n\"We've known for a long time that modern man originated in Africa roughly 200,000 years ago. But what we hadn't known until the study was where exactly this homeland was.\"<\/em>\n\n\n

The role played by mitochondrial DNA in the research<\/h2>\nTo reach the conclusion, the researchers analyzed DNA samples for about 200 Khoisan people. The ethnic group lives in modern-day Namibia and South Africa. They are known to carry a high proportion of mitogenomes called \u2018L0\u2019 lineage which are the earliest genomes of modern man. Explaining the importance of mitogenomes, Hayes said,\n\n\"Mitochondrial DNA acts like a time capsule of our ancestral mothers, accumulating changes slowly over generations. Comparing the complete DNA code, or mitogenome, from different individuals provides information on how closely they are related. Our work would not have been possible without the generous contributions of local communities and study participants in Namibia and South Africa, which allowed us to uncover rare and new L0 sub-branches.\"<\/em>\n
ALSO READ: You Can Now Study Kinyarwanda And Other African Languages In Beijing Foreign Studies University<\/a><\/strong><\/div>\nSubsequently, the researchers linked the L0 lineage timeline with the cultural, linguistic, and geographic distribution of different sub-lineages. This led to the finding that the \u2018homeland\u2019 of modern man was south of the Greater Zambezi River Basin which covers entire northern Botswana and stretches into the west of Namibia and east of Zimbabwe. Lead phylogenetic analyst, Dr. Eva Chan from Garvan Institute of Medical Research said,\n\n\"We merged 198 new, rare mitogenomes to the current database of modern human's earliest known population, the L0 lineage. This allowed us to refine the evolutionary tree of our earliest ancestral branches better than ever before.\"<\/em>\n\n\n

The uniqueness of the new study on modern man<\/h2>\nUnlike previous studies, the uniqueness of the present study lies in the combination of disciplines namely climatic physics, geology, and genetics. Geologist, Dr. Andy Moore from Rhodes University investigated existing fossil, archeological, and geological evidence to establish the one-time existence of Lake Makgadikgadi, Africa\u2019s largest lake system. He said,\n\n\"Prior to modern man emergence, the lake had begun to drain due to shifts in underlying tectonic plates. This would have created, a vast wetland, which is known to be one of the most productive ecosystems for sustaining life.\"<\/em>\n
ALSO READ: 5 Ideas for Online Investing in Africa<\/a><\/strong><\/div>\nThe range of error of previous studies was 150,000 to 250,000. However, the new study has a range of error of 165,000 to 240,000.\n

Not everyone agrees with the study<\/h2>\nSome scientists have their doubts about the authenticity of the study. For example, Sarah Tishkoff of the University of Pennsylvania argues that mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) alone is a poor tool for tracing the history of ancient Africa\u2019s population. Others argue that the female ancestors of the Khosian speakers with the L0 lineage could have migrated from somewhere else.\n\n\n\nAnother researcher who expressed doubt about the findings of the study was Chris Stringer. Stringer is a researcher of human evolution at the Natural History Museum in the UK. He highlighted the complexity of human origins study. In a statement posted on Twitter<\/a>, Stringer said,\n\n\"I am very cautious about using modern genetic distributions to infer exactly where ancestral populations were living 200,000 years ago, particularly in a continent as large and complex as Africa. Moreover, like so many studies that concentrate on one small bit of the genome, or one region, or one stone tool industry, or one 'critical' fossil, it cannot capture the full complexity of our mosaic origins, once other data are considered.\u201d<\/em>\n\nNotwithstanding the divergence in the opinion of different researchers, one thing remains clear; Africa had an important role to play in the history and evolution of modern man. We will like to know what you think about this study in the comment box.","post_title":"New Studies Suggest Africa Is The Origin Of Modern Man","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"new-studies-suggest-africa-was-the-homeland-of-modern-man","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-10-06 06:39:42","post_modified_gmt":"2024-10-06 06:39:42","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.africanvibes.com\/?p=195426","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":9778,"post_author":"7","post_date":"2017-04-19 04:47:28","post_date_gmt":"2017-04-19 04:47:28","post_content":"\n\n[caption id=\"attachment_301462\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"219\"]\"Ghana's<\/a> Ghana's Aunty Ocloo Is No Ordinary Google Doodle Photo credit ghanaianmuseum<\/em>[\/caption]\n\nA dollar. That's all Esther Afua Ocloo needed to kickstart Ghana's first food processing factory in 1942. She was a college student. And she was broke. So she used the money, a gift from her aunt, to buy some oranges, sugar, firewood, and jam jars. She produced 12 pots of marmalade. And Nkulenu Industries was born. She sold the jam to her classmates, then the school, then the country, then the world.\n\nALSO READ:\u00a0Zimbabwean Woman Gets Life-Size Statue In New York. Here Is Why<\/a><\/strong>\n\nEsther Afua Ocloo, the star of today's Google Doodle<\/a>, was more than a jam star. She also became a pioneer in the field of microfinance \u2014 lending a small amount of money to women with a dream like she once had.\n\n[caption id=\"attachment_9779\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"1000\"]\"Ghana's Photo credit Youtube<\/a><\/em>[\/caption]\n\nRead More Here >><\/strong><\/span><\/a>","post_title":"Ghana's Aunty Ocloo Is No Ordinary Google Doodle","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"ghanas-aunty-ocloo-no-ordinary-google-doodle","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-10-04 05:58:30","post_modified_gmt":"2024-10-04 05:58:30","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.africanvibes.com\/?p=9778","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"}],"next":false,"prev":false,"total_page":1},"paged":1,"column_class":"jeg_col_2o3","class":"epic_block_3"};

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See all

\n

ALSO READ: <\/strong>Tunisian Migrants Are Ditching Europe For Southern Africa. See Why<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Research curator of paleontology at the North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences, Christian Kammerer, stressed, \u201cThe foremost dinosaurs were tiny\u2014far from the giants that occupy our thoughts\u201d. Kammerer was not part of the study but shared the view with Live Science.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The discovery of Mbiresaurus raathi <\/em>fossils also reveals another important piece of information that Griffin pointed out.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cThe dinosaurs and the animals that existed mutually with them tend to be confined to a specific type of environment in the far south\u2014what we know today as India, southern Africa, and South America.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

The Triassic lineage<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
\"\"
Skeletal anatomy of the Mbiresaurus raathi holotype (NHMZ 2222) and paratype (NHMZ 2547) (Photo credit: Nature)<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Scientists are now having a better understanding of the Triassic lineage and how dinosaurs evolved from small creatures to the giant most of us know today. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

University of Cape Town paleontologist, Prof Anusuya Chinsamy-Turan told the BBC that Mbiresaurus raathi<\/em>\u2019s discovery is a vital part of the lineage that gave rise to the sauropod dinosaurs (encompassing brontosaurus and diplodocus).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cIt teaches us that during the evolution of dinosaurs, they existed in different continents but seem to trace a hot humid path instead of dry inhospitable environments. Hopefully, we would find more in that area.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

ALSO READ:<\/strong> Entrepreneur Spotlight: Microfuse Stick By Ugandan Engineers Is The Future Of Computer<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

With the discovery of the new fossils of the Mbiresaurus raathi<\/em>, Zimbabwe experts now have a new concern. Prof Chinsamy-Turan echoed this sentiment when she told BBC, \u201cI hope there is a strict policy to ensure the handing over of such fossils to the museum to avoid losing the material.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

At the moment, the Mbiresaurus raathi<\/em> fossil remains are kept in a room in a museum in Bulawayo, a southern city in the country. A University of Edinburgh paleontologist, Steve Brusatte who was not part of the study said,<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cPrior to now we almost know nothing about the foremost dinosaurs in Africa. The discovery of Mbiresaurus raathi change<\/em>s everything. It is one of the most important discoveries in recent times about the dinosaur anywhere on the globe.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n","post_title":"Scientists Unearth Africa\u2019s Oldest Dinosaur Mbiresaurus raathi In Zimbabwe","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"scientists-unearth-mbiresaurus-raathi","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-10-16 16:59:25","post_modified_gmt":"2024-10-16 16:59:25","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/africanvibes.com\/?p=340932","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":190293,"post_author":"7","post_date":"2020-01-07 18:14:51","post_date_gmt":"2020-01-07 18:14:51","post_content":"\n\nWhat would you do if you find a priceless 18th-century crown in a suitcase?\n\nIn 1998, Sirak Asfaw, a Dutch-Ethiopian hosted Ethiopian pilots, refugees, and diplomats who were passing through Rotterdam. In the suitcase of one of his visitors, he saw an 18th-century Ethiopian crown. \n\n\"I looked into the suitcase and saw something really amazing and I thought 'this is not right. This has been stolen. This should not be here. This belongs to Ethiopia'.\"<\/em>\n\nAsfaw confronted the owner of the suitcase and told him the crown will not leave his house. \n\n\n\n\u201c[I told him the crown] will not leave my house unless it goes back to Ethiopia.\" <\/em>The owner obliged and gave him the artifact. \n

ALSO READ: Ethiopia's Prime Minister Takes Home the 2019 Nobel Peace Prize<\/a><\/strong><\/div>\n

Why Sirak Asfaw became the custodian of the Ethiopia crown<\/h2>\nShortly after having the crown in his custody, he went to a message board to ask what people thought he should do to \u2018an Ethiopian artifact\u2019. Some suggested he should turn it over to the Dutch government. Fearing the Dutch government may claim it, he decided to keep it. \n\nFor 21 years, he hid the priceless Ethiopia crown in his apartment waiting for the right time to return it. However, Ethiopians who knew he had the treasure tried to pressure him into returning it.\n\nAsfaw, who became a refugee during the \u2018Red Terror\u2019 purge where as many as 500k Ethiopians were killed in a bloodbath, talked about his decision saying\n\n\"I did not want to return it to the same regime that had made it possible for the crown to get stolen. [I decided to be the custodian] until such time it could go back. I knew if I gave it back, it would just disappear again.\u201d<\/em>\n\nWith the coming into power of Abiy Ahmed, the atmosphere was ripe to return the crown. Consequently, he contacted Arthur Brand, a Dutch \u2018art detective\u2019 and told him about the crown. In an interview, Mr. Brand said,\n\n[caption id=\"attachment_190297\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"634\"]\"\" Sirak Asfew (left) and Arthur Brand (right) pose with the 18th-century Ethiopia crown<\/em>[\/caption]\n\n
 <\/div>\n
ALSO READ: Ethiopia Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed Disarms Armed Protesting Soldiers with Push-Ups<\/a><\/strong><\/div>\n\u201cIt turns out that Sirak Asfaw had been the custodian of a rare 18th-century Ethiopia crown for the past 21 years and wants to give it back. It was a story straight from a crime thriller.\u201d<\/em>\n\nAfter returning the artifact, Asfaw said, \u201cThis is Ethiopian cultural heritage, this is Ethiopia's identity and finally it feels good to give it back.\u201d<\/em>\n

Striking features of the artifact<\/h2>\nThe Ethiopia crown is made of gilded copper. The body of the crown, around the base, bears the image of the Holy Trinity and the 12 Apostles. The crown is one of the less than 20 that were made\u2014and the most valuable of them all. The artifact bears the date 1633-34 but a research associate at Oxford University, Jacopo Gnisci suggests it may have been made a century later. He believes a powerful warlord, \u2018ras\u2019 Welde Sellase gave the crown to the church in Cheleqot, a village near Mekelle in northern Ethiopia. After confirming the authenticity of the artifact, Gnisci said,\n
ALSO READ: Ethiopian Prime Minister's War On Corruption Results In Arrests Of 59 More Officials<\/a><\/strong><\/div>\n\u201cThese crowns are of great cultural and symbolic significance in Ethiopia, as they are usually donated by high-ranking officials to churches in a practice that reaches as far back as the Late Antiquity. These crowns are of priceless symbolic value and it is important that they be returned to Ethiopia,\u201d<\/em>\n\nThe last time the Ethiopia crown was seen in public was in 1993. At that time it was worn by a priest in a photograph. However, it disappeared afterward. Investigations were launched but the culprit was never found. The artifact is currently held in a secure facility in the Netherlands pending further actions.","post_title":"Here Is What Sirak Asfaw Did When He Found A Priceless 18th-Century Crown In A Suitcase","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"priceless-ethiopia-crown-to-return-home-after-21-years-in-dutch-apartment","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-08-16 16:10:29","post_modified_gmt":"2024-08-16 16:10:29","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.africanvibes.com\/?p=190293","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":212236,"post_author":"2777","post_date":"2020-01-03 10:18:22","post_date_gmt":"2020-01-03 10:18:22","post_content":"\n

There are 1121 properties on the United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) list. Out of these large numbers, only two Nigerian cultural sites are on the list. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

They are Sukur Cultural Landscape in Adamawa State and Osun-Oshogbo Sacred Grove in Osun State. However, the government of Nigeria has identified more sites in the country that are fit to be on the list of UNESCO world heritage sites.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The minister of Information and Culture, Mr. Lai Mohammed made this known after a visit to the Osun-Oshogbo Sacred Grove. According to the minister, they were other sites in the country that meet the requirements of being on the UNESCO world heritage sites list. These include Igbo Olodumare, Kano City Walls, and Ogbunike Cave. Explaining the reason why the sites should be on the list, the minister said,<\/p>\n\n\n\n

ALSO READ:<\/strong> 10 Must See Historic Sites In Ghana<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cThe ancient Kano City Walls witnessed the famous Trans- Sahara Trade of which Kano was the dominant force. This trade linked the great kingdoms and empires of West Africa with North America and even Europe. The forests in Oke-Igbo, Ile Oluji Axis of Ondo State, which was the inspiration for D. O. Fagunwa\u2019s book, \u2018Igbo Olodumare\u2019 should be considered for the reason of its scenic state. The Ogbunike Caves<\/a> in Anambra State for its natural significance\u201d.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Ogbunike
Ogbunike Cave in Anambra State<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Other landmarks the minister wants to be on the UNESCO world heritage sites list are The Brazilian Baracoon Museum\/Point of No Return in Badagry, Lagos State and the Gashaka-Gumti National Park, Nigeria\u2019s largest national park in the eastern province of Taraba and Adamawa states close to Cameroon border.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Why Being on UNESCO World Heritage Sites List is a Big Deal<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Properties listed on UNESCO world heritage sites list are those with cultural, historical, scientific or other forms of significance. Consequently, they are under legal protection by international treaties. Such sites are important to humanity\u2019s collective interest. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Therefore, it is a thing of pride to have a country\u2019s properties on the list. Also, properties on the list get greater government attention which can be crucial for their existence. According to Mr. Mohammed,<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cThe fact that the General Assembly, comprising the entire 193 states parties, in November elected Nigeria into the UNESCO World Heritage Committee is a positive development for our quest to have more sites designated as World Heritage Sites. We shall use our presence on this Committee to fight for the enlistment of many more sites from Nigeria into the World Heritage list. Nigeria is really blessed with a lot of potential sites.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

ALSO READ:<\/strong> 10 Must-Visit Luxury Hotels In Johannesburg South Africa<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Brazilian
Brazilian Baracoon Museum Point of No Return in Badagry, Lagos State<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Threats to the Heritage Sites in Nigeria<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

The two heritage sites in Nigeria are facing significant threats. In the South, land grabbers are encroaching into the Osun-Oshogbo Sacred Grove. In the north, the fate of Sukur Cultural Landscape lies in the hands of the military. According to the minister,<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cOur gallant men and women in uniform have succeeded in repelling the attempt by the Boko Haram terrorists to destroy the Sukur Cultural Landscape.\u2019\u2019<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

However, the minister said the government will do all within its powers to protect the sites. Also, he warned land grabbers to stay clear of the 45 hectares buffer zone around the Osun-Oshogbo Sacred Grove. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Citing the importance of UNESCO world heritage sites, do you think governments around the world are doing enough to protect them? What do you think can be done better? We would love to hear your views in the comment box below.<\/p>\n","post_title":"Nigeria Identifies Landmarks Fit For Declaration As UNESCO World Heritage Sites","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"nigeria-identifies-landmarks-fit-for-declaration-as-unesco-world-heritage-sites","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-10-06 06:40:44","post_modified_gmt":"2024-10-06 06:40:44","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.africanvibes.com\/?p=212236","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":195426,"post_author":"2777","post_date":"2019-11-16 10:18:21","post_date_gmt":"2019-11-16 10:18:21","post_content":"\n\n[caption id=\"attachment_195428\" align=\"aligncenter\" width=\"735\"]\"\" New Studies Suggest Africa Was The Home Of Modern Man<\/em>[\/caption]\n\nScientists are continually trying to trace the origin of humans. A new study<\/a> says Africa was homeland of modern man. According to the study, the area Makgadikgadi-Okavango in the southern part of Africa was the home to a large population of Homo sapiens<\/em> until the advent of climate change. The fingered region is around northern Botswana.\n\nAbout 200 thousand years ago, there was an enormous lake in the region. The lake was roughly twice the size of modern-day Lake Victoria. Thus, modern humans settled there for at least 70 thousand years. However, as a result of climate change, the area is now reduced to salt plains. Consequently, the human population began to migrate roughly 130 thousand years ago. The first set of migrants ventured northeast while the second wave went southwest. However, some remained in the homeland until today.  \n

ALSO READ: 10 Most spoken Languages in Africa<\/a><\/strong><\/div>\nAccording to the researchers, it was this migration that triggered the development of human\u2019s genetic, cultural and ethnic diversity in modern man. Speaking about the new study, Vanessa Hayes from the Garvan Institute of Medical Research and the University of Sydney, and Extraordinary Professor at the University of Pretoria said,\n\n\"We've known for a long time that modern man originated in Africa roughly 200,000 years ago. But what we hadn't known until the study was where exactly this homeland was.\"<\/em>\n\n\n

The role played by mitochondrial DNA in the research<\/h2>\nTo reach the conclusion, the researchers analyzed DNA samples for about 200 Khoisan people. The ethnic group lives in modern-day Namibia and South Africa. They are known to carry a high proportion of mitogenomes called \u2018L0\u2019 lineage which are the earliest genomes of modern man. Explaining the importance of mitogenomes, Hayes said,\n\n\"Mitochondrial DNA acts like a time capsule of our ancestral mothers, accumulating changes slowly over generations. Comparing the complete DNA code, or mitogenome, from different individuals provides information on how closely they are related. Our work would not have been possible without the generous contributions of local communities and study participants in Namibia and South Africa, which allowed us to uncover rare and new L0 sub-branches.\"<\/em>\n
ALSO READ: You Can Now Study Kinyarwanda And Other African Languages In Beijing Foreign Studies University<\/a><\/strong><\/div>\nSubsequently, the researchers linked the L0 lineage timeline with the cultural, linguistic, and geographic distribution of different sub-lineages. This led to the finding that the \u2018homeland\u2019 of modern man was south of the Greater Zambezi River Basin which covers entire northern Botswana and stretches into the west of Namibia and east of Zimbabwe. Lead phylogenetic analyst, Dr. Eva Chan from Garvan Institute of Medical Research said,\n\n\"We merged 198 new, rare mitogenomes to the current database of modern human's earliest known population, the L0 lineage. This allowed us to refine the evolutionary tree of our earliest ancestral branches better than ever before.\"<\/em>\n\n\n

The uniqueness of the new study on modern man<\/h2>\nUnlike previous studies, the uniqueness of the present study lies in the combination of disciplines namely climatic physics, geology, and genetics. Geologist, Dr. Andy Moore from Rhodes University investigated existing fossil, archeological, and geological evidence to establish the one-time existence of Lake Makgadikgadi, Africa\u2019s largest lake system. He said,\n\n\"Prior to modern man emergence, the lake had begun to drain due to shifts in underlying tectonic plates. This would have created, a vast wetland, which is known to be one of the most productive ecosystems for sustaining life.\"<\/em>\n
ALSO READ: 5 Ideas for Online Investing in Africa<\/a><\/strong><\/div>\nThe range of error of previous studies was 150,000 to 250,000. However, the new study has a range of error of 165,000 to 240,000.\n

Not everyone agrees with the study<\/h2>\nSome scientists have their doubts about the authenticity of the study. For example, Sarah Tishkoff of the University of Pennsylvania argues that mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) alone is a poor tool for tracing the history of ancient Africa\u2019s population. Others argue that the female ancestors of the Khosian speakers with the L0 lineage could have migrated from somewhere else.\n\n\n\nAnother researcher who expressed doubt about the findings of the study was Chris Stringer. Stringer is a researcher of human evolution at the Natural History Museum in the UK. He highlighted the complexity of human origins study. In a statement posted on Twitter<\/a>, Stringer said,\n\n\"I am very cautious about using modern genetic distributions to infer exactly where ancestral populations were living 200,000 years ago, particularly in a continent as large and complex as Africa. Moreover, like so many studies that concentrate on one small bit of the genome, or one region, or one stone tool industry, or one 'critical' fossil, it cannot capture the full complexity of our mosaic origins, once other data are considered.\u201d<\/em>\n\nNotwithstanding the divergence in the opinion of different researchers, one thing remains clear; Africa had an important role to play in the history and evolution of modern man. We will like to know what you think about this study in the comment box.","post_title":"New Studies Suggest Africa Is The Origin Of Modern Man","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"new-studies-suggest-africa-was-the-homeland-of-modern-man","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-10-06 06:39:42","post_modified_gmt":"2024-10-06 06:39:42","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.africanvibes.com\/?p=195426","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":9778,"post_author":"7","post_date":"2017-04-19 04:47:28","post_date_gmt":"2017-04-19 04:47:28","post_content":"\n\n[caption id=\"attachment_301462\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"219\"]\"Ghana's<\/a> Ghana's Aunty Ocloo Is No Ordinary Google Doodle Photo credit ghanaianmuseum<\/em>[\/caption]\n\nA dollar. That's all Esther Afua Ocloo needed to kickstart Ghana's first food processing factory in 1942. She was a college student. And she was broke. So she used the money, a gift from her aunt, to buy some oranges, sugar, firewood, and jam jars. She produced 12 pots of marmalade. And Nkulenu Industries was born. She sold the jam to her classmates, then the school, then the country, then the world.\n\nALSO READ:\u00a0Zimbabwean Woman Gets Life-Size Statue In New York. Here Is Why<\/a><\/strong>\n\nEsther Afua Ocloo, the star of today's Google Doodle<\/a>, was more than a jam star. She also became a pioneer in the field of microfinance \u2014 lending a small amount of money to women with a dream like she once had.\n\n[caption id=\"attachment_9779\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"1000\"]\"Ghana's Photo credit Youtube<\/a><\/em>[\/caption]\n\nRead More Here >><\/strong><\/span><\/a>","post_title":"Ghana's Aunty Ocloo Is No Ordinary Google Doodle","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"ghanas-aunty-ocloo-no-ordinary-google-doodle","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-10-04 05:58:30","post_modified_gmt":"2024-10-04 05:58:30","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.africanvibes.com\/?p=9778","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"}],"next":false,"prev":false,"total_page":1},"paged":1,"column_class":"jeg_col_2o3","class":"epic_block_3"};

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\n

Griffin hinted at what the discovery has helped to explain. According to him, the discovery \u201cshows that dinosaurs did not start as dominators of the world\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

ALSO READ: <\/strong>Tunisian Migrants Are Ditching Europe For Southern Africa. See Why<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Research curator of paleontology at the North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences, Christian Kammerer, stressed, \u201cThe foremost dinosaurs were tiny\u2014far from the giants that occupy our thoughts\u201d. Kammerer was not part of the study but shared the view with Live Science.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The discovery of Mbiresaurus raathi <\/em>fossils also reveals another important piece of information that Griffin pointed out.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cThe dinosaurs and the animals that existed mutually with them tend to be confined to a specific type of environment in the far south\u2014what we know today as India, southern Africa, and South America.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

The Triassic lineage<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
\"\"
Skeletal anatomy of the Mbiresaurus raathi holotype (NHMZ 2222) and paratype (NHMZ 2547) (Photo credit: Nature)<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Scientists are now having a better understanding of the Triassic lineage and how dinosaurs evolved from small creatures to the giant most of us know today. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

University of Cape Town paleontologist, Prof Anusuya Chinsamy-Turan told the BBC that Mbiresaurus raathi<\/em>\u2019s discovery is a vital part of the lineage that gave rise to the sauropod dinosaurs (encompassing brontosaurus and diplodocus).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cIt teaches us that during the evolution of dinosaurs, they existed in different continents but seem to trace a hot humid path instead of dry inhospitable environments. Hopefully, we would find more in that area.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

ALSO READ:<\/strong> Entrepreneur Spotlight: Microfuse Stick By Ugandan Engineers Is The Future Of Computer<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

With the discovery of the new fossils of the Mbiresaurus raathi<\/em>, Zimbabwe experts now have a new concern. Prof Chinsamy-Turan echoed this sentiment when she told BBC, \u201cI hope there is a strict policy to ensure the handing over of such fossils to the museum to avoid losing the material.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

At the moment, the Mbiresaurus raathi<\/em> fossil remains are kept in a room in a museum in Bulawayo, a southern city in the country. A University of Edinburgh paleontologist, Steve Brusatte who was not part of the study said,<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cPrior to now we almost know nothing about the foremost dinosaurs in Africa. The discovery of Mbiresaurus raathi change<\/em>s everything. It is one of the most important discoveries in recent times about the dinosaur anywhere on the globe.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n","post_title":"Scientists Unearth Africa\u2019s Oldest Dinosaur Mbiresaurus raathi In Zimbabwe","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"scientists-unearth-mbiresaurus-raathi","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-10-16 16:59:25","post_modified_gmt":"2024-10-16 16:59:25","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/africanvibes.com\/?p=340932","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":190293,"post_author":"7","post_date":"2020-01-07 18:14:51","post_date_gmt":"2020-01-07 18:14:51","post_content":"\n\nWhat would you do if you find a priceless 18th-century crown in a suitcase?\n\nIn 1998, Sirak Asfaw, a Dutch-Ethiopian hosted Ethiopian pilots, refugees, and diplomats who were passing through Rotterdam. In the suitcase of one of his visitors, he saw an 18th-century Ethiopian crown. \n\n\"I looked into the suitcase and saw something really amazing and I thought 'this is not right. This has been stolen. This should not be here. This belongs to Ethiopia'.\"<\/em>\n\nAsfaw confronted the owner of the suitcase and told him the crown will not leave his house. \n\n\n\n\u201c[I told him the crown] will not leave my house unless it goes back to Ethiopia.\" <\/em>The owner obliged and gave him the artifact. \n

ALSO READ: Ethiopia's Prime Minister Takes Home the 2019 Nobel Peace Prize<\/a><\/strong><\/div>\n

Why Sirak Asfaw became the custodian of the Ethiopia crown<\/h2>\nShortly after having the crown in his custody, he went to a message board to ask what people thought he should do to \u2018an Ethiopian artifact\u2019. Some suggested he should turn it over to the Dutch government. Fearing the Dutch government may claim it, he decided to keep it. \n\nFor 21 years, he hid the priceless Ethiopia crown in his apartment waiting for the right time to return it. However, Ethiopians who knew he had the treasure tried to pressure him into returning it.\n\nAsfaw, who became a refugee during the \u2018Red Terror\u2019 purge where as many as 500k Ethiopians were killed in a bloodbath, talked about his decision saying\n\n\"I did not want to return it to the same regime that had made it possible for the crown to get stolen. [I decided to be the custodian] until such time it could go back. I knew if I gave it back, it would just disappear again.\u201d<\/em>\n\nWith the coming into power of Abiy Ahmed, the atmosphere was ripe to return the crown. Consequently, he contacted Arthur Brand, a Dutch \u2018art detective\u2019 and told him about the crown. In an interview, Mr. Brand said,\n\n[caption id=\"attachment_190297\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"634\"]\"\" Sirak Asfew (left) and Arthur Brand (right) pose with the 18th-century Ethiopia crown<\/em>[\/caption]\n\n
 <\/div>\n
ALSO READ: Ethiopia Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed Disarms Armed Protesting Soldiers with Push-Ups<\/a><\/strong><\/div>\n\u201cIt turns out that Sirak Asfaw had been the custodian of a rare 18th-century Ethiopia crown for the past 21 years and wants to give it back. It was a story straight from a crime thriller.\u201d<\/em>\n\nAfter returning the artifact, Asfaw said, \u201cThis is Ethiopian cultural heritage, this is Ethiopia's identity and finally it feels good to give it back.\u201d<\/em>\n

Striking features of the artifact<\/h2>\nThe Ethiopia crown is made of gilded copper. The body of the crown, around the base, bears the image of the Holy Trinity and the 12 Apostles. The crown is one of the less than 20 that were made\u2014and the most valuable of them all. The artifact bears the date 1633-34 but a research associate at Oxford University, Jacopo Gnisci suggests it may have been made a century later. He believes a powerful warlord, \u2018ras\u2019 Welde Sellase gave the crown to the church in Cheleqot, a village near Mekelle in northern Ethiopia. After confirming the authenticity of the artifact, Gnisci said,\n
ALSO READ: Ethiopian Prime Minister's War On Corruption Results In Arrests Of 59 More Officials<\/a><\/strong><\/div>\n\u201cThese crowns are of great cultural and symbolic significance in Ethiopia, as they are usually donated by high-ranking officials to churches in a practice that reaches as far back as the Late Antiquity. These crowns are of priceless symbolic value and it is important that they be returned to Ethiopia,\u201d<\/em>\n\nThe last time the Ethiopia crown was seen in public was in 1993. At that time it was worn by a priest in a photograph. However, it disappeared afterward. Investigations were launched but the culprit was never found. The artifact is currently held in a secure facility in the Netherlands pending further actions.","post_title":"Here Is What Sirak Asfaw Did When He Found A Priceless 18th-Century Crown In A Suitcase","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"priceless-ethiopia-crown-to-return-home-after-21-years-in-dutch-apartment","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-08-16 16:10:29","post_modified_gmt":"2024-08-16 16:10:29","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.africanvibes.com\/?p=190293","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":212236,"post_author":"2777","post_date":"2020-01-03 10:18:22","post_date_gmt":"2020-01-03 10:18:22","post_content":"\n

There are 1121 properties on the United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) list. Out of these large numbers, only two Nigerian cultural sites are on the list. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

They are Sukur Cultural Landscape in Adamawa State and Osun-Oshogbo Sacred Grove in Osun State. However, the government of Nigeria has identified more sites in the country that are fit to be on the list of UNESCO world heritage sites.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The minister of Information and Culture, Mr. Lai Mohammed made this known after a visit to the Osun-Oshogbo Sacred Grove. According to the minister, they were other sites in the country that meet the requirements of being on the UNESCO world heritage sites list. These include Igbo Olodumare, Kano City Walls, and Ogbunike Cave. Explaining the reason why the sites should be on the list, the minister said,<\/p>\n\n\n\n

ALSO READ:<\/strong> 10 Must See Historic Sites In Ghana<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cThe ancient Kano City Walls witnessed the famous Trans- Sahara Trade of which Kano was the dominant force. This trade linked the great kingdoms and empires of West Africa with North America and even Europe. The forests in Oke-Igbo, Ile Oluji Axis of Ondo State, which was the inspiration for D. O. Fagunwa\u2019s book, \u2018Igbo Olodumare\u2019 should be considered for the reason of its scenic state. The Ogbunike Caves<\/a> in Anambra State for its natural significance\u201d.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Ogbunike
Ogbunike Cave in Anambra State<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Other landmarks the minister wants to be on the UNESCO world heritage sites list are The Brazilian Baracoon Museum\/Point of No Return in Badagry, Lagos State and the Gashaka-Gumti National Park, Nigeria\u2019s largest national park in the eastern province of Taraba and Adamawa states close to Cameroon border.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Why Being on UNESCO World Heritage Sites List is a Big Deal<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Properties listed on UNESCO world heritage sites list are those with cultural, historical, scientific or other forms of significance. Consequently, they are under legal protection by international treaties. Such sites are important to humanity\u2019s collective interest. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Therefore, it is a thing of pride to have a country\u2019s properties on the list. Also, properties on the list get greater government attention which can be crucial for their existence. According to Mr. Mohammed,<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cThe fact that the General Assembly, comprising the entire 193 states parties, in November elected Nigeria into the UNESCO World Heritage Committee is a positive development for our quest to have more sites designated as World Heritage Sites. We shall use our presence on this Committee to fight for the enlistment of many more sites from Nigeria into the World Heritage list. Nigeria is really blessed with a lot of potential sites.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

ALSO READ:<\/strong> 10 Must-Visit Luxury Hotels In Johannesburg South Africa<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Brazilian
Brazilian Baracoon Museum Point of No Return in Badagry, Lagos State<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Threats to the Heritage Sites in Nigeria<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

The two heritage sites in Nigeria are facing significant threats. In the South, land grabbers are encroaching into the Osun-Oshogbo Sacred Grove. In the north, the fate of Sukur Cultural Landscape lies in the hands of the military. According to the minister,<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cOur gallant men and women in uniform have succeeded in repelling the attempt by the Boko Haram terrorists to destroy the Sukur Cultural Landscape.\u2019\u2019<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

However, the minister said the government will do all within its powers to protect the sites. Also, he warned land grabbers to stay clear of the 45 hectares buffer zone around the Osun-Oshogbo Sacred Grove. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Citing the importance of UNESCO world heritage sites, do you think governments around the world are doing enough to protect them? What do you think can be done better? We would love to hear your views in the comment box below.<\/p>\n","post_title":"Nigeria Identifies Landmarks Fit For Declaration As UNESCO World Heritage Sites","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"nigeria-identifies-landmarks-fit-for-declaration-as-unesco-world-heritage-sites","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-10-06 06:40:44","post_modified_gmt":"2024-10-06 06:40:44","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.africanvibes.com\/?p=212236","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":195426,"post_author":"2777","post_date":"2019-11-16 10:18:21","post_date_gmt":"2019-11-16 10:18:21","post_content":"\n\n[caption id=\"attachment_195428\" align=\"aligncenter\" width=\"735\"]\"\" New Studies Suggest Africa Was The Home Of Modern Man<\/em>[\/caption]\n\nScientists are continually trying to trace the origin of humans. A new study<\/a> says Africa was homeland of modern man. According to the study, the area Makgadikgadi-Okavango in the southern part of Africa was the home to a large population of Homo sapiens<\/em> until the advent of climate change. The fingered region is around northern Botswana.\n\nAbout 200 thousand years ago, there was an enormous lake in the region. The lake was roughly twice the size of modern-day Lake Victoria. Thus, modern humans settled there for at least 70 thousand years. However, as a result of climate change, the area is now reduced to salt plains. Consequently, the human population began to migrate roughly 130 thousand years ago. The first set of migrants ventured northeast while the second wave went southwest. However, some remained in the homeland until today.  \n

ALSO READ: 10 Most spoken Languages in Africa<\/a><\/strong><\/div>\nAccording to the researchers, it was this migration that triggered the development of human\u2019s genetic, cultural and ethnic diversity in modern man. Speaking about the new study, Vanessa Hayes from the Garvan Institute of Medical Research and the University of Sydney, and Extraordinary Professor at the University of Pretoria said,\n\n\"We've known for a long time that modern man originated in Africa roughly 200,000 years ago. But what we hadn't known until the study was where exactly this homeland was.\"<\/em>\n\n\n

The role played by mitochondrial DNA in the research<\/h2>\nTo reach the conclusion, the researchers analyzed DNA samples for about 200 Khoisan people. The ethnic group lives in modern-day Namibia and South Africa. They are known to carry a high proportion of mitogenomes called \u2018L0\u2019 lineage which are the earliest genomes of modern man. Explaining the importance of mitogenomes, Hayes said,\n\n\"Mitochondrial DNA acts like a time capsule of our ancestral mothers, accumulating changes slowly over generations. Comparing the complete DNA code, or mitogenome, from different individuals provides information on how closely they are related. Our work would not have been possible without the generous contributions of local communities and study participants in Namibia and South Africa, which allowed us to uncover rare and new L0 sub-branches.\"<\/em>\n
ALSO READ: You Can Now Study Kinyarwanda And Other African Languages In Beijing Foreign Studies University<\/a><\/strong><\/div>\nSubsequently, the researchers linked the L0 lineage timeline with the cultural, linguistic, and geographic distribution of different sub-lineages. This led to the finding that the \u2018homeland\u2019 of modern man was south of the Greater Zambezi River Basin which covers entire northern Botswana and stretches into the west of Namibia and east of Zimbabwe. Lead phylogenetic analyst, Dr. Eva Chan from Garvan Institute of Medical Research said,\n\n\"We merged 198 new, rare mitogenomes to the current database of modern human's earliest known population, the L0 lineage. This allowed us to refine the evolutionary tree of our earliest ancestral branches better than ever before.\"<\/em>\n\n\n

The uniqueness of the new study on modern man<\/h2>\nUnlike previous studies, the uniqueness of the present study lies in the combination of disciplines namely climatic physics, geology, and genetics. Geologist, Dr. Andy Moore from Rhodes University investigated existing fossil, archeological, and geological evidence to establish the one-time existence of Lake Makgadikgadi, Africa\u2019s largest lake system. He said,\n\n\"Prior to modern man emergence, the lake had begun to drain due to shifts in underlying tectonic plates. This would have created, a vast wetland, which is known to be one of the most productive ecosystems for sustaining life.\"<\/em>\n
ALSO READ: 5 Ideas for Online Investing in Africa<\/a><\/strong><\/div>\nThe range of error of previous studies was 150,000 to 250,000. However, the new study has a range of error of 165,000 to 240,000.\n

Not everyone agrees with the study<\/h2>\nSome scientists have their doubts about the authenticity of the study. For example, Sarah Tishkoff of the University of Pennsylvania argues that mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) alone is a poor tool for tracing the history of ancient Africa\u2019s population. Others argue that the female ancestors of the Khosian speakers with the L0 lineage could have migrated from somewhere else.\n\n\n\nAnother researcher who expressed doubt about the findings of the study was Chris Stringer. Stringer is a researcher of human evolution at the Natural History Museum in the UK. He highlighted the complexity of human origins study. In a statement posted on Twitter<\/a>, Stringer said,\n\n\"I am very cautious about using modern genetic distributions to infer exactly where ancestral populations were living 200,000 years ago, particularly in a continent as large and complex as Africa. Moreover, like so many studies that concentrate on one small bit of the genome, or one region, or one stone tool industry, or one 'critical' fossil, it cannot capture the full complexity of our mosaic origins, once other data are considered.\u201d<\/em>\n\nNotwithstanding the divergence in the opinion of different researchers, one thing remains clear; Africa had an important role to play in the history and evolution of modern man. We will like to know what you think about this study in the comment box.","post_title":"New Studies Suggest Africa Is The Origin Of Modern Man","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"new-studies-suggest-africa-was-the-homeland-of-modern-man","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-10-06 06:39:42","post_modified_gmt":"2024-10-06 06:39:42","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.africanvibes.com\/?p=195426","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":9778,"post_author":"7","post_date":"2017-04-19 04:47:28","post_date_gmt":"2017-04-19 04:47:28","post_content":"\n\n[caption id=\"attachment_301462\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"219\"]\"Ghana's<\/a> Ghana's Aunty Ocloo Is No Ordinary Google Doodle Photo credit ghanaianmuseum<\/em>[\/caption]\n\nA dollar. That's all Esther Afua Ocloo needed to kickstart Ghana's first food processing factory in 1942. She was a college student. And she was broke. So she used the money, a gift from her aunt, to buy some oranges, sugar, firewood, and jam jars. She produced 12 pots of marmalade. And Nkulenu Industries was born. She sold the jam to her classmates, then the school, then the country, then the world.\n\nALSO READ:\u00a0Zimbabwean Woman Gets Life-Size Statue In New York. Here Is Why<\/a><\/strong>\n\nEsther Afua Ocloo, the star of today's Google Doodle<\/a>, was more than a jam star. She also became a pioneer in the field of microfinance \u2014 lending a small amount of money to women with a dream like she once had.\n\n[caption id=\"attachment_9779\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"1000\"]\"Ghana's Photo credit Youtube<\/a><\/em>[\/caption]\n\nRead More Here >><\/strong><\/span><\/a>","post_title":"Ghana's Aunty Ocloo Is No Ordinary Google Doodle","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"ghanas-aunty-ocloo-no-ordinary-google-doodle","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-10-04 05:58:30","post_modified_gmt":"2024-10-04 05:58:30","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.africanvibes.com\/?p=9778","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"}],"next":false,"prev":false,"total_page":1},"paged":1,"column_class":"jeg_col_2o3","class":"epic_block_3"};

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Mr. Munyikwa disclosed that the country was aware of the fossil site for decades. He also noted that there are many similar sites in the area that needed further exploration when funds become available. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Griffin hinted at what the discovery has helped to explain. According to him, the discovery \u201cshows that dinosaurs did not start as dominators of the world\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

ALSO READ: <\/strong>Tunisian Migrants Are Ditching Europe For Southern Africa. See Why<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Research curator of paleontology at the North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences, Christian Kammerer, stressed, \u201cThe foremost dinosaurs were tiny\u2014far from the giants that occupy our thoughts\u201d. Kammerer was not part of the study but shared the view with Live Science.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The discovery of Mbiresaurus raathi <\/em>fossils also reveals another important piece of information that Griffin pointed out.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cThe dinosaurs and the animals that existed mutually with them tend to be confined to a specific type of environment in the far south\u2014what we know today as India, southern Africa, and South America.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

The Triassic lineage<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
\"\"
Skeletal anatomy of the Mbiresaurus raathi holotype (NHMZ 2222) and paratype (NHMZ 2547) (Photo credit: Nature)<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Scientists are now having a better understanding of the Triassic lineage and how dinosaurs evolved from small creatures to the giant most of us know today. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

University of Cape Town paleontologist, Prof Anusuya Chinsamy-Turan told the BBC that Mbiresaurus raathi<\/em>\u2019s discovery is a vital part of the lineage that gave rise to the sauropod dinosaurs (encompassing brontosaurus and diplodocus).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cIt teaches us that during the evolution of dinosaurs, they existed in different continents but seem to trace a hot humid path instead of dry inhospitable environments. Hopefully, we would find more in that area.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

ALSO READ:<\/strong> Entrepreneur Spotlight: Microfuse Stick By Ugandan Engineers Is The Future Of Computer<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

With the discovery of the new fossils of the Mbiresaurus raathi<\/em>, Zimbabwe experts now have a new concern. Prof Chinsamy-Turan echoed this sentiment when she told BBC, \u201cI hope there is a strict policy to ensure the handing over of such fossils to the museum to avoid losing the material.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

At the moment, the Mbiresaurus raathi<\/em> fossil remains are kept in a room in a museum in Bulawayo, a southern city in the country. A University of Edinburgh paleontologist, Steve Brusatte who was not part of the study said,<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cPrior to now we almost know nothing about the foremost dinosaurs in Africa. The discovery of Mbiresaurus raathi change<\/em>s everything. It is one of the most important discoveries in recent times about the dinosaur anywhere on the globe.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n","post_title":"Scientists Unearth Africa\u2019s Oldest Dinosaur Mbiresaurus raathi In Zimbabwe","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"scientists-unearth-mbiresaurus-raathi","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-10-16 16:59:25","post_modified_gmt":"2024-10-16 16:59:25","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/africanvibes.com\/?p=340932","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":190293,"post_author":"7","post_date":"2020-01-07 18:14:51","post_date_gmt":"2020-01-07 18:14:51","post_content":"\n\nWhat would you do if you find a priceless 18th-century crown in a suitcase?\n\nIn 1998, Sirak Asfaw, a Dutch-Ethiopian hosted Ethiopian pilots, refugees, and diplomats who were passing through Rotterdam. In the suitcase of one of his visitors, he saw an 18th-century Ethiopian crown. \n\n\"I looked into the suitcase and saw something really amazing and I thought 'this is not right. This has been stolen. This should not be here. This belongs to Ethiopia'.\"<\/em>\n\nAsfaw confronted the owner of the suitcase and told him the crown will not leave his house. \n\n\n\n\u201c[I told him the crown] will not leave my house unless it goes back to Ethiopia.\" <\/em>The owner obliged and gave him the artifact. \n

ALSO READ: Ethiopia's Prime Minister Takes Home the 2019 Nobel Peace Prize<\/a><\/strong><\/div>\n

Why Sirak Asfaw became the custodian of the Ethiopia crown<\/h2>\nShortly after having the crown in his custody, he went to a message board to ask what people thought he should do to \u2018an Ethiopian artifact\u2019. Some suggested he should turn it over to the Dutch government. Fearing the Dutch government may claim it, he decided to keep it. \n\nFor 21 years, he hid the priceless Ethiopia crown in his apartment waiting for the right time to return it. However, Ethiopians who knew he had the treasure tried to pressure him into returning it.\n\nAsfaw, who became a refugee during the \u2018Red Terror\u2019 purge where as many as 500k Ethiopians were killed in a bloodbath, talked about his decision saying\n\n\"I did not want to return it to the same regime that had made it possible for the crown to get stolen. [I decided to be the custodian] until such time it could go back. I knew if I gave it back, it would just disappear again.\u201d<\/em>\n\nWith the coming into power of Abiy Ahmed, the atmosphere was ripe to return the crown. Consequently, he contacted Arthur Brand, a Dutch \u2018art detective\u2019 and told him about the crown. In an interview, Mr. Brand said,\n\n[caption id=\"attachment_190297\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"634\"]\"\" Sirak Asfew (left) and Arthur Brand (right) pose with the 18th-century Ethiopia crown<\/em>[\/caption]\n\n
 <\/div>\n
ALSO READ: Ethiopia Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed Disarms Armed Protesting Soldiers with Push-Ups<\/a><\/strong><\/div>\n\u201cIt turns out that Sirak Asfaw had been the custodian of a rare 18th-century Ethiopia crown for the past 21 years and wants to give it back. It was a story straight from a crime thriller.\u201d<\/em>\n\nAfter returning the artifact, Asfaw said, \u201cThis is Ethiopian cultural heritage, this is Ethiopia's identity and finally it feels good to give it back.\u201d<\/em>\n

Striking features of the artifact<\/h2>\nThe Ethiopia crown is made of gilded copper. The body of the crown, around the base, bears the image of the Holy Trinity and the 12 Apostles. The crown is one of the less than 20 that were made\u2014and the most valuable of them all. The artifact bears the date 1633-34 but a research associate at Oxford University, Jacopo Gnisci suggests it may have been made a century later. He believes a powerful warlord, \u2018ras\u2019 Welde Sellase gave the crown to the church in Cheleqot, a village near Mekelle in northern Ethiopia. After confirming the authenticity of the artifact, Gnisci said,\n
ALSO READ: Ethiopian Prime Minister's War On Corruption Results In Arrests Of 59 More Officials<\/a><\/strong><\/div>\n\u201cThese crowns are of great cultural and symbolic significance in Ethiopia, as they are usually donated by high-ranking officials to churches in a practice that reaches as far back as the Late Antiquity. These crowns are of priceless symbolic value and it is important that they be returned to Ethiopia,\u201d<\/em>\n\nThe last time the Ethiopia crown was seen in public was in 1993. At that time it was worn by a priest in a photograph. However, it disappeared afterward. Investigations were launched but the culprit was never found. The artifact is currently held in a secure facility in the Netherlands pending further actions.","post_title":"Here Is What Sirak Asfaw Did When He Found A Priceless 18th-Century Crown In A Suitcase","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"priceless-ethiopia-crown-to-return-home-after-21-years-in-dutch-apartment","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-08-16 16:10:29","post_modified_gmt":"2024-08-16 16:10:29","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.africanvibes.com\/?p=190293","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":212236,"post_author":"2777","post_date":"2020-01-03 10:18:22","post_date_gmt":"2020-01-03 10:18:22","post_content":"\n

There are 1121 properties on the United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) list. Out of these large numbers, only two Nigerian cultural sites are on the list. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

They are Sukur Cultural Landscape in Adamawa State and Osun-Oshogbo Sacred Grove in Osun State. However, the government of Nigeria has identified more sites in the country that are fit to be on the list of UNESCO world heritage sites.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The minister of Information and Culture, Mr. Lai Mohammed made this known after a visit to the Osun-Oshogbo Sacred Grove. According to the minister, they were other sites in the country that meet the requirements of being on the UNESCO world heritage sites list. These include Igbo Olodumare, Kano City Walls, and Ogbunike Cave. Explaining the reason why the sites should be on the list, the minister said,<\/p>\n\n\n\n

ALSO READ:<\/strong> 10 Must See Historic Sites In Ghana<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cThe ancient Kano City Walls witnessed the famous Trans- Sahara Trade of which Kano was the dominant force. This trade linked the great kingdoms and empires of West Africa with North America and even Europe. The forests in Oke-Igbo, Ile Oluji Axis of Ondo State, which was the inspiration for D. O. Fagunwa\u2019s book, \u2018Igbo Olodumare\u2019 should be considered for the reason of its scenic state. The Ogbunike Caves<\/a> in Anambra State for its natural significance\u201d.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Ogbunike
Ogbunike Cave in Anambra State<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Other landmarks the minister wants to be on the UNESCO world heritage sites list are The Brazilian Baracoon Museum\/Point of No Return in Badagry, Lagos State and the Gashaka-Gumti National Park, Nigeria\u2019s largest national park in the eastern province of Taraba and Adamawa states close to Cameroon border.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Why Being on UNESCO World Heritage Sites List is a Big Deal<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Properties listed on UNESCO world heritage sites list are those with cultural, historical, scientific or other forms of significance. Consequently, they are under legal protection by international treaties. Such sites are important to humanity\u2019s collective interest. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Therefore, it is a thing of pride to have a country\u2019s properties on the list. Also, properties on the list get greater government attention which can be crucial for their existence. According to Mr. Mohammed,<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cThe fact that the General Assembly, comprising the entire 193 states parties, in November elected Nigeria into the UNESCO World Heritage Committee is a positive development for our quest to have more sites designated as World Heritage Sites. We shall use our presence on this Committee to fight for the enlistment of many more sites from Nigeria into the World Heritage list. Nigeria is really blessed with a lot of potential sites.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

ALSO READ:<\/strong> 10 Must-Visit Luxury Hotels In Johannesburg South Africa<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Brazilian
Brazilian Baracoon Museum Point of No Return in Badagry, Lagos State<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Threats to the Heritage Sites in Nigeria<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

The two heritage sites in Nigeria are facing significant threats. In the South, land grabbers are encroaching into the Osun-Oshogbo Sacred Grove. In the north, the fate of Sukur Cultural Landscape lies in the hands of the military. According to the minister,<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cOur gallant men and women in uniform have succeeded in repelling the attempt by the Boko Haram terrorists to destroy the Sukur Cultural Landscape.\u2019\u2019<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

However, the minister said the government will do all within its powers to protect the sites. Also, he warned land grabbers to stay clear of the 45 hectares buffer zone around the Osun-Oshogbo Sacred Grove. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Citing the importance of UNESCO world heritage sites, do you think governments around the world are doing enough to protect them? What do you think can be done better? We would love to hear your views in the comment box below.<\/p>\n","post_title":"Nigeria Identifies Landmarks Fit For Declaration As UNESCO World Heritage Sites","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"nigeria-identifies-landmarks-fit-for-declaration-as-unesco-world-heritage-sites","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-10-06 06:40:44","post_modified_gmt":"2024-10-06 06:40:44","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.africanvibes.com\/?p=212236","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":195426,"post_author":"2777","post_date":"2019-11-16 10:18:21","post_date_gmt":"2019-11-16 10:18:21","post_content":"\n\n[caption id=\"attachment_195428\" align=\"aligncenter\" width=\"735\"]\"\" New Studies Suggest Africa Was The Home Of Modern Man<\/em>[\/caption]\n\nScientists are continually trying to trace the origin of humans. A new study<\/a> says Africa was homeland of modern man. According to the study, the area Makgadikgadi-Okavango in the southern part of Africa was the home to a large population of Homo sapiens<\/em> until the advent of climate change. The fingered region is around northern Botswana.\n\nAbout 200 thousand years ago, there was an enormous lake in the region. The lake was roughly twice the size of modern-day Lake Victoria. Thus, modern humans settled there for at least 70 thousand years. However, as a result of climate change, the area is now reduced to salt plains. Consequently, the human population began to migrate roughly 130 thousand years ago. The first set of migrants ventured northeast while the second wave went southwest. However, some remained in the homeland until today.  \n

ALSO READ: 10 Most spoken Languages in Africa<\/a><\/strong><\/div>\nAccording to the researchers, it was this migration that triggered the development of human\u2019s genetic, cultural and ethnic diversity in modern man. Speaking about the new study, Vanessa Hayes from the Garvan Institute of Medical Research and the University of Sydney, and Extraordinary Professor at the University of Pretoria said,\n\n\"We've known for a long time that modern man originated in Africa roughly 200,000 years ago. But what we hadn't known until the study was where exactly this homeland was.\"<\/em>\n\n\n

The role played by mitochondrial DNA in the research<\/h2>\nTo reach the conclusion, the researchers analyzed DNA samples for about 200 Khoisan people. The ethnic group lives in modern-day Namibia and South Africa. They are known to carry a high proportion of mitogenomes called \u2018L0\u2019 lineage which are the earliest genomes of modern man. Explaining the importance of mitogenomes, Hayes said,\n\n\"Mitochondrial DNA acts like a time capsule of our ancestral mothers, accumulating changes slowly over generations. Comparing the complete DNA code, or mitogenome, from different individuals provides information on how closely they are related. Our work would not have been possible without the generous contributions of local communities and study participants in Namibia and South Africa, which allowed us to uncover rare and new L0 sub-branches.\"<\/em>\n
ALSO READ: You Can Now Study Kinyarwanda And Other African Languages In Beijing Foreign Studies University<\/a><\/strong><\/div>\nSubsequently, the researchers linked the L0 lineage timeline with the cultural, linguistic, and geographic distribution of different sub-lineages. This led to the finding that the \u2018homeland\u2019 of modern man was south of the Greater Zambezi River Basin which covers entire northern Botswana and stretches into the west of Namibia and east of Zimbabwe. Lead phylogenetic analyst, Dr. Eva Chan from Garvan Institute of Medical Research said,\n\n\"We merged 198 new, rare mitogenomes to the current database of modern human's earliest known population, the L0 lineage. This allowed us to refine the evolutionary tree of our earliest ancestral branches better than ever before.\"<\/em>\n\n\n

The uniqueness of the new study on modern man<\/h2>\nUnlike previous studies, the uniqueness of the present study lies in the combination of disciplines namely climatic physics, geology, and genetics. Geologist, Dr. Andy Moore from Rhodes University investigated existing fossil, archeological, and geological evidence to establish the one-time existence of Lake Makgadikgadi, Africa\u2019s largest lake system. He said,\n\n\"Prior to modern man emergence, the lake had begun to drain due to shifts in underlying tectonic plates. This would have created, a vast wetland, which is known to be one of the most productive ecosystems for sustaining life.\"<\/em>\n
ALSO READ: 5 Ideas for Online Investing in Africa<\/a><\/strong><\/div>\nThe range of error of previous studies was 150,000 to 250,000. However, the new study has a range of error of 165,000 to 240,000.\n

Not everyone agrees with the study<\/h2>\nSome scientists have their doubts about the authenticity of the study. For example, Sarah Tishkoff of the University of Pennsylvania argues that mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) alone is a poor tool for tracing the history of ancient Africa\u2019s population. Others argue that the female ancestors of the Khosian speakers with the L0 lineage could have migrated from somewhere else.\n\n\n\nAnother researcher who expressed doubt about the findings of the study was Chris Stringer. Stringer is a researcher of human evolution at the Natural History Museum in the UK. He highlighted the complexity of human origins study. In a statement posted on Twitter<\/a>, Stringer said,\n\n\"I am very cautious about using modern genetic distributions to infer exactly where ancestral populations were living 200,000 years ago, particularly in a continent as large and complex as Africa. Moreover, like so many studies that concentrate on one small bit of the genome, or one region, or one stone tool industry, or one 'critical' fossil, it cannot capture the full complexity of our mosaic origins, once other data are considered.\u201d<\/em>\n\nNotwithstanding the divergence in the opinion of different researchers, one thing remains clear; Africa had an important role to play in the history and evolution of modern man. We will like to know what you think about this study in the comment box.","post_title":"New Studies Suggest Africa Is The Origin Of Modern Man","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"new-studies-suggest-africa-was-the-homeland-of-modern-man","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-10-06 06:39:42","post_modified_gmt":"2024-10-06 06:39:42","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.africanvibes.com\/?p=195426","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":9778,"post_author":"7","post_date":"2017-04-19 04:47:28","post_date_gmt":"2017-04-19 04:47:28","post_content":"\n\n[caption id=\"attachment_301462\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"219\"]\"Ghana's<\/a> Ghana's Aunty Ocloo Is No Ordinary Google Doodle Photo credit ghanaianmuseum<\/em>[\/caption]\n\nA dollar. That's all Esther Afua Ocloo needed to kickstart Ghana's first food processing factory in 1942. She was a college student. And she was broke. So she used the money, a gift from her aunt, to buy some oranges, sugar, firewood, and jam jars. She produced 12 pots of marmalade. And Nkulenu Industries was born. She sold the jam to her classmates, then the school, then the country, then the world.\n\nALSO READ:\u00a0Zimbabwean Woman Gets Life-Size Statue In New York. Here Is Why<\/a><\/strong>\n\nEsther Afua Ocloo, the star of today's Google Doodle<\/a>, was more than a jam star. She also became a pioneer in the field of microfinance \u2014 lending a small amount of money to women with a dream like she once had.\n\n[caption id=\"attachment_9779\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"1000\"]\"Ghana's Photo credit Youtube<\/a><\/em>[\/caption]\n\nRead More Here >><\/strong><\/span><\/a>","post_title":"Ghana's Aunty Ocloo Is No Ordinary Google Doodle","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"ghanas-aunty-ocloo-no-ordinary-google-doodle","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-10-04 05:58:30","post_modified_gmt":"2024-10-04 05:58:30","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.africanvibes.com\/?p=9778","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"}],"next":false,"prev":false,"total_page":1},"paged":1,"column_class":"jeg_col_2o3","class":"epic_block_3"};

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\n

The finding beams more light on the migration and evolution of earlier dinosaurs. Speaking to BBC, the deputy director of National Museums and Monuments of Zimbabwe, Darlington Munyikwa, who took part in the discovery said, \u201cFossils from the Triassic age in the study of early dinosaurs is rare\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Mr. Munyikwa disclosed that the country was aware of the fossil site for decades. He also noted that there are many similar sites in the area that needed further exploration when funds become available. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Griffin hinted at what the discovery has helped to explain. According to him, the discovery \u201cshows that dinosaurs did not start as dominators of the world\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

ALSO READ: <\/strong>Tunisian Migrants Are Ditching Europe For Southern Africa. See Why<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Research curator of paleontology at the North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences, Christian Kammerer, stressed, \u201cThe foremost dinosaurs were tiny\u2014far from the giants that occupy our thoughts\u201d. Kammerer was not part of the study but shared the view with Live Science.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The discovery of Mbiresaurus raathi <\/em>fossils also reveals another important piece of information that Griffin pointed out.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cThe dinosaurs and the animals that existed mutually with them tend to be confined to a specific type of environment in the far south\u2014what we know today as India, southern Africa, and South America.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

The Triassic lineage<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
\"\"
Skeletal anatomy of the Mbiresaurus raathi holotype (NHMZ 2222) and paratype (NHMZ 2547) (Photo credit: Nature)<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Scientists are now having a better understanding of the Triassic lineage and how dinosaurs evolved from small creatures to the giant most of us know today. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

University of Cape Town paleontologist, Prof Anusuya Chinsamy-Turan told the BBC that Mbiresaurus raathi<\/em>\u2019s discovery is a vital part of the lineage that gave rise to the sauropod dinosaurs (encompassing brontosaurus and diplodocus).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cIt teaches us that during the evolution of dinosaurs, they existed in different continents but seem to trace a hot humid path instead of dry inhospitable environments. Hopefully, we would find more in that area.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

ALSO READ:<\/strong> Entrepreneur Spotlight: Microfuse Stick By Ugandan Engineers Is The Future Of Computer<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

With the discovery of the new fossils of the Mbiresaurus raathi<\/em>, Zimbabwe experts now have a new concern. Prof Chinsamy-Turan echoed this sentiment when she told BBC, \u201cI hope there is a strict policy to ensure the handing over of such fossils to the museum to avoid losing the material.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

At the moment, the Mbiresaurus raathi<\/em> fossil remains are kept in a room in a museum in Bulawayo, a southern city in the country. A University of Edinburgh paleontologist, Steve Brusatte who was not part of the study said,<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cPrior to now we almost know nothing about the foremost dinosaurs in Africa. The discovery of Mbiresaurus raathi change<\/em>s everything. It is one of the most important discoveries in recent times about the dinosaur anywhere on the globe.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n","post_title":"Scientists Unearth Africa\u2019s Oldest Dinosaur Mbiresaurus raathi In Zimbabwe","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"scientists-unearth-mbiresaurus-raathi","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-10-16 16:59:25","post_modified_gmt":"2024-10-16 16:59:25","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/africanvibes.com\/?p=340932","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":190293,"post_author":"7","post_date":"2020-01-07 18:14:51","post_date_gmt":"2020-01-07 18:14:51","post_content":"\n\nWhat would you do if you find a priceless 18th-century crown in a suitcase?\n\nIn 1998, Sirak Asfaw, a Dutch-Ethiopian hosted Ethiopian pilots, refugees, and diplomats who were passing through Rotterdam. In the suitcase of one of his visitors, he saw an 18th-century Ethiopian crown. \n\n\"I looked into the suitcase and saw something really amazing and I thought 'this is not right. This has been stolen. This should not be here. This belongs to Ethiopia'.\"<\/em>\n\nAsfaw confronted the owner of the suitcase and told him the crown will not leave his house. \n\n\n\n\u201c[I told him the crown] will not leave my house unless it goes back to Ethiopia.\" <\/em>The owner obliged and gave him the artifact. \n

ALSO READ: Ethiopia's Prime Minister Takes Home the 2019 Nobel Peace Prize<\/a><\/strong><\/div>\n

Why Sirak Asfaw became the custodian of the Ethiopia crown<\/h2>\nShortly after having the crown in his custody, he went to a message board to ask what people thought he should do to \u2018an Ethiopian artifact\u2019. Some suggested he should turn it over to the Dutch government. Fearing the Dutch government may claim it, he decided to keep it. \n\nFor 21 years, he hid the priceless Ethiopia crown in his apartment waiting for the right time to return it. However, Ethiopians who knew he had the treasure tried to pressure him into returning it.\n\nAsfaw, who became a refugee during the \u2018Red Terror\u2019 purge where as many as 500k Ethiopians were killed in a bloodbath, talked about his decision saying\n\n\"I did not want to return it to the same regime that had made it possible for the crown to get stolen. [I decided to be the custodian] until such time it could go back. I knew if I gave it back, it would just disappear again.\u201d<\/em>\n\nWith the coming into power of Abiy Ahmed, the atmosphere was ripe to return the crown. Consequently, he contacted Arthur Brand, a Dutch \u2018art detective\u2019 and told him about the crown. In an interview, Mr. Brand said,\n\n[caption id=\"attachment_190297\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"634\"]\"\" Sirak Asfew (left) and Arthur Brand (right) pose with the 18th-century Ethiopia crown<\/em>[\/caption]\n\n
 <\/div>\n
ALSO READ: Ethiopia Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed Disarms Armed Protesting Soldiers with Push-Ups<\/a><\/strong><\/div>\n\u201cIt turns out that Sirak Asfaw had been the custodian of a rare 18th-century Ethiopia crown for the past 21 years and wants to give it back. It was a story straight from a crime thriller.\u201d<\/em>\n\nAfter returning the artifact, Asfaw said, \u201cThis is Ethiopian cultural heritage, this is Ethiopia's identity and finally it feels good to give it back.\u201d<\/em>\n

Striking features of the artifact<\/h2>\nThe Ethiopia crown is made of gilded copper. The body of the crown, around the base, bears the image of the Holy Trinity and the 12 Apostles. The crown is one of the less than 20 that were made\u2014and the most valuable of them all. The artifact bears the date 1633-34 but a research associate at Oxford University, Jacopo Gnisci suggests it may have been made a century later. He believes a powerful warlord, \u2018ras\u2019 Welde Sellase gave the crown to the church in Cheleqot, a village near Mekelle in northern Ethiopia. After confirming the authenticity of the artifact, Gnisci said,\n
ALSO READ: Ethiopian Prime Minister's War On Corruption Results In Arrests Of 59 More Officials<\/a><\/strong><\/div>\n\u201cThese crowns are of great cultural and symbolic significance in Ethiopia, as they are usually donated by high-ranking officials to churches in a practice that reaches as far back as the Late Antiquity. These crowns are of priceless symbolic value and it is important that they be returned to Ethiopia,\u201d<\/em>\n\nThe last time the Ethiopia crown was seen in public was in 1993. At that time it was worn by a priest in a photograph. However, it disappeared afterward. Investigations were launched but the culprit was never found. The artifact is currently held in a secure facility in the Netherlands pending further actions.","post_title":"Here Is What Sirak Asfaw Did When He Found A Priceless 18th-Century Crown In A Suitcase","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"priceless-ethiopia-crown-to-return-home-after-21-years-in-dutch-apartment","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-08-16 16:10:29","post_modified_gmt":"2024-08-16 16:10:29","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.africanvibes.com\/?p=190293","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":212236,"post_author":"2777","post_date":"2020-01-03 10:18:22","post_date_gmt":"2020-01-03 10:18:22","post_content":"\n

There are 1121 properties on the United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) list. Out of these large numbers, only two Nigerian cultural sites are on the list. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

They are Sukur Cultural Landscape in Adamawa State and Osun-Oshogbo Sacred Grove in Osun State. However, the government of Nigeria has identified more sites in the country that are fit to be on the list of UNESCO world heritage sites.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The minister of Information and Culture, Mr. Lai Mohammed made this known after a visit to the Osun-Oshogbo Sacred Grove. According to the minister, they were other sites in the country that meet the requirements of being on the UNESCO world heritage sites list. These include Igbo Olodumare, Kano City Walls, and Ogbunike Cave. Explaining the reason why the sites should be on the list, the minister said,<\/p>\n\n\n\n

ALSO READ:<\/strong> 10 Must See Historic Sites In Ghana<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cThe ancient Kano City Walls witnessed the famous Trans- Sahara Trade of which Kano was the dominant force. This trade linked the great kingdoms and empires of West Africa with North America and even Europe. The forests in Oke-Igbo, Ile Oluji Axis of Ondo State, which was the inspiration for D. O. Fagunwa\u2019s book, \u2018Igbo Olodumare\u2019 should be considered for the reason of its scenic state. The Ogbunike Caves<\/a> in Anambra State for its natural significance\u201d.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Ogbunike
Ogbunike Cave in Anambra State<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Other landmarks the minister wants to be on the UNESCO world heritage sites list are The Brazilian Baracoon Museum\/Point of No Return in Badagry, Lagos State and the Gashaka-Gumti National Park, Nigeria\u2019s largest national park in the eastern province of Taraba and Adamawa states close to Cameroon border.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Why Being on UNESCO World Heritage Sites List is a Big Deal<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Properties listed on UNESCO world heritage sites list are those with cultural, historical, scientific or other forms of significance. Consequently, they are under legal protection by international treaties. Such sites are important to humanity\u2019s collective interest. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Therefore, it is a thing of pride to have a country\u2019s properties on the list. Also, properties on the list get greater government attention which can be crucial for their existence. According to Mr. Mohammed,<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cThe fact that the General Assembly, comprising the entire 193 states parties, in November elected Nigeria into the UNESCO World Heritage Committee is a positive development for our quest to have more sites designated as World Heritage Sites. We shall use our presence on this Committee to fight for the enlistment of many more sites from Nigeria into the World Heritage list. Nigeria is really blessed with a lot of potential sites.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

ALSO READ:<\/strong> 10 Must-Visit Luxury Hotels In Johannesburg South Africa<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Brazilian
Brazilian Baracoon Museum Point of No Return in Badagry, Lagos State<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Threats to the Heritage Sites in Nigeria<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

The two heritage sites in Nigeria are facing significant threats. In the South, land grabbers are encroaching into the Osun-Oshogbo Sacred Grove. In the north, the fate of Sukur Cultural Landscape lies in the hands of the military. According to the minister,<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cOur gallant men and women in uniform have succeeded in repelling the attempt by the Boko Haram terrorists to destroy the Sukur Cultural Landscape.\u2019\u2019<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

However, the minister said the government will do all within its powers to protect the sites. Also, he warned land grabbers to stay clear of the 45 hectares buffer zone around the Osun-Oshogbo Sacred Grove. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Citing the importance of UNESCO world heritage sites, do you think governments around the world are doing enough to protect them? What do you think can be done better? We would love to hear your views in the comment box below.<\/p>\n","post_title":"Nigeria Identifies Landmarks Fit For Declaration As UNESCO World Heritage Sites","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"nigeria-identifies-landmarks-fit-for-declaration-as-unesco-world-heritage-sites","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-10-06 06:40:44","post_modified_gmt":"2024-10-06 06:40:44","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.africanvibes.com\/?p=212236","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":195426,"post_author":"2777","post_date":"2019-11-16 10:18:21","post_date_gmt":"2019-11-16 10:18:21","post_content":"\n\n[caption id=\"attachment_195428\" align=\"aligncenter\" width=\"735\"]\"\" New Studies Suggest Africa Was The Home Of Modern Man<\/em>[\/caption]\n\nScientists are continually trying to trace the origin of humans. A new study<\/a> says Africa was homeland of modern man. According to the study, the area Makgadikgadi-Okavango in the southern part of Africa was the home to a large population of Homo sapiens<\/em> until the advent of climate change. The fingered region is around northern Botswana.\n\nAbout 200 thousand years ago, there was an enormous lake in the region. The lake was roughly twice the size of modern-day Lake Victoria. Thus, modern humans settled there for at least 70 thousand years. However, as a result of climate change, the area is now reduced to salt plains. Consequently, the human population began to migrate roughly 130 thousand years ago. The first set of migrants ventured northeast while the second wave went southwest. However, some remained in the homeland until today.  \n

ALSO READ: 10 Most spoken Languages in Africa<\/a><\/strong><\/div>\nAccording to the researchers, it was this migration that triggered the development of human\u2019s genetic, cultural and ethnic diversity in modern man. Speaking about the new study, Vanessa Hayes from the Garvan Institute of Medical Research and the University of Sydney, and Extraordinary Professor at the University of Pretoria said,\n\n\"We've known for a long time that modern man originated in Africa roughly 200,000 years ago. But what we hadn't known until the study was where exactly this homeland was.\"<\/em>\n\n\n

The role played by mitochondrial DNA in the research<\/h2>\nTo reach the conclusion, the researchers analyzed DNA samples for about 200 Khoisan people. The ethnic group lives in modern-day Namibia and South Africa. They are known to carry a high proportion of mitogenomes called \u2018L0\u2019 lineage which are the earliest genomes of modern man. Explaining the importance of mitogenomes, Hayes said,\n\n\"Mitochondrial DNA acts like a time capsule of our ancestral mothers, accumulating changes slowly over generations. Comparing the complete DNA code, or mitogenome, from different individuals provides information on how closely they are related. Our work would not have been possible without the generous contributions of local communities and study participants in Namibia and South Africa, which allowed us to uncover rare and new L0 sub-branches.\"<\/em>\n
ALSO READ: You Can Now Study Kinyarwanda And Other African Languages In Beijing Foreign Studies University<\/a><\/strong><\/div>\nSubsequently, the researchers linked the L0 lineage timeline with the cultural, linguistic, and geographic distribution of different sub-lineages. This led to the finding that the \u2018homeland\u2019 of modern man was south of the Greater Zambezi River Basin which covers entire northern Botswana and stretches into the west of Namibia and east of Zimbabwe. Lead phylogenetic analyst, Dr. Eva Chan from Garvan Institute of Medical Research said,\n\n\"We merged 198 new, rare mitogenomes to the current database of modern human's earliest known population, the L0 lineage. This allowed us to refine the evolutionary tree of our earliest ancestral branches better than ever before.\"<\/em>\n\n\n

The uniqueness of the new study on modern man<\/h2>\nUnlike previous studies, the uniqueness of the present study lies in the combination of disciplines namely climatic physics, geology, and genetics. Geologist, Dr. Andy Moore from Rhodes University investigated existing fossil, archeological, and geological evidence to establish the one-time existence of Lake Makgadikgadi, Africa\u2019s largest lake system. He said,\n\n\"Prior to modern man emergence, the lake had begun to drain due to shifts in underlying tectonic plates. This would have created, a vast wetland, which is known to be one of the most productive ecosystems for sustaining life.\"<\/em>\n
ALSO READ: 5 Ideas for Online Investing in Africa<\/a><\/strong><\/div>\nThe range of error of previous studies was 150,000 to 250,000. However, the new study has a range of error of 165,000 to 240,000.\n

Not everyone agrees with the study<\/h2>\nSome scientists have their doubts about the authenticity of the study. For example, Sarah Tishkoff of the University of Pennsylvania argues that mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) alone is a poor tool for tracing the history of ancient Africa\u2019s population. Others argue that the female ancestors of the Khosian speakers with the L0 lineage could have migrated from somewhere else.\n\n\n\nAnother researcher who expressed doubt about the findings of the study was Chris Stringer. Stringer is a researcher of human evolution at the Natural History Museum in the UK. He highlighted the complexity of human origins study. In a statement posted on Twitter<\/a>, Stringer said,\n\n\"I am very cautious about using modern genetic distributions to infer exactly where ancestral populations were living 200,000 years ago, particularly in a continent as large and complex as Africa. Moreover, like so many studies that concentrate on one small bit of the genome, or one region, or one stone tool industry, or one 'critical' fossil, it cannot capture the full complexity of our mosaic origins, once other data are considered.\u201d<\/em>\n\nNotwithstanding the divergence in the opinion of different researchers, one thing remains clear; Africa had an important role to play in the history and evolution of modern man. We will like to know what you think about this study in the comment box.","post_title":"New Studies Suggest Africa Is The Origin Of Modern Man","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"new-studies-suggest-africa-was-the-homeland-of-modern-man","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-10-06 06:39:42","post_modified_gmt":"2024-10-06 06:39:42","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.africanvibes.com\/?p=195426","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":9778,"post_author":"7","post_date":"2017-04-19 04:47:28","post_date_gmt":"2017-04-19 04:47:28","post_content":"\n\n[caption id=\"attachment_301462\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"219\"]\"Ghana's<\/a> Ghana's Aunty Ocloo Is No Ordinary Google Doodle Photo credit ghanaianmuseum<\/em>[\/caption]\n\nA dollar. That's all Esther Afua Ocloo needed to kickstart Ghana's first food processing factory in 1942. She was a college student. And she was broke. So she used the money, a gift from her aunt, to buy some oranges, sugar, firewood, and jam jars. She produced 12 pots of marmalade. And Nkulenu Industries was born. She sold the jam to her classmates, then the school, then the country, then the world.\n\nALSO READ:\u00a0Zimbabwean Woman Gets Life-Size Statue In New York. Here Is Why<\/a><\/strong>\n\nEsther Afua Ocloo, the star of today's Google Doodle<\/a>, was more than a jam star. She also became a pioneer in the field of microfinance \u2014 lending a small amount of money to women with a dream like she once had.\n\n[caption id=\"attachment_9779\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"1000\"]\"Ghana's Photo credit Youtube<\/a><\/em>[\/caption]\n\nRead More Here >><\/strong><\/span><\/a>","post_title":"Ghana's Aunty Ocloo Is No Ordinary Google Doodle","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"ghanas-aunty-ocloo-no-ordinary-google-doodle","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-10-04 05:58:30","post_modified_gmt":"2024-10-04 05:58:30","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.africanvibes.com\/?p=9778","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"}],"next":false,"prev":false,"total_page":1},"paged":1,"column_class":"jeg_col_2o3","class":"epic_block_3"};

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\n

The discovery of Mbiresaurus raathi <\/em>which is one of the oldest dinosaurs has shed more light on the Triassic era which ended over 200 million years ago. Fossils from the era have been discovered in India, South America, and now Zimbabwe.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The finding beams more light on the migration and evolution of earlier dinosaurs. Speaking to BBC, the deputy director of National Museums and Monuments of Zimbabwe, Darlington Munyikwa, who took part in the discovery said, \u201cFossils from the Triassic age in the study of early dinosaurs is rare\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Mr. Munyikwa disclosed that the country was aware of the fossil site for decades. He also noted that there are many similar sites in the area that needed further exploration when funds become available. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Griffin hinted at what the discovery has helped to explain. According to him, the discovery \u201cshows that dinosaurs did not start as dominators of the world\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

ALSO READ: <\/strong>Tunisian Migrants Are Ditching Europe For Southern Africa. See Why<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Research curator of paleontology at the North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences, Christian Kammerer, stressed, \u201cThe foremost dinosaurs were tiny\u2014far from the giants that occupy our thoughts\u201d. Kammerer was not part of the study but shared the view with Live Science.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The discovery of Mbiresaurus raathi <\/em>fossils also reveals another important piece of information that Griffin pointed out.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cThe dinosaurs and the animals that existed mutually with them tend to be confined to a specific type of environment in the far south\u2014what we know today as India, southern Africa, and South America.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

The Triassic lineage<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
\"\"
Skeletal anatomy of the Mbiresaurus raathi holotype (NHMZ 2222) and paratype (NHMZ 2547) (Photo credit: Nature)<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Scientists are now having a better understanding of the Triassic lineage and how dinosaurs evolved from small creatures to the giant most of us know today. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

University of Cape Town paleontologist, Prof Anusuya Chinsamy-Turan told the BBC that Mbiresaurus raathi<\/em>\u2019s discovery is a vital part of the lineage that gave rise to the sauropod dinosaurs (encompassing brontosaurus and diplodocus).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cIt teaches us that during the evolution of dinosaurs, they existed in different continents but seem to trace a hot humid path instead of dry inhospitable environments. Hopefully, we would find more in that area.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

ALSO READ:<\/strong> Entrepreneur Spotlight: Microfuse Stick By Ugandan Engineers Is The Future Of Computer<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

With the discovery of the new fossils of the Mbiresaurus raathi<\/em>, Zimbabwe experts now have a new concern. Prof Chinsamy-Turan echoed this sentiment when she told BBC, \u201cI hope there is a strict policy to ensure the handing over of such fossils to the museum to avoid losing the material.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

At the moment, the Mbiresaurus raathi<\/em> fossil remains are kept in a room in a museum in Bulawayo, a southern city in the country. A University of Edinburgh paleontologist, Steve Brusatte who was not part of the study said,<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cPrior to now we almost know nothing about the foremost dinosaurs in Africa. The discovery of Mbiresaurus raathi change<\/em>s everything. It is one of the most important discoveries in recent times about the dinosaur anywhere on the globe.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n","post_title":"Scientists Unearth Africa\u2019s Oldest Dinosaur Mbiresaurus raathi In Zimbabwe","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"scientists-unearth-mbiresaurus-raathi","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-10-16 16:59:25","post_modified_gmt":"2024-10-16 16:59:25","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/africanvibes.com\/?p=340932","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":190293,"post_author":"7","post_date":"2020-01-07 18:14:51","post_date_gmt":"2020-01-07 18:14:51","post_content":"\n\nWhat would you do if you find a priceless 18th-century crown in a suitcase?\n\nIn 1998, Sirak Asfaw, a Dutch-Ethiopian hosted Ethiopian pilots, refugees, and diplomats who were passing through Rotterdam. In the suitcase of one of his visitors, he saw an 18th-century Ethiopian crown. \n\n\"I looked into the suitcase and saw something really amazing and I thought 'this is not right. This has been stolen. This should not be here. This belongs to Ethiopia'.\"<\/em>\n\nAsfaw confronted the owner of the suitcase and told him the crown will not leave his house. \n\n\n\n\u201c[I told him the crown] will not leave my house unless it goes back to Ethiopia.\" <\/em>The owner obliged and gave him the artifact. \n

ALSO READ: Ethiopia's Prime Minister Takes Home the 2019 Nobel Peace Prize<\/a><\/strong><\/div>\n

Why Sirak Asfaw became the custodian of the Ethiopia crown<\/h2>\nShortly after having the crown in his custody, he went to a message board to ask what people thought he should do to \u2018an Ethiopian artifact\u2019. Some suggested he should turn it over to the Dutch government. Fearing the Dutch government may claim it, he decided to keep it. \n\nFor 21 years, he hid the priceless Ethiopia crown in his apartment waiting for the right time to return it. However, Ethiopians who knew he had the treasure tried to pressure him into returning it.\n\nAsfaw, who became a refugee during the \u2018Red Terror\u2019 purge where as many as 500k Ethiopians were killed in a bloodbath, talked about his decision saying\n\n\"I did not want to return it to the same regime that had made it possible for the crown to get stolen. [I decided to be the custodian] until such time it could go back. I knew if I gave it back, it would just disappear again.\u201d<\/em>\n\nWith the coming into power of Abiy Ahmed, the atmosphere was ripe to return the crown. Consequently, he contacted Arthur Brand, a Dutch \u2018art detective\u2019 and told him about the crown. In an interview, Mr. Brand said,\n\n[caption id=\"attachment_190297\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"634\"]\"\" Sirak Asfew (left) and Arthur Brand (right) pose with the 18th-century Ethiopia crown<\/em>[\/caption]\n\n
 <\/div>\n
ALSO READ: Ethiopia Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed Disarms Armed Protesting Soldiers with Push-Ups<\/a><\/strong><\/div>\n\u201cIt turns out that Sirak Asfaw had been the custodian of a rare 18th-century Ethiopia crown for the past 21 years and wants to give it back. It was a story straight from a crime thriller.\u201d<\/em>\n\nAfter returning the artifact, Asfaw said, \u201cThis is Ethiopian cultural heritage, this is Ethiopia's identity and finally it feels good to give it back.\u201d<\/em>\n

Striking features of the artifact<\/h2>\nThe Ethiopia crown is made of gilded copper. The body of the crown, around the base, bears the image of the Holy Trinity and the 12 Apostles. The crown is one of the less than 20 that were made\u2014and the most valuable of them all. The artifact bears the date 1633-34 but a research associate at Oxford University, Jacopo Gnisci suggests it may have been made a century later. He believes a powerful warlord, \u2018ras\u2019 Welde Sellase gave the crown to the church in Cheleqot, a village near Mekelle in northern Ethiopia. After confirming the authenticity of the artifact, Gnisci said,\n
ALSO READ: Ethiopian Prime Minister's War On Corruption Results In Arrests Of 59 More Officials<\/a><\/strong><\/div>\n\u201cThese crowns are of great cultural and symbolic significance in Ethiopia, as they are usually donated by high-ranking officials to churches in a practice that reaches as far back as the Late Antiquity. These crowns are of priceless symbolic value and it is important that they be returned to Ethiopia,\u201d<\/em>\n\nThe last time the Ethiopia crown was seen in public was in 1993. At that time it was worn by a priest in a photograph. However, it disappeared afterward. Investigations were launched but the culprit was never found. The artifact is currently held in a secure facility in the Netherlands pending further actions.","post_title":"Here Is What Sirak Asfaw Did When He Found A Priceless 18th-Century Crown In A Suitcase","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"priceless-ethiopia-crown-to-return-home-after-21-years-in-dutch-apartment","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-08-16 16:10:29","post_modified_gmt":"2024-08-16 16:10:29","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.africanvibes.com\/?p=190293","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":212236,"post_author":"2777","post_date":"2020-01-03 10:18:22","post_date_gmt":"2020-01-03 10:18:22","post_content":"\n

There are 1121 properties on the United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) list. Out of these large numbers, only two Nigerian cultural sites are on the list. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

They are Sukur Cultural Landscape in Adamawa State and Osun-Oshogbo Sacred Grove in Osun State. However, the government of Nigeria has identified more sites in the country that are fit to be on the list of UNESCO world heritage sites.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The minister of Information and Culture, Mr. Lai Mohammed made this known after a visit to the Osun-Oshogbo Sacred Grove. According to the minister, they were other sites in the country that meet the requirements of being on the UNESCO world heritage sites list. These include Igbo Olodumare, Kano City Walls, and Ogbunike Cave. Explaining the reason why the sites should be on the list, the minister said,<\/p>\n\n\n\n

ALSO READ:<\/strong> 10 Must See Historic Sites In Ghana<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cThe ancient Kano City Walls witnessed the famous Trans- Sahara Trade of which Kano was the dominant force. This trade linked the great kingdoms and empires of West Africa with North America and even Europe. The forests in Oke-Igbo, Ile Oluji Axis of Ondo State, which was the inspiration for D. O. Fagunwa\u2019s book, \u2018Igbo Olodumare\u2019 should be considered for the reason of its scenic state. The Ogbunike Caves<\/a> in Anambra State for its natural significance\u201d.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Ogbunike
Ogbunike Cave in Anambra State<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Other landmarks the minister wants to be on the UNESCO world heritage sites list are The Brazilian Baracoon Museum\/Point of No Return in Badagry, Lagos State and the Gashaka-Gumti National Park, Nigeria\u2019s largest national park in the eastern province of Taraba and Adamawa states close to Cameroon border.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Why Being on UNESCO World Heritage Sites List is a Big Deal<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Properties listed on UNESCO world heritage sites list are those with cultural, historical, scientific or other forms of significance. Consequently, they are under legal protection by international treaties. Such sites are important to humanity\u2019s collective interest. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Therefore, it is a thing of pride to have a country\u2019s properties on the list. Also, properties on the list get greater government attention which can be crucial for their existence. According to Mr. Mohammed,<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cThe fact that the General Assembly, comprising the entire 193 states parties, in November elected Nigeria into the UNESCO World Heritage Committee is a positive development for our quest to have more sites designated as World Heritage Sites. We shall use our presence on this Committee to fight for the enlistment of many more sites from Nigeria into the World Heritage list. Nigeria is really blessed with a lot of potential sites.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

ALSO READ:<\/strong> 10 Must-Visit Luxury Hotels In Johannesburg South Africa<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Brazilian
Brazilian Baracoon Museum Point of No Return in Badagry, Lagos State<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Threats to the Heritage Sites in Nigeria<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

The two heritage sites in Nigeria are facing significant threats. In the South, land grabbers are encroaching into the Osun-Oshogbo Sacred Grove. In the north, the fate of Sukur Cultural Landscape lies in the hands of the military. According to the minister,<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cOur gallant men and women in uniform have succeeded in repelling the attempt by the Boko Haram terrorists to destroy the Sukur Cultural Landscape.\u2019\u2019<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

However, the minister said the government will do all within its powers to protect the sites. Also, he warned land grabbers to stay clear of the 45 hectares buffer zone around the Osun-Oshogbo Sacred Grove. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Citing the importance of UNESCO world heritage sites, do you think governments around the world are doing enough to protect them? What do you think can be done better? We would love to hear your views in the comment box below.<\/p>\n","post_title":"Nigeria Identifies Landmarks Fit For Declaration As UNESCO World Heritage Sites","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"nigeria-identifies-landmarks-fit-for-declaration-as-unesco-world-heritage-sites","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-10-06 06:40:44","post_modified_gmt":"2024-10-06 06:40:44","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.africanvibes.com\/?p=212236","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":195426,"post_author":"2777","post_date":"2019-11-16 10:18:21","post_date_gmt":"2019-11-16 10:18:21","post_content":"\n\n[caption id=\"attachment_195428\" align=\"aligncenter\" width=\"735\"]\"\" New Studies Suggest Africa Was The Home Of Modern Man<\/em>[\/caption]\n\nScientists are continually trying to trace the origin of humans. A new study<\/a> says Africa was homeland of modern man. According to the study, the area Makgadikgadi-Okavango in the southern part of Africa was the home to a large population of Homo sapiens<\/em> until the advent of climate change. The fingered region is around northern Botswana.\n\nAbout 200 thousand years ago, there was an enormous lake in the region. The lake was roughly twice the size of modern-day Lake Victoria. Thus, modern humans settled there for at least 70 thousand years. However, as a result of climate change, the area is now reduced to salt plains. Consequently, the human population began to migrate roughly 130 thousand years ago. The first set of migrants ventured northeast while the second wave went southwest. However, some remained in the homeland until today.  \n

ALSO READ: 10 Most spoken Languages in Africa<\/a><\/strong><\/div>\nAccording to the researchers, it was this migration that triggered the development of human\u2019s genetic, cultural and ethnic diversity in modern man. Speaking about the new study, Vanessa Hayes from the Garvan Institute of Medical Research and the University of Sydney, and Extraordinary Professor at the University of Pretoria said,\n\n\"We've known for a long time that modern man originated in Africa roughly 200,000 years ago. But what we hadn't known until the study was where exactly this homeland was.\"<\/em>\n\n\n

The role played by mitochondrial DNA in the research<\/h2>\nTo reach the conclusion, the researchers analyzed DNA samples for about 200 Khoisan people. The ethnic group lives in modern-day Namibia and South Africa. They are known to carry a high proportion of mitogenomes called \u2018L0\u2019 lineage which are the earliest genomes of modern man. Explaining the importance of mitogenomes, Hayes said,\n\n\"Mitochondrial DNA acts like a time capsule of our ancestral mothers, accumulating changes slowly over generations. Comparing the complete DNA code, or mitogenome, from different individuals provides information on how closely they are related. Our work would not have been possible without the generous contributions of local communities and study participants in Namibia and South Africa, which allowed us to uncover rare and new L0 sub-branches.\"<\/em>\n
ALSO READ: You Can Now Study Kinyarwanda And Other African Languages In Beijing Foreign Studies University<\/a><\/strong><\/div>\nSubsequently, the researchers linked the L0 lineage timeline with the cultural, linguistic, and geographic distribution of different sub-lineages. This led to the finding that the \u2018homeland\u2019 of modern man was south of the Greater Zambezi River Basin which covers entire northern Botswana and stretches into the west of Namibia and east of Zimbabwe. Lead phylogenetic analyst, Dr. Eva Chan from Garvan Institute of Medical Research said,\n\n\"We merged 198 new, rare mitogenomes to the current database of modern human's earliest known population, the L0 lineage. This allowed us to refine the evolutionary tree of our earliest ancestral branches better than ever before.\"<\/em>\n\n\n

The uniqueness of the new study on modern man<\/h2>\nUnlike previous studies, the uniqueness of the present study lies in the combination of disciplines namely climatic physics, geology, and genetics. Geologist, Dr. Andy Moore from Rhodes University investigated existing fossil, archeological, and geological evidence to establish the one-time existence of Lake Makgadikgadi, Africa\u2019s largest lake system. He said,\n\n\"Prior to modern man emergence, the lake had begun to drain due to shifts in underlying tectonic plates. This would have created, a vast wetland, which is known to be one of the most productive ecosystems for sustaining life.\"<\/em>\n
ALSO READ: 5 Ideas for Online Investing in Africa<\/a><\/strong><\/div>\nThe range of error of previous studies was 150,000 to 250,000. However, the new study has a range of error of 165,000 to 240,000.\n

Not everyone agrees with the study<\/h2>\nSome scientists have their doubts about the authenticity of the study. For example, Sarah Tishkoff of the University of Pennsylvania argues that mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) alone is a poor tool for tracing the history of ancient Africa\u2019s population. Others argue that the female ancestors of the Khosian speakers with the L0 lineage could have migrated from somewhere else.\n\n\n\nAnother researcher who expressed doubt about the findings of the study was Chris Stringer. Stringer is a researcher of human evolution at the Natural History Museum in the UK. He highlighted the complexity of human origins study. In a statement posted on Twitter<\/a>, Stringer said,\n\n\"I am very cautious about using modern genetic distributions to infer exactly where ancestral populations were living 200,000 years ago, particularly in a continent as large and complex as Africa. Moreover, like so many studies that concentrate on one small bit of the genome, or one region, or one stone tool industry, or one 'critical' fossil, it cannot capture the full complexity of our mosaic origins, once other data are considered.\u201d<\/em>\n\nNotwithstanding the divergence in the opinion of different researchers, one thing remains clear; Africa had an important role to play in the history and evolution of modern man. We will like to know what you think about this study in the comment box.","post_title":"New Studies Suggest Africa Is The Origin Of Modern Man","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"new-studies-suggest-africa-was-the-homeland-of-modern-man","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-10-06 06:39:42","post_modified_gmt":"2024-10-06 06:39:42","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.africanvibes.com\/?p=195426","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":9778,"post_author":"7","post_date":"2017-04-19 04:47:28","post_date_gmt":"2017-04-19 04:47:28","post_content":"\n\n[caption id=\"attachment_301462\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"219\"]\"Ghana's<\/a> Ghana's Aunty Ocloo Is No Ordinary Google Doodle Photo credit ghanaianmuseum<\/em>[\/caption]\n\nA dollar. That's all Esther Afua Ocloo needed to kickstart Ghana's first food processing factory in 1942. She was a college student. And she was broke. So she used the money, a gift from her aunt, to buy some oranges, sugar, firewood, and jam jars. She produced 12 pots of marmalade. And Nkulenu Industries was born. She sold the jam to her classmates, then the school, then the country, then the world.\n\nALSO READ:\u00a0Zimbabwean Woman Gets Life-Size Statue In New York. Here Is Why<\/a><\/strong>\n\nEsther Afua Ocloo, the star of today's Google Doodle<\/a>, was more than a jam star. She also became a pioneer in the field of microfinance \u2014 lending a small amount of money to women with a dream like she once had.\n\n[caption id=\"attachment_9779\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"1000\"]\"Ghana's Photo credit Youtube<\/a><\/em>[\/caption]\n\nRead More Here >><\/strong><\/span><\/a>","post_title":"Ghana's Aunty Ocloo Is No Ordinary Google Doodle","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"ghanas-aunty-ocloo-no-ordinary-google-doodle","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-10-04 05:58:30","post_modified_gmt":"2024-10-04 05:58:30","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.africanvibes.com\/?p=9778","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"}],"next":false,"prev":false,"total_page":1},"paged":1,"column_class":"jeg_col_2o3","class":"epic_block_3"};

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\n
\"The
The new Zimbabwean assemblage is on the same palaeolatitudinal climatic belt as other Carnian dinosaur-bearing assemblages and has a similar taxonomic composition (Photo credit: Nature)<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

The discovery of Mbiresaurus raathi <\/em>which is one of the oldest dinosaurs has shed more light on the Triassic era which ended over 200 million years ago. Fossils from the era have been discovered in India, South America, and now Zimbabwe.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The finding beams more light on the migration and evolution of earlier dinosaurs. Speaking to BBC, the deputy director of National Museums and Monuments of Zimbabwe, Darlington Munyikwa, who took part in the discovery said, \u201cFossils from the Triassic age in the study of early dinosaurs is rare\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Mr. Munyikwa disclosed that the country was aware of the fossil site for decades. He also noted that there are many similar sites in the area that needed further exploration when funds become available. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Griffin hinted at what the discovery has helped to explain. According to him, the discovery \u201cshows that dinosaurs did not start as dominators of the world\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

ALSO READ: <\/strong>Tunisian Migrants Are Ditching Europe For Southern Africa. See Why<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Research curator of paleontology at the North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences, Christian Kammerer, stressed, \u201cThe foremost dinosaurs were tiny\u2014far from the giants that occupy our thoughts\u201d. Kammerer was not part of the study but shared the view with Live Science.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The discovery of Mbiresaurus raathi <\/em>fossils also reveals another important piece of information that Griffin pointed out.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cThe dinosaurs and the animals that existed mutually with them tend to be confined to a specific type of environment in the far south\u2014what we know today as India, southern Africa, and South America.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

The Triassic lineage<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
\"\"
Skeletal anatomy of the Mbiresaurus raathi holotype (NHMZ 2222) and paratype (NHMZ 2547) (Photo credit: Nature)<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Scientists are now having a better understanding of the Triassic lineage and how dinosaurs evolved from small creatures to the giant most of us know today. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

University of Cape Town paleontologist, Prof Anusuya Chinsamy-Turan told the BBC that Mbiresaurus raathi<\/em>\u2019s discovery is a vital part of the lineage that gave rise to the sauropod dinosaurs (encompassing brontosaurus and diplodocus).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cIt teaches us that during the evolution of dinosaurs, they existed in different continents but seem to trace a hot humid path instead of dry inhospitable environments. Hopefully, we would find more in that area.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

ALSO READ:<\/strong> Entrepreneur Spotlight: Microfuse Stick By Ugandan Engineers Is The Future Of Computer<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

With the discovery of the new fossils of the Mbiresaurus raathi<\/em>, Zimbabwe experts now have a new concern. Prof Chinsamy-Turan echoed this sentiment when she told BBC, \u201cI hope there is a strict policy to ensure the handing over of such fossils to the museum to avoid losing the material.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

At the moment, the Mbiresaurus raathi<\/em> fossil remains are kept in a room in a museum in Bulawayo, a southern city in the country. A University of Edinburgh paleontologist, Steve Brusatte who was not part of the study said,<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cPrior to now we almost know nothing about the foremost dinosaurs in Africa. The discovery of Mbiresaurus raathi change<\/em>s everything. It is one of the most important discoveries in recent times about the dinosaur anywhere on the globe.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n","post_title":"Scientists Unearth Africa\u2019s Oldest Dinosaur Mbiresaurus raathi In Zimbabwe","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"scientists-unearth-mbiresaurus-raathi","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-10-16 16:59:25","post_modified_gmt":"2024-10-16 16:59:25","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/africanvibes.com\/?p=340932","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":190293,"post_author":"7","post_date":"2020-01-07 18:14:51","post_date_gmt":"2020-01-07 18:14:51","post_content":"\n\nWhat would you do if you find a priceless 18th-century crown in a suitcase?\n\nIn 1998, Sirak Asfaw, a Dutch-Ethiopian hosted Ethiopian pilots, refugees, and diplomats who were passing through Rotterdam. In the suitcase of one of his visitors, he saw an 18th-century Ethiopian crown. \n\n\"I looked into the suitcase and saw something really amazing and I thought 'this is not right. This has been stolen. This should not be here. This belongs to Ethiopia'.\"<\/em>\n\nAsfaw confronted the owner of the suitcase and told him the crown will not leave his house. \n\n\n\n\u201c[I told him the crown] will not leave my house unless it goes back to Ethiopia.\" <\/em>The owner obliged and gave him the artifact. \n

ALSO READ: Ethiopia's Prime Minister Takes Home the 2019 Nobel Peace Prize<\/a><\/strong><\/div>\n

Why Sirak Asfaw became the custodian of the Ethiopia crown<\/h2>\nShortly after having the crown in his custody, he went to a message board to ask what people thought he should do to \u2018an Ethiopian artifact\u2019. Some suggested he should turn it over to the Dutch government. Fearing the Dutch government may claim it, he decided to keep it. \n\nFor 21 years, he hid the priceless Ethiopia crown in his apartment waiting for the right time to return it. However, Ethiopians who knew he had the treasure tried to pressure him into returning it.\n\nAsfaw, who became a refugee during the \u2018Red Terror\u2019 purge where as many as 500k Ethiopians were killed in a bloodbath, talked about his decision saying\n\n\"I did not want to return it to the same regime that had made it possible for the crown to get stolen. [I decided to be the custodian] until such time it could go back. I knew if I gave it back, it would just disappear again.\u201d<\/em>\n\nWith the coming into power of Abiy Ahmed, the atmosphere was ripe to return the crown. Consequently, he contacted Arthur Brand, a Dutch \u2018art detective\u2019 and told him about the crown. In an interview, Mr. Brand said,\n\n[caption id=\"attachment_190297\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"634\"]\"\" Sirak Asfew (left) and Arthur Brand (right) pose with the 18th-century Ethiopia crown<\/em>[\/caption]\n\n
 <\/div>\n
ALSO READ: Ethiopia Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed Disarms Armed Protesting Soldiers with Push-Ups<\/a><\/strong><\/div>\n\u201cIt turns out that Sirak Asfaw had been the custodian of a rare 18th-century Ethiopia crown for the past 21 years and wants to give it back. It was a story straight from a crime thriller.\u201d<\/em>\n\nAfter returning the artifact, Asfaw said, \u201cThis is Ethiopian cultural heritage, this is Ethiopia's identity and finally it feels good to give it back.\u201d<\/em>\n

Striking features of the artifact<\/h2>\nThe Ethiopia crown is made of gilded copper. The body of the crown, around the base, bears the image of the Holy Trinity and the 12 Apostles. The crown is one of the less than 20 that were made\u2014and the most valuable of them all. The artifact bears the date 1633-34 but a research associate at Oxford University, Jacopo Gnisci suggests it may have been made a century later. He believes a powerful warlord, \u2018ras\u2019 Welde Sellase gave the crown to the church in Cheleqot, a village near Mekelle in northern Ethiopia. After confirming the authenticity of the artifact, Gnisci said,\n
ALSO READ: Ethiopian Prime Minister's War On Corruption Results In Arrests Of 59 More Officials<\/a><\/strong><\/div>\n\u201cThese crowns are of great cultural and symbolic significance in Ethiopia, as they are usually donated by high-ranking officials to churches in a practice that reaches as far back as the Late Antiquity. These crowns are of priceless symbolic value and it is important that they be returned to Ethiopia,\u201d<\/em>\n\nThe last time the Ethiopia crown was seen in public was in 1993. At that time it was worn by a priest in a photograph. However, it disappeared afterward. Investigations were launched but the culprit was never found. The artifact is currently held in a secure facility in the Netherlands pending further actions.","post_title":"Here Is What Sirak Asfaw Did When He Found A Priceless 18th-Century Crown In A Suitcase","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"priceless-ethiopia-crown-to-return-home-after-21-years-in-dutch-apartment","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-08-16 16:10:29","post_modified_gmt":"2024-08-16 16:10:29","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.africanvibes.com\/?p=190293","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":212236,"post_author":"2777","post_date":"2020-01-03 10:18:22","post_date_gmt":"2020-01-03 10:18:22","post_content":"\n

There are 1121 properties on the United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) list. Out of these large numbers, only two Nigerian cultural sites are on the list. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

They are Sukur Cultural Landscape in Adamawa State and Osun-Oshogbo Sacred Grove in Osun State. However, the government of Nigeria has identified more sites in the country that are fit to be on the list of UNESCO world heritage sites.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The minister of Information and Culture, Mr. Lai Mohammed made this known after a visit to the Osun-Oshogbo Sacred Grove. According to the minister, they were other sites in the country that meet the requirements of being on the UNESCO world heritage sites list. These include Igbo Olodumare, Kano City Walls, and Ogbunike Cave. Explaining the reason why the sites should be on the list, the minister said,<\/p>\n\n\n\n

ALSO READ:<\/strong> 10 Must See Historic Sites In Ghana<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cThe ancient Kano City Walls witnessed the famous Trans- Sahara Trade of which Kano was the dominant force. This trade linked the great kingdoms and empires of West Africa with North America and even Europe. The forests in Oke-Igbo, Ile Oluji Axis of Ondo State, which was the inspiration for D. O. Fagunwa\u2019s book, \u2018Igbo Olodumare\u2019 should be considered for the reason of its scenic state. The Ogbunike Caves<\/a> in Anambra State for its natural significance\u201d.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Ogbunike
Ogbunike Cave in Anambra State<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Other landmarks the minister wants to be on the UNESCO world heritage sites list are The Brazilian Baracoon Museum\/Point of No Return in Badagry, Lagos State and the Gashaka-Gumti National Park, Nigeria\u2019s largest national park in the eastern province of Taraba and Adamawa states close to Cameroon border.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Why Being on UNESCO World Heritage Sites List is a Big Deal<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Properties listed on UNESCO world heritage sites list are those with cultural, historical, scientific or other forms of significance. Consequently, they are under legal protection by international treaties. Such sites are important to humanity\u2019s collective interest. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Therefore, it is a thing of pride to have a country\u2019s properties on the list. Also, properties on the list get greater government attention which can be crucial for their existence. According to Mr. Mohammed,<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cThe fact that the General Assembly, comprising the entire 193 states parties, in November elected Nigeria into the UNESCO World Heritage Committee is a positive development for our quest to have more sites designated as World Heritage Sites. We shall use our presence on this Committee to fight for the enlistment of many more sites from Nigeria into the World Heritage list. Nigeria is really blessed with a lot of potential sites.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

ALSO READ:<\/strong> 10 Must-Visit Luxury Hotels In Johannesburg South Africa<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Brazilian
Brazilian Baracoon Museum Point of No Return in Badagry, Lagos State<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Threats to the Heritage Sites in Nigeria<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

The two heritage sites in Nigeria are facing significant threats. In the South, land grabbers are encroaching into the Osun-Oshogbo Sacred Grove. In the north, the fate of Sukur Cultural Landscape lies in the hands of the military. According to the minister,<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cOur gallant men and women in uniform have succeeded in repelling the attempt by the Boko Haram terrorists to destroy the Sukur Cultural Landscape.\u2019\u2019<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

However, the minister said the government will do all within its powers to protect the sites. Also, he warned land grabbers to stay clear of the 45 hectares buffer zone around the Osun-Oshogbo Sacred Grove. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Citing the importance of UNESCO world heritage sites, do you think governments around the world are doing enough to protect them? What do you think can be done better? We would love to hear your views in the comment box below.<\/p>\n","post_title":"Nigeria Identifies Landmarks Fit For Declaration As UNESCO World Heritage Sites","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"nigeria-identifies-landmarks-fit-for-declaration-as-unesco-world-heritage-sites","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-10-06 06:40:44","post_modified_gmt":"2024-10-06 06:40:44","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.africanvibes.com\/?p=212236","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":195426,"post_author":"2777","post_date":"2019-11-16 10:18:21","post_date_gmt":"2019-11-16 10:18:21","post_content":"\n\n[caption id=\"attachment_195428\" align=\"aligncenter\" width=\"735\"]\"\" New Studies Suggest Africa Was The Home Of Modern Man<\/em>[\/caption]\n\nScientists are continually trying to trace the origin of humans. A new study<\/a> says Africa was homeland of modern man. According to the study, the area Makgadikgadi-Okavango in the southern part of Africa was the home to a large population of Homo sapiens<\/em> until the advent of climate change. The fingered region is around northern Botswana.\n\nAbout 200 thousand years ago, there was an enormous lake in the region. The lake was roughly twice the size of modern-day Lake Victoria. Thus, modern humans settled there for at least 70 thousand years. However, as a result of climate change, the area is now reduced to salt plains. Consequently, the human population began to migrate roughly 130 thousand years ago. The first set of migrants ventured northeast while the second wave went southwest. However, some remained in the homeland until today.  \n

ALSO READ: 10 Most spoken Languages in Africa<\/a><\/strong><\/div>\nAccording to the researchers, it was this migration that triggered the development of human\u2019s genetic, cultural and ethnic diversity in modern man. Speaking about the new study, Vanessa Hayes from the Garvan Institute of Medical Research and the University of Sydney, and Extraordinary Professor at the University of Pretoria said,\n\n\"We've known for a long time that modern man originated in Africa roughly 200,000 years ago. But what we hadn't known until the study was where exactly this homeland was.\"<\/em>\n\n\n

The role played by mitochondrial DNA in the research<\/h2>\nTo reach the conclusion, the researchers analyzed DNA samples for about 200 Khoisan people. The ethnic group lives in modern-day Namibia and South Africa. They are known to carry a high proportion of mitogenomes called \u2018L0\u2019 lineage which are the earliest genomes of modern man. Explaining the importance of mitogenomes, Hayes said,\n\n\"Mitochondrial DNA acts like a time capsule of our ancestral mothers, accumulating changes slowly over generations. Comparing the complete DNA code, or mitogenome, from different individuals provides information on how closely they are related. Our work would not have been possible without the generous contributions of local communities and study participants in Namibia and South Africa, which allowed us to uncover rare and new L0 sub-branches.\"<\/em>\n
ALSO READ: You Can Now Study Kinyarwanda And Other African Languages In Beijing Foreign Studies University<\/a><\/strong><\/div>\nSubsequently, the researchers linked the L0 lineage timeline with the cultural, linguistic, and geographic distribution of different sub-lineages. This led to the finding that the \u2018homeland\u2019 of modern man was south of the Greater Zambezi River Basin which covers entire northern Botswana and stretches into the west of Namibia and east of Zimbabwe. Lead phylogenetic analyst, Dr. Eva Chan from Garvan Institute of Medical Research said,\n\n\"We merged 198 new, rare mitogenomes to the current database of modern human's earliest known population, the L0 lineage. This allowed us to refine the evolutionary tree of our earliest ancestral branches better than ever before.\"<\/em>\n\n\n

The uniqueness of the new study on modern man<\/h2>\nUnlike previous studies, the uniqueness of the present study lies in the combination of disciplines namely climatic physics, geology, and genetics. Geologist, Dr. Andy Moore from Rhodes University investigated existing fossil, archeological, and geological evidence to establish the one-time existence of Lake Makgadikgadi, Africa\u2019s largest lake system. He said,\n\n\"Prior to modern man emergence, the lake had begun to drain due to shifts in underlying tectonic plates. This would have created, a vast wetland, which is known to be one of the most productive ecosystems for sustaining life.\"<\/em>\n
ALSO READ: 5 Ideas for Online Investing in Africa<\/a><\/strong><\/div>\nThe range of error of previous studies was 150,000 to 250,000. However, the new study has a range of error of 165,000 to 240,000.\n

Not everyone agrees with the study<\/h2>\nSome scientists have their doubts about the authenticity of the study. For example, Sarah Tishkoff of the University of Pennsylvania argues that mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) alone is a poor tool for tracing the history of ancient Africa\u2019s population. Others argue that the female ancestors of the Khosian speakers with the L0 lineage could have migrated from somewhere else.\n\n\n\nAnother researcher who expressed doubt about the findings of the study was Chris Stringer. Stringer is a researcher of human evolution at the Natural History Museum in the UK. He highlighted the complexity of human origins study. In a statement posted on Twitter<\/a>, Stringer said,\n\n\"I am very cautious about using modern genetic distributions to infer exactly where ancestral populations were living 200,000 years ago, particularly in a continent as large and complex as Africa. Moreover, like so many studies that concentrate on one small bit of the genome, or one region, or one stone tool industry, or one 'critical' fossil, it cannot capture the full complexity of our mosaic origins, once other data are considered.\u201d<\/em>\n\nNotwithstanding the divergence in the opinion of different researchers, one thing remains clear; Africa had an important role to play in the history and evolution of modern man. We will like to know what you think about this study in the comment box.","post_title":"New Studies Suggest Africa Is The Origin Of Modern Man","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"new-studies-suggest-africa-was-the-homeland-of-modern-man","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-10-06 06:39:42","post_modified_gmt":"2024-10-06 06:39:42","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.africanvibes.com\/?p=195426","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":9778,"post_author":"7","post_date":"2017-04-19 04:47:28","post_date_gmt":"2017-04-19 04:47:28","post_content":"\n\n[caption id=\"attachment_301462\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"219\"]\"Ghana's<\/a> Ghana's Aunty Ocloo Is No Ordinary Google Doodle Photo credit ghanaianmuseum<\/em>[\/caption]\n\nA dollar. That's all Esther Afua Ocloo needed to kickstart Ghana's first food processing factory in 1942. She was a college student. And she was broke. So she used the money, a gift from her aunt, to buy some oranges, sugar, firewood, and jam jars. She produced 12 pots of marmalade. And Nkulenu Industries was born. She sold the jam to her classmates, then the school, then the country, then the world.\n\nALSO READ:\u00a0Zimbabwean Woman Gets Life-Size Statue In New York. Here Is Why<\/a><\/strong>\n\nEsther Afua Ocloo, the star of today's Google Doodle<\/a>, was more than a jam star. She also became a pioneer in the field of microfinance \u2014 lending a small amount of money to women with a dream like she once had.\n\n[caption id=\"attachment_9779\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"1000\"]\"Ghana's Photo credit Youtube<\/a><\/em>[\/caption]\n\nRead More Here >><\/strong><\/span><\/a>","post_title":"Ghana's Aunty Ocloo Is No Ordinary Google Doodle","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"ghanas-aunty-ocloo-no-ordinary-google-doodle","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-10-04 05:58:30","post_modified_gmt":"2024-10-04 05:58:30","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.africanvibes.com\/?p=9778","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"}],"next":false,"prev":false,"total_page":1},"paged":1,"column_class":"jeg_col_2o3","class":"epic_block_3"};

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\n

The implications of the discovery of Mbiresaurus raathi<\/em><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
\"The
The new Zimbabwean assemblage is on the same palaeolatitudinal climatic belt as other Carnian dinosaur-bearing assemblages and has a similar taxonomic composition (Photo credit: Nature)<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

The discovery of Mbiresaurus raathi <\/em>which is one of the oldest dinosaurs has shed more light on the Triassic era which ended over 200 million years ago. Fossils from the era have been discovered in India, South America, and now Zimbabwe.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The finding beams more light on the migration and evolution of earlier dinosaurs. Speaking to BBC, the deputy director of National Museums and Monuments of Zimbabwe, Darlington Munyikwa, who took part in the discovery said, \u201cFossils from the Triassic age in the study of early dinosaurs is rare\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Mr. Munyikwa disclosed that the country was aware of the fossil site for decades. He also noted that there are many similar sites in the area that needed further exploration when funds become available. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Griffin hinted at what the discovery has helped to explain. According to him, the discovery \u201cshows that dinosaurs did not start as dominators of the world\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

ALSO READ: <\/strong>Tunisian Migrants Are Ditching Europe For Southern Africa. See Why<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Research curator of paleontology at the North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences, Christian Kammerer, stressed, \u201cThe foremost dinosaurs were tiny\u2014far from the giants that occupy our thoughts\u201d. Kammerer was not part of the study but shared the view with Live Science.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The discovery of Mbiresaurus raathi <\/em>fossils also reveals another important piece of information that Griffin pointed out.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cThe dinosaurs and the animals that existed mutually with them tend to be confined to a specific type of environment in the far south\u2014what we know today as India, southern Africa, and South America.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

The Triassic lineage<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
\"\"
Skeletal anatomy of the Mbiresaurus raathi holotype (NHMZ 2222) and paratype (NHMZ 2547) (Photo credit: Nature)<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Scientists are now having a better understanding of the Triassic lineage and how dinosaurs evolved from small creatures to the giant most of us know today. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

University of Cape Town paleontologist, Prof Anusuya Chinsamy-Turan told the BBC that Mbiresaurus raathi<\/em>\u2019s discovery is a vital part of the lineage that gave rise to the sauropod dinosaurs (encompassing brontosaurus and diplodocus).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cIt teaches us that during the evolution of dinosaurs, they existed in different continents but seem to trace a hot humid path instead of dry inhospitable environments. Hopefully, we would find more in that area.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

ALSO READ:<\/strong> Entrepreneur Spotlight: Microfuse Stick By Ugandan Engineers Is The Future Of Computer<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

With the discovery of the new fossils of the Mbiresaurus raathi<\/em>, Zimbabwe experts now have a new concern. Prof Chinsamy-Turan echoed this sentiment when she told BBC, \u201cI hope there is a strict policy to ensure the handing over of such fossils to the museum to avoid losing the material.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

At the moment, the Mbiresaurus raathi<\/em> fossil remains are kept in a room in a museum in Bulawayo, a southern city in the country. A University of Edinburgh paleontologist, Steve Brusatte who was not part of the study said,<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cPrior to now we almost know nothing about the foremost dinosaurs in Africa. The discovery of Mbiresaurus raathi change<\/em>s everything. It is one of the most important discoveries in recent times about the dinosaur anywhere on the globe.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n","post_title":"Scientists Unearth Africa\u2019s Oldest Dinosaur Mbiresaurus raathi In Zimbabwe","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"scientists-unearth-mbiresaurus-raathi","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-10-16 16:59:25","post_modified_gmt":"2024-10-16 16:59:25","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/africanvibes.com\/?p=340932","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":190293,"post_author":"7","post_date":"2020-01-07 18:14:51","post_date_gmt":"2020-01-07 18:14:51","post_content":"\n\nWhat would you do if you find a priceless 18th-century crown in a suitcase?\n\nIn 1998, Sirak Asfaw, a Dutch-Ethiopian hosted Ethiopian pilots, refugees, and diplomats who were passing through Rotterdam. In the suitcase of one of his visitors, he saw an 18th-century Ethiopian crown. \n\n\"I looked into the suitcase and saw something really amazing and I thought 'this is not right. This has been stolen. This should not be here. This belongs to Ethiopia'.\"<\/em>\n\nAsfaw confronted the owner of the suitcase and told him the crown will not leave his house. \n\n\n\n\u201c[I told him the crown] will not leave my house unless it goes back to Ethiopia.\" <\/em>The owner obliged and gave him the artifact. \n

ALSO READ: Ethiopia's Prime Minister Takes Home the 2019 Nobel Peace Prize<\/a><\/strong><\/div>\n

Why Sirak Asfaw became the custodian of the Ethiopia crown<\/h2>\nShortly after having the crown in his custody, he went to a message board to ask what people thought he should do to \u2018an Ethiopian artifact\u2019. Some suggested he should turn it over to the Dutch government. Fearing the Dutch government may claim it, he decided to keep it. \n\nFor 21 years, he hid the priceless Ethiopia crown in his apartment waiting for the right time to return it. However, Ethiopians who knew he had the treasure tried to pressure him into returning it.\n\nAsfaw, who became a refugee during the \u2018Red Terror\u2019 purge where as many as 500k Ethiopians were killed in a bloodbath, talked about his decision saying\n\n\"I did not want to return it to the same regime that had made it possible for the crown to get stolen. [I decided to be the custodian] until such time it could go back. I knew if I gave it back, it would just disappear again.\u201d<\/em>\n\nWith the coming into power of Abiy Ahmed, the atmosphere was ripe to return the crown. Consequently, he contacted Arthur Brand, a Dutch \u2018art detective\u2019 and told him about the crown. In an interview, Mr. Brand said,\n\n[caption id=\"attachment_190297\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"634\"]\"\" Sirak Asfew (left) and Arthur Brand (right) pose with the 18th-century Ethiopia crown<\/em>[\/caption]\n\n
 <\/div>\n
ALSO READ: Ethiopia Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed Disarms Armed Protesting Soldiers with Push-Ups<\/a><\/strong><\/div>\n\u201cIt turns out that Sirak Asfaw had been the custodian of a rare 18th-century Ethiopia crown for the past 21 years and wants to give it back. It was a story straight from a crime thriller.\u201d<\/em>\n\nAfter returning the artifact, Asfaw said, \u201cThis is Ethiopian cultural heritage, this is Ethiopia's identity and finally it feels good to give it back.\u201d<\/em>\n

Striking features of the artifact<\/h2>\nThe Ethiopia crown is made of gilded copper. The body of the crown, around the base, bears the image of the Holy Trinity and the 12 Apostles. The crown is one of the less than 20 that were made\u2014and the most valuable of them all. The artifact bears the date 1633-34 but a research associate at Oxford University, Jacopo Gnisci suggests it may have been made a century later. He believes a powerful warlord, \u2018ras\u2019 Welde Sellase gave the crown to the church in Cheleqot, a village near Mekelle in northern Ethiopia. After confirming the authenticity of the artifact, Gnisci said,\n
ALSO READ: Ethiopian Prime Minister's War On Corruption Results In Arrests Of 59 More Officials<\/a><\/strong><\/div>\n\u201cThese crowns are of great cultural and symbolic significance in Ethiopia, as they are usually donated by high-ranking officials to churches in a practice that reaches as far back as the Late Antiquity. These crowns are of priceless symbolic value and it is important that they be returned to Ethiopia,\u201d<\/em>\n\nThe last time the Ethiopia crown was seen in public was in 1993. At that time it was worn by a priest in a photograph. However, it disappeared afterward. Investigations were launched but the culprit was never found. The artifact is currently held in a secure facility in the Netherlands pending further actions.","post_title":"Here Is What Sirak Asfaw Did When He Found A Priceless 18th-Century Crown In A Suitcase","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"priceless-ethiopia-crown-to-return-home-after-21-years-in-dutch-apartment","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-08-16 16:10:29","post_modified_gmt":"2024-08-16 16:10:29","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.africanvibes.com\/?p=190293","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":212236,"post_author":"2777","post_date":"2020-01-03 10:18:22","post_date_gmt":"2020-01-03 10:18:22","post_content":"\n

There are 1121 properties on the United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) list. Out of these large numbers, only two Nigerian cultural sites are on the list. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

They are Sukur Cultural Landscape in Adamawa State and Osun-Oshogbo Sacred Grove in Osun State. However, the government of Nigeria has identified more sites in the country that are fit to be on the list of UNESCO world heritage sites.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The minister of Information and Culture, Mr. Lai Mohammed made this known after a visit to the Osun-Oshogbo Sacred Grove. According to the minister, they were other sites in the country that meet the requirements of being on the UNESCO world heritage sites list. These include Igbo Olodumare, Kano City Walls, and Ogbunike Cave. Explaining the reason why the sites should be on the list, the minister said,<\/p>\n\n\n\n

ALSO READ:<\/strong> 10 Must See Historic Sites In Ghana<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cThe ancient Kano City Walls witnessed the famous Trans- Sahara Trade of which Kano was the dominant force. This trade linked the great kingdoms and empires of West Africa with North America and even Europe. The forests in Oke-Igbo, Ile Oluji Axis of Ondo State, which was the inspiration for D. O. Fagunwa\u2019s book, \u2018Igbo Olodumare\u2019 should be considered for the reason of its scenic state. The Ogbunike Caves<\/a> in Anambra State for its natural significance\u201d.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Ogbunike
Ogbunike Cave in Anambra State<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Other landmarks the minister wants to be on the UNESCO world heritage sites list are The Brazilian Baracoon Museum\/Point of No Return in Badagry, Lagos State and the Gashaka-Gumti National Park, Nigeria\u2019s largest national park in the eastern province of Taraba and Adamawa states close to Cameroon border.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Why Being on UNESCO World Heritage Sites List is a Big Deal<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Properties listed on UNESCO world heritage sites list are those with cultural, historical, scientific or other forms of significance. Consequently, they are under legal protection by international treaties. Such sites are important to humanity\u2019s collective interest. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Therefore, it is a thing of pride to have a country\u2019s properties on the list. Also, properties on the list get greater government attention which can be crucial for their existence. According to Mr. Mohammed,<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cThe fact that the General Assembly, comprising the entire 193 states parties, in November elected Nigeria into the UNESCO World Heritage Committee is a positive development for our quest to have more sites designated as World Heritage Sites. We shall use our presence on this Committee to fight for the enlistment of many more sites from Nigeria into the World Heritage list. Nigeria is really blessed with a lot of potential sites.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

ALSO READ:<\/strong> 10 Must-Visit Luxury Hotels In Johannesburg South Africa<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Brazilian
Brazilian Baracoon Museum Point of No Return in Badagry, Lagos State<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Threats to the Heritage Sites in Nigeria<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

The two heritage sites in Nigeria are facing significant threats. In the South, land grabbers are encroaching into the Osun-Oshogbo Sacred Grove. In the north, the fate of Sukur Cultural Landscape lies in the hands of the military. According to the minister,<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cOur gallant men and women in uniform have succeeded in repelling the attempt by the Boko Haram terrorists to destroy the Sukur Cultural Landscape.\u2019\u2019<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

However, the minister said the government will do all within its powers to protect the sites. Also, he warned land grabbers to stay clear of the 45 hectares buffer zone around the Osun-Oshogbo Sacred Grove. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Citing the importance of UNESCO world heritage sites, do you think governments around the world are doing enough to protect them? What do you think can be done better? We would love to hear your views in the comment box below.<\/p>\n","post_title":"Nigeria Identifies Landmarks Fit For Declaration As UNESCO World Heritage Sites","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"nigeria-identifies-landmarks-fit-for-declaration-as-unesco-world-heritage-sites","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-10-06 06:40:44","post_modified_gmt":"2024-10-06 06:40:44","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.africanvibes.com\/?p=212236","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":195426,"post_author":"2777","post_date":"2019-11-16 10:18:21","post_date_gmt":"2019-11-16 10:18:21","post_content":"\n\n[caption id=\"attachment_195428\" align=\"aligncenter\" width=\"735\"]\"\" New Studies Suggest Africa Was The Home Of Modern Man<\/em>[\/caption]\n\nScientists are continually trying to trace the origin of humans. A new study<\/a> says Africa was homeland of modern man. According to the study, the area Makgadikgadi-Okavango in the southern part of Africa was the home to a large population of Homo sapiens<\/em> until the advent of climate change. The fingered region is around northern Botswana.\n\nAbout 200 thousand years ago, there was an enormous lake in the region. The lake was roughly twice the size of modern-day Lake Victoria. Thus, modern humans settled there for at least 70 thousand years. However, as a result of climate change, the area is now reduced to salt plains. Consequently, the human population began to migrate roughly 130 thousand years ago. The first set of migrants ventured northeast while the second wave went southwest. However, some remained in the homeland until today.  \n

ALSO READ: 10 Most spoken Languages in Africa<\/a><\/strong><\/div>\nAccording to the researchers, it was this migration that triggered the development of human\u2019s genetic, cultural and ethnic diversity in modern man. Speaking about the new study, Vanessa Hayes from the Garvan Institute of Medical Research and the University of Sydney, and Extraordinary Professor at the University of Pretoria said,\n\n\"We've known for a long time that modern man originated in Africa roughly 200,000 years ago. But what we hadn't known until the study was where exactly this homeland was.\"<\/em>\n\n\n

The role played by mitochondrial DNA in the research<\/h2>\nTo reach the conclusion, the researchers analyzed DNA samples for about 200 Khoisan people. The ethnic group lives in modern-day Namibia and South Africa. They are known to carry a high proportion of mitogenomes called \u2018L0\u2019 lineage which are the earliest genomes of modern man. Explaining the importance of mitogenomes, Hayes said,\n\n\"Mitochondrial DNA acts like a time capsule of our ancestral mothers, accumulating changes slowly over generations. Comparing the complete DNA code, or mitogenome, from different individuals provides information on how closely they are related. Our work would not have been possible without the generous contributions of local communities and study participants in Namibia and South Africa, which allowed us to uncover rare and new L0 sub-branches.\"<\/em>\n
ALSO READ: You Can Now Study Kinyarwanda And Other African Languages In Beijing Foreign Studies University<\/a><\/strong><\/div>\nSubsequently, the researchers linked the L0 lineage timeline with the cultural, linguistic, and geographic distribution of different sub-lineages. This led to the finding that the \u2018homeland\u2019 of modern man was south of the Greater Zambezi River Basin which covers entire northern Botswana and stretches into the west of Namibia and east of Zimbabwe. Lead phylogenetic analyst, Dr. Eva Chan from Garvan Institute of Medical Research said,\n\n\"We merged 198 new, rare mitogenomes to the current database of modern human's earliest known population, the L0 lineage. This allowed us to refine the evolutionary tree of our earliest ancestral branches better than ever before.\"<\/em>\n\n\n

The uniqueness of the new study on modern man<\/h2>\nUnlike previous studies, the uniqueness of the present study lies in the combination of disciplines namely climatic physics, geology, and genetics. Geologist, Dr. Andy Moore from Rhodes University investigated existing fossil, archeological, and geological evidence to establish the one-time existence of Lake Makgadikgadi, Africa\u2019s largest lake system. He said,\n\n\"Prior to modern man emergence, the lake had begun to drain due to shifts in underlying tectonic plates. This would have created, a vast wetland, which is known to be one of the most productive ecosystems for sustaining life.\"<\/em>\n
ALSO READ: 5 Ideas for Online Investing in Africa<\/a><\/strong><\/div>\nThe range of error of previous studies was 150,000 to 250,000. However, the new study has a range of error of 165,000 to 240,000.\n

Not everyone agrees with the study<\/h2>\nSome scientists have their doubts about the authenticity of the study. For example, Sarah Tishkoff of the University of Pennsylvania argues that mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) alone is a poor tool for tracing the history of ancient Africa\u2019s population. Others argue that the female ancestors of the Khosian speakers with the L0 lineage could have migrated from somewhere else.\n\n\n\nAnother researcher who expressed doubt about the findings of the study was Chris Stringer. Stringer is a researcher of human evolution at the Natural History Museum in the UK. He highlighted the complexity of human origins study. In a statement posted on Twitter<\/a>, Stringer said,\n\n\"I am very cautious about using modern genetic distributions to infer exactly where ancestral populations were living 200,000 years ago, particularly in a continent as large and complex as Africa. Moreover, like so many studies that concentrate on one small bit of the genome, or one region, or one stone tool industry, or one 'critical' fossil, it cannot capture the full complexity of our mosaic origins, once other data are considered.\u201d<\/em>\n\nNotwithstanding the divergence in the opinion of different researchers, one thing remains clear; Africa had an important role to play in the history and evolution of modern man. We will like to know what you think about this study in the comment box.","post_title":"New Studies Suggest Africa Is The Origin Of Modern Man","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"new-studies-suggest-africa-was-the-homeland-of-modern-man","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-10-06 06:39:42","post_modified_gmt":"2024-10-06 06:39:42","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.africanvibes.com\/?p=195426","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":9778,"post_author":"7","post_date":"2017-04-19 04:47:28","post_date_gmt":"2017-04-19 04:47:28","post_content":"\n\n[caption id=\"attachment_301462\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"219\"]\"Ghana's<\/a> Ghana's Aunty Ocloo Is No Ordinary Google Doodle Photo credit ghanaianmuseum<\/em>[\/caption]\n\nA dollar. That's all Esther Afua Ocloo needed to kickstart Ghana's first food processing factory in 1942. She was a college student. And she was broke. So she used the money, a gift from her aunt, to buy some oranges, sugar, firewood, and jam jars. She produced 12 pots of marmalade. And Nkulenu Industries was born. She sold the jam to her classmates, then the school, then the country, then the world.\n\nALSO READ:\u00a0Zimbabwean Woman Gets Life-Size Statue In New York. Here Is Why<\/a><\/strong>\n\nEsther Afua Ocloo, the star of today's Google Doodle<\/a>, was more than a jam star. She also became a pioneer in the field of microfinance \u2014 lending a small amount of money to women with a dream like she once had.\n\n[caption id=\"attachment_9779\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"1000\"]\"Ghana's Photo credit Youtube<\/a><\/em>[\/caption]\n\nRead More Here >><\/strong><\/span><\/a>","post_title":"Ghana's Aunty Ocloo Is No Ordinary Google Doodle","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"ghanas-aunty-ocloo-no-ordinary-google-doodle","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-10-04 05:58:30","post_modified_gmt":"2024-10-04 05:58:30","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.africanvibes.com\/?p=9778","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"}],"next":false,"prev":false,"total_page":1},"paged":1,"column_class":"jeg_col_2o3","class":"epic_block_3"};

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\n

The name of the oldest dinosaur was derived from Mbire, the name of the Shona dynasty that dominated the region. Dr. Michael Raath is the scientist that helped in the discovery of the fossil.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The implications of the discovery of Mbiresaurus raathi<\/em><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
\"The
The new Zimbabwean assemblage is on the same palaeolatitudinal climatic belt as other Carnian dinosaur-bearing assemblages and has a similar taxonomic composition (Photo credit: Nature)<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

The discovery of Mbiresaurus raathi <\/em>which is one of the oldest dinosaurs has shed more light on the Triassic era which ended over 200 million years ago. Fossils from the era have been discovered in India, South America, and now Zimbabwe.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The finding beams more light on the migration and evolution of earlier dinosaurs. Speaking to BBC, the deputy director of National Museums and Monuments of Zimbabwe, Darlington Munyikwa, who took part in the discovery said, \u201cFossils from the Triassic age in the study of early dinosaurs is rare\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Mr. Munyikwa disclosed that the country was aware of the fossil site for decades. He also noted that there are many similar sites in the area that needed further exploration when funds become available. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Griffin hinted at what the discovery has helped to explain. According to him, the discovery \u201cshows that dinosaurs did not start as dominators of the world\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

ALSO READ: <\/strong>Tunisian Migrants Are Ditching Europe For Southern Africa. See Why<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Research curator of paleontology at the North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences, Christian Kammerer, stressed, \u201cThe foremost dinosaurs were tiny\u2014far from the giants that occupy our thoughts\u201d. Kammerer was not part of the study but shared the view with Live Science.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The discovery of Mbiresaurus raathi <\/em>fossils also reveals another important piece of information that Griffin pointed out.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cThe dinosaurs and the animals that existed mutually with them tend to be confined to a specific type of environment in the far south\u2014what we know today as India, southern Africa, and South America.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

The Triassic lineage<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
\"\"
Skeletal anatomy of the Mbiresaurus raathi holotype (NHMZ 2222) and paratype (NHMZ 2547) (Photo credit: Nature)<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Scientists are now having a better understanding of the Triassic lineage and how dinosaurs evolved from small creatures to the giant most of us know today. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

University of Cape Town paleontologist, Prof Anusuya Chinsamy-Turan told the BBC that Mbiresaurus raathi<\/em>\u2019s discovery is a vital part of the lineage that gave rise to the sauropod dinosaurs (encompassing brontosaurus and diplodocus).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cIt teaches us that during the evolution of dinosaurs, they existed in different continents but seem to trace a hot humid path instead of dry inhospitable environments. Hopefully, we would find more in that area.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

ALSO READ:<\/strong> Entrepreneur Spotlight: Microfuse Stick By Ugandan Engineers Is The Future Of Computer<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

With the discovery of the new fossils of the Mbiresaurus raathi<\/em>, Zimbabwe experts now have a new concern. Prof Chinsamy-Turan echoed this sentiment when she told BBC, \u201cI hope there is a strict policy to ensure the handing over of such fossils to the museum to avoid losing the material.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

At the moment, the Mbiresaurus raathi<\/em> fossil remains are kept in a room in a museum in Bulawayo, a southern city in the country. A University of Edinburgh paleontologist, Steve Brusatte who was not part of the study said,<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cPrior to now we almost know nothing about the foremost dinosaurs in Africa. The discovery of Mbiresaurus raathi change<\/em>s everything. It is one of the most important discoveries in recent times about the dinosaur anywhere on the globe.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n","post_title":"Scientists Unearth Africa\u2019s Oldest Dinosaur Mbiresaurus raathi In Zimbabwe","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"scientists-unearth-mbiresaurus-raathi","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-10-16 16:59:25","post_modified_gmt":"2024-10-16 16:59:25","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/africanvibes.com\/?p=340932","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":190293,"post_author":"7","post_date":"2020-01-07 18:14:51","post_date_gmt":"2020-01-07 18:14:51","post_content":"\n\nWhat would you do if you find a priceless 18th-century crown in a suitcase?\n\nIn 1998, Sirak Asfaw, a Dutch-Ethiopian hosted Ethiopian pilots, refugees, and diplomats who were passing through Rotterdam. In the suitcase of one of his visitors, he saw an 18th-century Ethiopian crown. \n\n\"I looked into the suitcase and saw something really amazing and I thought 'this is not right. This has been stolen. This should not be here. This belongs to Ethiopia'.\"<\/em>\n\nAsfaw confronted the owner of the suitcase and told him the crown will not leave his house. \n\n\n\n\u201c[I told him the crown] will not leave my house unless it goes back to Ethiopia.\" <\/em>The owner obliged and gave him the artifact. \n

ALSO READ: Ethiopia's Prime Minister Takes Home the 2019 Nobel Peace Prize<\/a><\/strong><\/div>\n

Why Sirak Asfaw became the custodian of the Ethiopia crown<\/h2>\nShortly after having the crown in his custody, he went to a message board to ask what people thought he should do to \u2018an Ethiopian artifact\u2019. Some suggested he should turn it over to the Dutch government. Fearing the Dutch government may claim it, he decided to keep it. \n\nFor 21 years, he hid the priceless Ethiopia crown in his apartment waiting for the right time to return it. However, Ethiopians who knew he had the treasure tried to pressure him into returning it.\n\nAsfaw, who became a refugee during the \u2018Red Terror\u2019 purge where as many as 500k Ethiopians were killed in a bloodbath, talked about his decision saying\n\n\"I did not want to return it to the same regime that had made it possible for the crown to get stolen. [I decided to be the custodian] until such time it could go back. I knew if I gave it back, it would just disappear again.\u201d<\/em>\n\nWith the coming into power of Abiy Ahmed, the atmosphere was ripe to return the crown. Consequently, he contacted Arthur Brand, a Dutch \u2018art detective\u2019 and told him about the crown. In an interview, Mr. Brand said,\n\n[caption id=\"attachment_190297\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"634\"]\"\" Sirak Asfew (left) and Arthur Brand (right) pose with the 18th-century Ethiopia crown<\/em>[\/caption]\n\n
 <\/div>\n
ALSO READ: Ethiopia Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed Disarms Armed Protesting Soldiers with Push-Ups<\/a><\/strong><\/div>\n\u201cIt turns out that Sirak Asfaw had been the custodian of a rare 18th-century Ethiopia crown for the past 21 years and wants to give it back. It was a story straight from a crime thriller.\u201d<\/em>\n\nAfter returning the artifact, Asfaw said, \u201cThis is Ethiopian cultural heritage, this is Ethiopia's identity and finally it feels good to give it back.\u201d<\/em>\n

Striking features of the artifact<\/h2>\nThe Ethiopia crown is made of gilded copper. The body of the crown, around the base, bears the image of the Holy Trinity and the 12 Apostles. The crown is one of the less than 20 that were made\u2014and the most valuable of them all. The artifact bears the date 1633-34 but a research associate at Oxford University, Jacopo Gnisci suggests it may have been made a century later. He believes a powerful warlord, \u2018ras\u2019 Welde Sellase gave the crown to the church in Cheleqot, a village near Mekelle in northern Ethiopia. After confirming the authenticity of the artifact, Gnisci said,\n
ALSO READ: Ethiopian Prime Minister's War On Corruption Results In Arrests Of 59 More Officials<\/a><\/strong><\/div>\n\u201cThese crowns are of great cultural and symbolic significance in Ethiopia, as they are usually donated by high-ranking officials to churches in a practice that reaches as far back as the Late Antiquity. These crowns are of priceless symbolic value and it is important that they be returned to Ethiopia,\u201d<\/em>\n\nThe last time the Ethiopia crown was seen in public was in 1993. At that time it was worn by a priest in a photograph. However, it disappeared afterward. Investigations were launched but the culprit was never found. The artifact is currently held in a secure facility in the Netherlands pending further actions.","post_title":"Here Is What Sirak Asfaw Did When He Found A Priceless 18th-Century Crown In A Suitcase","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"priceless-ethiopia-crown-to-return-home-after-21-years-in-dutch-apartment","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-08-16 16:10:29","post_modified_gmt":"2024-08-16 16:10:29","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.africanvibes.com\/?p=190293","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":212236,"post_author":"2777","post_date":"2020-01-03 10:18:22","post_date_gmt":"2020-01-03 10:18:22","post_content":"\n

There are 1121 properties on the United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) list. Out of these large numbers, only two Nigerian cultural sites are on the list. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

They are Sukur Cultural Landscape in Adamawa State and Osun-Oshogbo Sacred Grove in Osun State. However, the government of Nigeria has identified more sites in the country that are fit to be on the list of UNESCO world heritage sites.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The minister of Information and Culture, Mr. Lai Mohammed made this known after a visit to the Osun-Oshogbo Sacred Grove. According to the minister, they were other sites in the country that meet the requirements of being on the UNESCO world heritage sites list. These include Igbo Olodumare, Kano City Walls, and Ogbunike Cave. Explaining the reason why the sites should be on the list, the minister said,<\/p>\n\n\n\n

ALSO READ:<\/strong> 10 Must See Historic Sites In Ghana<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cThe ancient Kano City Walls witnessed the famous Trans- Sahara Trade of which Kano was the dominant force. This trade linked the great kingdoms and empires of West Africa with North America and even Europe. The forests in Oke-Igbo, Ile Oluji Axis of Ondo State, which was the inspiration for D. O. Fagunwa\u2019s book, \u2018Igbo Olodumare\u2019 should be considered for the reason of its scenic state. The Ogbunike Caves<\/a> in Anambra State for its natural significance\u201d.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Ogbunike
Ogbunike Cave in Anambra State<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Other landmarks the minister wants to be on the UNESCO world heritage sites list are The Brazilian Baracoon Museum\/Point of No Return in Badagry, Lagos State and the Gashaka-Gumti National Park, Nigeria\u2019s largest national park in the eastern province of Taraba and Adamawa states close to Cameroon border.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Why Being on UNESCO World Heritage Sites List is a Big Deal<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Properties listed on UNESCO world heritage sites list are those with cultural, historical, scientific or other forms of significance. Consequently, they are under legal protection by international treaties. Such sites are important to humanity\u2019s collective interest. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Therefore, it is a thing of pride to have a country\u2019s properties on the list. Also, properties on the list get greater government attention which can be crucial for their existence. According to Mr. Mohammed,<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cThe fact that the General Assembly, comprising the entire 193 states parties, in November elected Nigeria into the UNESCO World Heritage Committee is a positive development for our quest to have more sites designated as World Heritage Sites. We shall use our presence on this Committee to fight for the enlistment of many more sites from Nigeria into the World Heritage list. Nigeria is really blessed with a lot of potential sites.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

ALSO READ:<\/strong> 10 Must-Visit Luxury Hotels In Johannesburg South Africa<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Brazilian
Brazilian Baracoon Museum Point of No Return in Badagry, Lagos State<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Threats to the Heritage Sites in Nigeria<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

The two heritage sites in Nigeria are facing significant threats. In the South, land grabbers are encroaching into the Osun-Oshogbo Sacred Grove. In the north, the fate of Sukur Cultural Landscape lies in the hands of the military. According to the minister,<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cOur gallant men and women in uniform have succeeded in repelling the attempt by the Boko Haram terrorists to destroy the Sukur Cultural Landscape.\u2019\u2019<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

However, the minister said the government will do all within its powers to protect the sites. Also, he warned land grabbers to stay clear of the 45 hectares buffer zone around the Osun-Oshogbo Sacred Grove. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Citing the importance of UNESCO world heritage sites, do you think governments around the world are doing enough to protect them? What do you think can be done better? We would love to hear your views in the comment box below.<\/p>\n","post_title":"Nigeria Identifies Landmarks Fit For Declaration As UNESCO World Heritage Sites","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"nigeria-identifies-landmarks-fit-for-declaration-as-unesco-world-heritage-sites","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-10-06 06:40:44","post_modified_gmt":"2024-10-06 06:40:44","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.africanvibes.com\/?p=212236","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":195426,"post_author":"2777","post_date":"2019-11-16 10:18:21","post_date_gmt":"2019-11-16 10:18:21","post_content":"\n\n[caption id=\"attachment_195428\" align=\"aligncenter\" width=\"735\"]\"\" New Studies Suggest Africa Was The Home Of Modern Man<\/em>[\/caption]\n\nScientists are continually trying to trace the origin of humans. A new study<\/a> says Africa was homeland of modern man. According to the study, the area Makgadikgadi-Okavango in the southern part of Africa was the home to a large population of Homo sapiens<\/em> until the advent of climate change. The fingered region is around northern Botswana.\n\nAbout 200 thousand years ago, there was an enormous lake in the region. The lake was roughly twice the size of modern-day Lake Victoria. Thus, modern humans settled there for at least 70 thousand years. However, as a result of climate change, the area is now reduced to salt plains. Consequently, the human population began to migrate roughly 130 thousand years ago. The first set of migrants ventured northeast while the second wave went southwest. However, some remained in the homeland until today.  \n

ALSO READ: 10 Most spoken Languages in Africa<\/a><\/strong><\/div>\nAccording to the researchers, it was this migration that triggered the development of human\u2019s genetic, cultural and ethnic diversity in modern man. Speaking about the new study, Vanessa Hayes from the Garvan Institute of Medical Research and the University of Sydney, and Extraordinary Professor at the University of Pretoria said,\n\n\"We've known for a long time that modern man originated in Africa roughly 200,000 years ago. But what we hadn't known until the study was where exactly this homeland was.\"<\/em>\n\n\n

The role played by mitochondrial DNA in the research<\/h2>\nTo reach the conclusion, the researchers analyzed DNA samples for about 200 Khoisan people. The ethnic group lives in modern-day Namibia and South Africa. They are known to carry a high proportion of mitogenomes called \u2018L0\u2019 lineage which are the earliest genomes of modern man. Explaining the importance of mitogenomes, Hayes said,\n\n\"Mitochondrial DNA acts like a time capsule of our ancestral mothers, accumulating changes slowly over generations. Comparing the complete DNA code, or mitogenome, from different individuals provides information on how closely they are related. Our work would not have been possible without the generous contributions of local communities and study participants in Namibia and South Africa, which allowed us to uncover rare and new L0 sub-branches.\"<\/em>\n
ALSO READ: You Can Now Study Kinyarwanda And Other African Languages In Beijing Foreign Studies University<\/a><\/strong><\/div>\nSubsequently, the researchers linked the L0 lineage timeline with the cultural, linguistic, and geographic distribution of different sub-lineages. This led to the finding that the \u2018homeland\u2019 of modern man was south of the Greater Zambezi River Basin which covers entire northern Botswana and stretches into the west of Namibia and east of Zimbabwe. Lead phylogenetic analyst, Dr. Eva Chan from Garvan Institute of Medical Research said,\n\n\"We merged 198 new, rare mitogenomes to the current database of modern human's earliest known population, the L0 lineage. This allowed us to refine the evolutionary tree of our earliest ancestral branches better than ever before.\"<\/em>\n\n\n

The uniqueness of the new study on modern man<\/h2>\nUnlike previous studies, the uniqueness of the present study lies in the combination of disciplines namely climatic physics, geology, and genetics. Geologist, Dr. Andy Moore from Rhodes University investigated existing fossil, archeological, and geological evidence to establish the one-time existence of Lake Makgadikgadi, Africa\u2019s largest lake system. He said,\n\n\"Prior to modern man emergence, the lake had begun to drain due to shifts in underlying tectonic plates. This would have created, a vast wetland, which is known to be one of the most productive ecosystems for sustaining life.\"<\/em>\n
ALSO READ: 5 Ideas for Online Investing in Africa<\/a><\/strong><\/div>\nThe range of error of previous studies was 150,000 to 250,000. However, the new study has a range of error of 165,000 to 240,000.\n

Not everyone agrees with the study<\/h2>\nSome scientists have their doubts about the authenticity of the study. For example, Sarah Tishkoff of the University of Pennsylvania argues that mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) alone is a poor tool for tracing the history of ancient Africa\u2019s population. Others argue that the female ancestors of the Khosian speakers with the L0 lineage could have migrated from somewhere else.\n\n\n\nAnother researcher who expressed doubt about the findings of the study was Chris Stringer. Stringer is a researcher of human evolution at the Natural History Museum in the UK. He highlighted the complexity of human origins study. In a statement posted on Twitter<\/a>, Stringer said,\n\n\"I am very cautious about using modern genetic distributions to infer exactly where ancestral populations were living 200,000 years ago, particularly in a continent as large and complex as Africa. Moreover, like so many studies that concentrate on one small bit of the genome, or one region, or one stone tool industry, or one 'critical' fossil, it cannot capture the full complexity of our mosaic origins, once other data are considered.\u201d<\/em>\n\nNotwithstanding the divergence in the opinion of different researchers, one thing remains clear; Africa had an important role to play in the history and evolution of modern man. We will like to know what you think about this study in the comment box.","post_title":"New Studies Suggest Africa Is The Origin Of Modern Man","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"new-studies-suggest-africa-was-the-homeland-of-modern-man","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-10-06 06:39:42","post_modified_gmt":"2024-10-06 06:39:42","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.africanvibes.com\/?p=195426","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":9778,"post_author":"7","post_date":"2017-04-19 04:47:28","post_date_gmt":"2017-04-19 04:47:28","post_content":"\n\n[caption id=\"attachment_301462\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"219\"]\"Ghana's<\/a> Ghana's Aunty Ocloo Is No Ordinary Google Doodle Photo credit ghanaianmuseum<\/em>[\/caption]\n\nA dollar. That's all Esther Afua Ocloo needed to kickstart Ghana's first food processing factory in 1942. She was a college student. And she was broke. So she used the money, a gift from her aunt, to buy some oranges, sugar, firewood, and jam jars. She produced 12 pots of marmalade. And Nkulenu Industries was born. She sold the jam to her classmates, then the school, then the country, then the world.\n\nALSO READ:\u00a0Zimbabwean Woman Gets Life-Size Statue In New York. Here Is Why<\/a><\/strong>\n\nEsther Afua Ocloo, the star of today's Google Doodle<\/a>, was more than a jam star. She also became a pioneer in the field of microfinance \u2014 lending a small amount of money to women with a dream like she once had.\n\n[caption id=\"attachment_9779\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"1000\"]\"Ghana's Photo credit Youtube<\/a><\/em>[\/caption]\n\nRead More Here >><\/strong><\/span><\/a>","post_title":"Ghana's Aunty Ocloo Is No Ordinary Google Doodle","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"ghanas-aunty-ocloo-no-ordinary-google-doodle","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-10-04 05:58:30","post_modified_gmt":"2024-10-04 05:58:30","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.africanvibes.com\/?p=9778","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"}],"next":false,"prev":false,"total_page":1},"paged":1,"column_class":"jeg_col_2o3","class":"epic_block_3"};

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See all

\n

This places the species at par with the oldest dinosaurs scientists have ever unearthed. The research findings were published in the Nature journal<\/a> on Wednesday, Aug. 31, 2022.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The name of the oldest dinosaur was derived from Mbire, the name of the Shona dynasty that dominated the region. Dr. Michael Raath is the scientist that helped in the discovery of the fossil.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The implications of the discovery of Mbiresaurus raathi<\/em><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
\"The
The new Zimbabwean assemblage is on the same palaeolatitudinal climatic belt as other Carnian dinosaur-bearing assemblages and has a similar taxonomic composition (Photo credit: Nature)<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

The discovery of Mbiresaurus raathi <\/em>which is one of the oldest dinosaurs has shed more light on the Triassic era which ended over 200 million years ago. Fossils from the era have been discovered in India, South America, and now Zimbabwe.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The finding beams more light on the migration and evolution of earlier dinosaurs. Speaking to BBC, the deputy director of National Museums and Monuments of Zimbabwe, Darlington Munyikwa, who took part in the discovery said, \u201cFossils from the Triassic age in the study of early dinosaurs is rare\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Mr. Munyikwa disclosed that the country was aware of the fossil site for decades. He also noted that there are many similar sites in the area that needed further exploration when funds become available. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Griffin hinted at what the discovery has helped to explain. According to him, the discovery \u201cshows that dinosaurs did not start as dominators of the world\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

ALSO READ: <\/strong>Tunisian Migrants Are Ditching Europe For Southern Africa. See Why<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Research curator of paleontology at the North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences, Christian Kammerer, stressed, \u201cThe foremost dinosaurs were tiny\u2014far from the giants that occupy our thoughts\u201d. Kammerer was not part of the study but shared the view with Live Science.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The discovery of Mbiresaurus raathi <\/em>fossils also reveals another important piece of information that Griffin pointed out.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cThe dinosaurs and the animals that existed mutually with them tend to be confined to a specific type of environment in the far south\u2014what we know today as India, southern Africa, and South America.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

The Triassic lineage<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
\"\"
Skeletal anatomy of the Mbiresaurus raathi holotype (NHMZ 2222) and paratype (NHMZ 2547) (Photo credit: Nature)<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Scientists are now having a better understanding of the Triassic lineage and how dinosaurs evolved from small creatures to the giant most of us know today. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

University of Cape Town paleontologist, Prof Anusuya Chinsamy-Turan told the BBC that Mbiresaurus raathi<\/em>\u2019s discovery is a vital part of the lineage that gave rise to the sauropod dinosaurs (encompassing brontosaurus and diplodocus).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cIt teaches us that during the evolution of dinosaurs, they existed in different continents but seem to trace a hot humid path instead of dry inhospitable environments. Hopefully, we would find more in that area.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

ALSO READ:<\/strong> Entrepreneur Spotlight: Microfuse Stick By Ugandan Engineers Is The Future Of Computer<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

With the discovery of the new fossils of the Mbiresaurus raathi<\/em>, Zimbabwe experts now have a new concern. Prof Chinsamy-Turan echoed this sentiment when she told BBC, \u201cI hope there is a strict policy to ensure the handing over of such fossils to the museum to avoid losing the material.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

At the moment, the Mbiresaurus raathi<\/em> fossil remains are kept in a room in a museum in Bulawayo, a southern city in the country. A University of Edinburgh paleontologist, Steve Brusatte who was not part of the study said,<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cPrior to now we almost know nothing about the foremost dinosaurs in Africa. The discovery of Mbiresaurus raathi change<\/em>s everything. It is one of the most important discoveries in recent times about the dinosaur anywhere on the globe.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n","post_title":"Scientists Unearth Africa\u2019s Oldest Dinosaur Mbiresaurus raathi In Zimbabwe","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"scientists-unearth-mbiresaurus-raathi","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-10-16 16:59:25","post_modified_gmt":"2024-10-16 16:59:25","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/africanvibes.com\/?p=340932","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":190293,"post_author":"7","post_date":"2020-01-07 18:14:51","post_date_gmt":"2020-01-07 18:14:51","post_content":"\n\nWhat would you do if you find a priceless 18th-century crown in a suitcase?\n\nIn 1998, Sirak Asfaw, a Dutch-Ethiopian hosted Ethiopian pilots, refugees, and diplomats who were passing through Rotterdam. In the suitcase of one of his visitors, he saw an 18th-century Ethiopian crown. \n\n\"I looked into the suitcase and saw something really amazing and I thought 'this is not right. This has been stolen. This should not be here. This belongs to Ethiopia'.\"<\/em>\n\nAsfaw confronted the owner of the suitcase and told him the crown will not leave his house. \n\n\n\n\u201c[I told him the crown] will not leave my house unless it goes back to Ethiopia.\" <\/em>The owner obliged and gave him the artifact. \n

ALSO READ: Ethiopia's Prime Minister Takes Home the 2019 Nobel Peace Prize<\/a><\/strong><\/div>\n

Why Sirak Asfaw became the custodian of the Ethiopia crown<\/h2>\nShortly after having the crown in his custody, he went to a message board to ask what people thought he should do to \u2018an Ethiopian artifact\u2019. Some suggested he should turn it over to the Dutch government. Fearing the Dutch government may claim it, he decided to keep it. \n\nFor 21 years, he hid the priceless Ethiopia crown in his apartment waiting for the right time to return it. However, Ethiopians who knew he had the treasure tried to pressure him into returning it.\n\nAsfaw, who became a refugee during the \u2018Red Terror\u2019 purge where as many as 500k Ethiopians were killed in a bloodbath, talked about his decision saying\n\n\"I did not want to return it to the same regime that had made it possible for the crown to get stolen. [I decided to be the custodian] until such time it could go back. I knew if I gave it back, it would just disappear again.\u201d<\/em>\n\nWith the coming into power of Abiy Ahmed, the atmosphere was ripe to return the crown. Consequently, he contacted Arthur Brand, a Dutch \u2018art detective\u2019 and told him about the crown. In an interview, Mr. Brand said,\n\n[caption id=\"attachment_190297\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"634\"]\"\" Sirak Asfew (left) and Arthur Brand (right) pose with the 18th-century Ethiopia crown<\/em>[\/caption]\n\n
 <\/div>\n
ALSO READ: Ethiopia Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed Disarms Armed Protesting Soldiers with Push-Ups<\/a><\/strong><\/div>\n\u201cIt turns out that Sirak Asfaw had been the custodian of a rare 18th-century Ethiopia crown for the past 21 years and wants to give it back. It was a story straight from a crime thriller.\u201d<\/em>\n\nAfter returning the artifact, Asfaw said, \u201cThis is Ethiopian cultural heritage, this is Ethiopia's identity and finally it feels good to give it back.\u201d<\/em>\n

Striking features of the artifact<\/h2>\nThe Ethiopia crown is made of gilded copper. The body of the crown, around the base, bears the image of the Holy Trinity and the 12 Apostles. The crown is one of the less than 20 that were made\u2014and the most valuable of them all. The artifact bears the date 1633-34 but a research associate at Oxford University, Jacopo Gnisci suggests it may have been made a century later. He believes a powerful warlord, \u2018ras\u2019 Welde Sellase gave the crown to the church in Cheleqot, a village near Mekelle in northern Ethiopia. After confirming the authenticity of the artifact, Gnisci said,\n
ALSO READ: Ethiopian Prime Minister's War On Corruption Results In Arrests Of 59 More Officials<\/a><\/strong><\/div>\n\u201cThese crowns are of great cultural and symbolic significance in Ethiopia, as they are usually donated by high-ranking officials to churches in a practice that reaches as far back as the Late Antiquity. These crowns are of priceless symbolic value and it is important that they be returned to Ethiopia,\u201d<\/em>\n\nThe last time the Ethiopia crown was seen in public was in 1993. At that time it was worn by a priest in a photograph. However, it disappeared afterward. Investigations were launched but the culprit was never found. The artifact is currently held in a secure facility in the Netherlands pending further actions.","post_title":"Here Is What Sirak Asfaw Did When He Found A Priceless 18th-Century Crown In A Suitcase","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"priceless-ethiopia-crown-to-return-home-after-21-years-in-dutch-apartment","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-08-16 16:10:29","post_modified_gmt":"2024-08-16 16:10:29","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.africanvibes.com\/?p=190293","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":212236,"post_author":"2777","post_date":"2020-01-03 10:18:22","post_date_gmt":"2020-01-03 10:18:22","post_content":"\n

There are 1121 properties on the United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) list. Out of these large numbers, only two Nigerian cultural sites are on the list. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

They are Sukur Cultural Landscape in Adamawa State and Osun-Oshogbo Sacred Grove in Osun State. However, the government of Nigeria has identified more sites in the country that are fit to be on the list of UNESCO world heritage sites.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The minister of Information and Culture, Mr. Lai Mohammed made this known after a visit to the Osun-Oshogbo Sacred Grove. According to the minister, they were other sites in the country that meet the requirements of being on the UNESCO world heritage sites list. These include Igbo Olodumare, Kano City Walls, and Ogbunike Cave. Explaining the reason why the sites should be on the list, the minister said,<\/p>\n\n\n\n

ALSO READ:<\/strong> 10 Must See Historic Sites In Ghana<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cThe ancient Kano City Walls witnessed the famous Trans- Sahara Trade of which Kano was the dominant force. This trade linked the great kingdoms and empires of West Africa with North America and even Europe. The forests in Oke-Igbo, Ile Oluji Axis of Ondo State, which was the inspiration for D. O. Fagunwa\u2019s book, \u2018Igbo Olodumare\u2019 should be considered for the reason of its scenic state. The Ogbunike Caves<\/a> in Anambra State for its natural significance\u201d.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Ogbunike
Ogbunike Cave in Anambra State<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Other landmarks the minister wants to be on the UNESCO world heritage sites list are The Brazilian Baracoon Museum\/Point of No Return in Badagry, Lagos State and the Gashaka-Gumti National Park, Nigeria\u2019s largest national park in the eastern province of Taraba and Adamawa states close to Cameroon border.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Why Being on UNESCO World Heritage Sites List is a Big Deal<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Properties listed on UNESCO world heritage sites list are those with cultural, historical, scientific or other forms of significance. Consequently, they are under legal protection by international treaties. Such sites are important to humanity\u2019s collective interest. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Therefore, it is a thing of pride to have a country\u2019s properties on the list. Also, properties on the list get greater government attention which can be crucial for their existence. According to Mr. Mohammed,<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cThe fact that the General Assembly, comprising the entire 193 states parties, in November elected Nigeria into the UNESCO World Heritage Committee is a positive development for our quest to have more sites designated as World Heritage Sites. We shall use our presence on this Committee to fight for the enlistment of many more sites from Nigeria into the World Heritage list. Nigeria is really blessed with a lot of potential sites.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

ALSO READ:<\/strong> 10 Must-Visit Luxury Hotels In Johannesburg South Africa<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Brazilian
Brazilian Baracoon Museum Point of No Return in Badagry, Lagos State<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Threats to the Heritage Sites in Nigeria<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

The two heritage sites in Nigeria are facing significant threats. In the South, land grabbers are encroaching into the Osun-Oshogbo Sacred Grove. In the north, the fate of Sukur Cultural Landscape lies in the hands of the military. According to the minister,<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cOur gallant men and women in uniform have succeeded in repelling the attempt by the Boko Haram terrorists to destroy the Sukur Cultural Landscape.\u2019\u2019<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

However, the minister said the government will do all within its powers to protect the sites. Also, he warned land grabbers to stay clear of the 45 hectares buffer zone around the Osun-Oshogbo Sacred Grove. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Citing the importance of UNESCO world heritage sites, do you think governments around the world are doing enough to protect them? What do you think can be done better? We would love to hear your views in the comment box below.<\/p>\n","post_title":"Nigeria Identifies Landmarks Fit For Declaration As UNESCO World Heritage Sites","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"nigeria-identifies-landmarks-fit-for-declaration-as-unesco-world-heritage-sites","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-10-06 06:40:44","post_modified_gmt":"2024-10-06 06:40:44","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.africanvibes.com\/?p=212236","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":195426,"post_author":"2777","post_date":"2019-11-16 10:18:21","post_date_gmt":"2019-11-16 10:18:21","post_content":"\n\n[caption id=\"attachment_195428\" align=\"aligncenter\" width=\"735\"]\"\" New Studies Suggest Africa Was The Home Of Modern Man<\/em>[\/caption]\n\nScientists are continually trying to trace the origin of humans. A new study<\/a> says Africa was homeland of modern man. According to the study, the area Makgadikgadi-Okavango in the southern part of Africa was the home to a large population of Homo sapiens<\/em> until the advent of climate change. The fingered region is around northern Botswana.\n\nAbout 200 thousand years ago, there was an enormous lake in the region. The lake was roughly twice the size of modern-day Lake Victoria. Thus, modern humans settled there for at least 70 thousand years. However, as a result of climate change, the area is now reduced to salt plains. Consequently, the human population began to migrate roughly 130 thousand years ago. The first set of migrants ventured northeast while the second wave went southwest. However, some remained in the homeland until today.  \n

ALSO READ: 10 Most spoken Languages in Africa<\/a><\/strong><\/div>\nAccording to the researchers, it was this migration that triggered the development of human\u2019s genetic, cultural and ethnic diversity in modern man. Speaking about the new study, Vanessa Hayes from the Garvan Institute of Medical Research and the University of Sydney, and Extraordinary Professor at the University of Pretoria said,\n\n\"We've known for a long time that modern man originated in Africa roughly 200,000 years ago. But what we hadn't known until the study was where exactly this homeland was.\"<\/em>\n\n\n

The role played by mitochondrial DNA in the research<\/h2>\nTo reach the conclusion, the researchers analyzed DNA samples for about 200 Khoisan people. The ethnic group lives in modern-day Namibia and South Africa. They are known to carry a high proportion of mitogenomes called \u2018L0\u2019 lineage which are the earliest genomes of modern man. Explaining the importance of mitogenomes, Hayes said,\n\n\"Mitochondrial DNA acts like a time capsule of our ancestral mothers, accumulating changes slowly over generations. Comparing the complete DNA code, or mitogenome, from different individuals provides information on how closely they are related. Our work would not have been possible without the generous contributions of local communities and study participants in Namibia and South Africa, which allowed us to uncover rare and new L0 sub-branches.\"<\/em>\n
ALSO READ: You Can Now Study Kinyarwanda And Other African Languages In Beijing Foreign Studies University<\/a><\/strong><\/div>\nSubsequently, the researchers linked the L0 lineage timeline with the cultural, linguistic, and geographic distribution of different sub-lineages. This led to the finding that the \u2018homeland\u2019 of modern man was south of the Greater Zambezi River Basin which covers entire northern Botswana and stretches into the west of Namibia and east of Zimbabwe. Lead phylogenetic analyst, Dr. Eva Chan from Garvan Institute of Medical Research said,\n\n\"We merged 198 new, rare mitogenomes to the current database of modern human's earliest known population, the L0 lineage. This allowed us to refine the evolutionary tree of our earliest ancestral branches better than ever before.\"<\/em>\n\n\n

The uniqueness of the new study on modern man<\/h2>\nUnlike previous studies, the uniqueness of the present study lies in the combination of disciplines namely climatic physics, geology, and genetics. Geologist, Dr. Andy Moore from Rhodes University investigated existing fossil, archeological, and geological evidence to establish the one-time existence of Lake Makgadikgadi, Africa\u2019s largest lake system. He said,\n\n\"Prior to modern man emergence, the lake had begun to drain due to shifts in underlying tectonic plates. This would have created, a vast wetland, which is known to be one of the most productive ecosystems for sustaining life.\"<\/em>\n
ALSO READ: 5 Ideas for Online Investing in Africa<\/a><\/strong><\/div>\nThe range of error of previous studies was 150,000 to 250,000. However, the new study has a range of error of 165,000 to 240,000.\n

Not everyone agrees with the study<\/h2>\nSome scientists have their doubts about the authenticity of the study. For example, Sarah Tishkoff of the University of Pennsylvania argues that mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) alone is a poor tool for tracing the history of ancient Africa\u2019s population. Others argue that the female ancestors of the Khosian speakers with the L0 lineage could have migrated from somewhere else.\n\n\n\nAnother researcher who expressed doubt about the findings of the study was Chris Stringer. Stringer is a researcher of human evolution at the Natural History Museum in the UK. He highlighted the complexity of human origins study. In a statement posted on Twitter<\/a>, Stringer said,\n\n\"I am very cautious about using modern genetic distributions to infer exactly where ancestral populations were living 200,000 years ago, particularly in a continent as large and complex as Africa. Moreover, like so many studies that concentrate on one small bit of the genome, or one region, or one stone tool industry, or one 'critical' fossil, it cannot capture the full complexity of our mosaic origins, once other data are considered.\u201d<\/em>\n\nNotwithstanding the divergence in the opinion of different researchers, one thing remains clear; Africa had an important role to play in the history and evolution of modern man. We will like to know what you think about this study in the comment box.","post_title":"New Studies Suggest Africa Is The Origin Of Modern Man","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"new-studies-suggest-africa-was-the-homeland-of-modern-man","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-10-06 06:39:42","post_modified_gmt":"2024-10-06 06:39:42","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.africanvibes.com\/?p=195426","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":9778,"post_author":"7","post_date":"2017-04-19 04:47:28","post_date_gmt":"2017-04-19 04:47:28","post_content":"\n\n[caption id=\"attachment_301462\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"219\"]\"Ghana's<\/a> Ghana's Aunty Ocloo Is No Ordinary Google Doodle Photo credit ghanaianmuseum<\/em>[\/caption]\n\nA dollar. That's all Esther Afua Ocloo needed to kickstart Ghana's first food processing factory in 1942. She was a college student. And she was broke. So she used the money, a gift from her aunt, to buy some oranges, sugar, firewood, and jam jars. She produced 12 pots of marmalade. And Nkulenu Industries was born. She sold the jam to her classmates, then the school, then the country, then the world.\n\nALSO READ:\u00a0Zimbabwean Woman Gets Life-Size Statue In New York. Here Is Why<\/a><\/strong>\n\nEsther Afua Ocloo, the star of today's Google Doodle<\/a>, was more than a jam star. She also became a pioneer in the field of microfinance \u2014 lending a small amount of money to women with a dream like she once had.\n\n[caption id=\"attachment_9779\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"1000\"]\"Ghana's Photo credit Youtube<\/a><\/em>[\/caption]\n\nRead More Here >><\/strong><\/span><\/a>","post_title":"Ghana's Aunty Ocloo Is No Ordinary Google Doodle","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"ghanas-aunty-ocloo-no-ordinary-google-doodle","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-10-04 05:58:30","post_modified_gmt":"2024-10-04 05:58:30","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.africanvibes.com\/?p=9778","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"}],"next":false,"prev":false,"total_page":1},"paged":1,"column_class":"jeg_col_2o3","class":"epic_block_3"};

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\n

Although scientists started working on the site in 2017, the excavation suffered setbacks from COVID-19. The nearly complete skeleton is believed to be about 230 million years old.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

This places the species at par with the oldest dinosaurs scientists have ever unearthed. The research findings were published in the Nature journal<\/a> on Wednesday, Aug. 31, 2022.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The name of the oldest dinosaur was derived from Mbire, the name of the Shona dynasty that dominated the region. Dr. Michael Raath is the scientist that helped in the discovery of the fossil.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The implications of the discovery of Mbiresaurus raathi<\/em><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
\"The
The new Zimbabwean assemblage is on the same palaeolatitudinal climatic belt as other Carnian dinosaur-bearing assemblages and has a similar taxonomic composition (Photo credit: Nature)<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

The discovery of Mbiresaurus raathi <\/em>which is one of the oldest dinosaurs has shed more light on the Triassic era which ended over 200 million years ago. Fossils from the era have been discovered in India, South America, and now Zimbabwe.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The finding beams more light on the migration and evolution of earlier dinosaurs. Speaking to BBC, the deputy director of National Museums and Monuments of Zimbabwe, Darlington Munyikwa, who took part in the discovery said, \u201cFossils from the Triassic age in the study of early dinosaurs is rare\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Mr. Munyikwa disclosed that the country was aware of the fossil site for decades. He also noted that there are many similar sites in the area that needed further exploration when funds become available. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Griffin hinted at what the discovery has helped to explain. According to him, the discovery \u201cshows that dinosaurs did not start as dominators of the world\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

ALSO READ: <\/strong>Tunisian Migrants Are Ditching Europe For Southern Africa. See Why<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Research curator of paleontology at the North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences, Christian Kammerer, stressed, \u201cThe foremost dinosaurs were tiny\u2014far from the giants that occupy our thoughts\u201d. Kammerer was not part of the study but shared the view with Live Science.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The discovery of Mbiresaurus raathi <\/em>fossils also reveals another important piece of information that Griffin pointed out.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cThe dinosaurs and the animals that existed mutually with them tend to be confined to a specific type of environment in the far south\u2014what we know today as India, southern Africa, and South America.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

The Triassic lineage<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
\"\"
Skeletal anatomy of the Mbiresaurus raathi holotype (NHMZ 2222) and paratype (NHMZ 2547) (Photo credit: Nature)<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Scientists are now having a better understanding of the Triassic lineage and how dinosaurs evolved from small creatures to the giant most of us know today. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

University of Cape Town paleontologist, Prof Anusuya Chinsamy-Turan told the BBC that Mbiresaurus raathi<\/em>\u2019s discovery is a vital part of the lineage that gave rise to the sauropod dinosaurs (encompassing brontosaurus and diplodocus).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cIt teaches us that during the evolution of dinosaurs, they existed in different continents but seem to trace a hot humid path instead of dry inhospitable environments. Hopefully, we would find more in that area.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

ALSO READ:<\/strong> Entrepreneur Spotlight: Microfuse Stick By Ugandan Engineers Is The Future Of Computer<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

With the discovery of the new fossils of the Mbiresaurus raathi<\/em>, Zimbabwe experts now have a new concern. Prof Chinsamy-Turan echoed this sentiment when she told BBC, \u201cI hope there is a strict policy to ensure the handing over of such fossils to the museum to avoid losing the material.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

At the moment, the Mbiresaurus raathi<\/em> fossil remains are kept in a room in a museum in Bulawayo, a southern city in the country. A University of Edinburgh paleontologist, Steve Brusatte who was not part of the study said,<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cPrior to now we almost know nothing about the foremost dinosaurs in Africa. The discovery of Mbiresaurus raathi change<\/em>s everything. It is one of the most important discoveries in recent times about the dinosaur anywhere on the globe.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n","post_title":"Scientists Unearth Africa\u2019s Oldest Dinosaur Mbiresaurus raathi In Zimbabwe","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"scientists-unearth-mbiresaurus-raathi","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-10-16 16:59:25","post_modified_gmt":"2024-10-16 16:59:25","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/africanvibes.com\/?p=340932","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":190293,"post_author":"7","post_date":"2020-01-07 18:14:51","post_date_gmt":"2020-01-07 18:14:51","post_content":"\n\nWhat would you do if you find a priceless 18th-century crown in a suitcase?\n\nIn 1998, Sirak Asfaw, a Dutch-Ethiopian hosted Ethiopian pilots, refugees, and diplomats who were passing through Rotterdam. In the suitcase of one of his visitors, he saw an 18th-century Ethiopian crown. \n\n\"I looked into the suitcase and saw something really amazing and I thought 'this is not right. This has been stolen. This should not be here. This belongs to Ethiopia'.\"<\/em>\n\nAsfaw confronted the owner of the suitcase and told him the crown will not leave his house. \n\n\n\n\u201c[I told him the crown] will not leave my house unless it goes back to Ethiopia.\" <\/em>The owner obliged and gave him the artifact. \n

ALSO READ: Ethiopia's Prime Minister Takes Home the 2019 Nobel Peace Prize<\/a><\/strong><\/div>\n

Why Sirak Asfaw became the custodian of the Ethiopia crown<\/h2>\nShortly after having the crown in his custody, he went to a message board to ask what people thought he should do to \u2018an Ethiopian artifact\u2019. Some suggested he should turn it over to the Dutch government. Fearing the Dutch government may claim it, he decided to keep it. \n\nFor 21 years, he hid the priceless Ethiopia crown in his apartment waiting for the right time to return it. However, Ethiopians who knew he had the treasure tried to pressure him into returning it.\n\nAsfaw, who became a refugee during the \u2018Red Terror\u2019 purge where as many as 500k Ethiopians were killed in a bloodbath, talked about his decision saying\n\n\"I did not want to return it to the same regime that had made it possible for the crown to get stolen. [I decided to be the custodian] until such time it could go back. I knew if I gave it back, it would just disappear again.\u201d<\/em>\n\nWith the coming into power of Abiy Ahmed, the atmosphere was ripe to return the crown. Consequently, he contacted Arthur Brand, a Dutch \u2018art detective\u2019 and told him about the crown. In an interview, Mr. Brand said,\n\n[caption id=\"attachment_190297\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"634\"]\"\" Sirak Asfew (left) and Arthur Brand (right) pose with the 18th-century Ethiopia crown<\/em>[\/caption]\n\n
 <\/div>\n
ALSO READ: Ethiopia Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed Disarms Armed Protesting Soldiers with Push-Ups<\/a><\/strong><\/div>\n\u201cIt turns out that Sirak Asfaw had been the custodian of a rare 18th-century Ethiopia crown for the past 21 years and wants to give it back. It was a story straight from a crime thriller.\u201d<\/em>\n\nAfter returning the artifact, Asfaw said, \u201cThis is Ethiopian cultural heritage, this is Ethiopia's identity and finally it feels good to give it back.\u201d<\/em>\n

Striking features of the artifact<\/h2>\nThe Ethiopia crown is made of gilded copper. The body of the crown, around the base, bears the image of the Holy Trinity and the 12 Apostles. The crown is one of the less than 20 that were made\u2014and the most valuable of them all. The artifact bears the date 1633-34 but a research associate at Oxford University, Jacopo Gnisci suggests it may have been made a century later. He believes a powerful warlord, \u2018ras\u2019 Welde Sellase gave the crown to the church in Cheleqot, a village near Mekelle in northern Ethiopia. After confirming the authenticity of the artifact, Gnisci said,\n
ALSO READ: Ethiopian Prime Minister's War On Corruption Results In Arrests Of 59 More Officials<\/a><\/strong><\/div>\n\u201cThese crowns are of great cultural and symbolic significance in Ethiopia, as they are usually donated by high-ranking officials to churches in a practice that reaches as far back as the Late Antiquity. These crowns are of priceless symbolic value and it is important that they be returned to Ethiopia,\u201d<\/em>\n\nThe last time the Ethiopia crown was seen in public was in 1993. At that time it was worn by a priest in a photograph. However, it disappeared afterward. Investigations were launched but the culprit was never found. The artifact is currently held in a secure facility in the Netherlands pending further actions.","post_title":"Here Is What Sirak Asfaw Did When He Found A Priceless 18th-Century Crown In A Suitcase","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"priceless-ethiopia-crown-to-return-home-after-21-years-in-dutch-apartment","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-08-16 16:10:29","post_modified_gmt":"2024-08-16 16:10:29","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.africanvibes.com\/?p=190293","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":212236,"post_author":"2777","post_date":"2020-01-03 10:18:22","post_date_gmt":"2020-01-03 10:18:22","post_content":"\n

There are 1121 properties on the United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) list. Out of these large numbers, only two Nigerian cultural sites are on the list. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

They are Sukur Cultural Landscape in Adamawa State and Osun-Oshogbo Sacred Grove in Osun State. However, the government of Nigeria has identified more sites in the country that are fit to be on the list of UNESCO world heritage sites.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The minister of Information and Culture, Mr. Lai Mohammed made this known after a visit to the Osun-Oshogbo Sacred Grove. According to the minister, they were other sites in the country that meet the requirements of being on the UNESCO world heritage sites list. These include Igbo Olodumare, Kano City Walls, and Ogbunike Cave. Explaining the reason why the sites should be on the list, the minister said,<\/p>\n\n\n\n

ALSO READ:<\/strong> 10 Must See Historic Sites In Ghana<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cThe ancient Kano City Walls witnessed the famous Trans- Sahara Trade of which Kano was the dominant force. This trade linked the great kingdoms and empires of West Africa with North America and even Europe. The forests in Oke-Igbo, Ile Oluji Axis of Ondo State, which was the inspiration for D. O. Fagunwa\u2019s book, \u2018Igbo Olodumare\u2019 should be considered for the reason of its scenic state. The Ogbunike Caves<\/a> in Anambra State for its natural significance\u201d.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Ogbunike
Ogbunike Cave in Anambra State<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Other landmarks the minister wants to be on the UNESCO world heritage sites list are The Brazilian Baracoon Museum\/Point of No Return in Badagry, Lagos State and the Gashaka-Gumti National Park, Nigeria\u2019s largest national park in the eastern province of Taraba and Adamawa states close to Cameroon border.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Why Being on UNESCO World Heritage Sites List is a Big Deal<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Properties listed on UNESCO world heritage sites list are those with cultural, historical, scientific or other forms of significance. Consequently, they are under legal protection by international treaties. Such sites are important to humanity\u2019s collective interest. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Therefore, it is a thing of pride to have a country\u2019s properties on the list. Also, properties on the list get greater government attention which can be crucial for their existence. According to Mr. Mohammed,<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cThe fact that the General Assembly, comprising the entire 193 states parties, in November elected Nigeria into the UNESCO World Heritage Committee is a positive development for our quest to have more sites designated as World Heritage Sites. We shall use our presence on this Committee to fight for the enlistment of many more sites from Nigeria into the World Heritage list. Nigeria is really blessed with a lot of potential sites.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

ALSO READ:<\/strong> 10 Must-Visit Luxury Hotels In Johannesburg South Africa<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Brazilian
Brazilian Baracoon Museum Point of No Return in Badagry, Lagos State<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Threats to the Heritage Sites in Nigeria<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

The two heritage sites in Nigeria are facing significant threats. In the South, land grabbers are encroaching into the Osun-Oshogbo Sacred Grove. In the north, the fate of Sukur Cultural Landscape lies in the hands of the military. According to the minister,<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cOur gallant men and women in uniform have succeeded in repelling the attempt by the Boko Haram terrorists to destroy the Sukur Cultural Landscape.\u2019\u2019<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

However, the minister said the government will do all within its powers to protect the sites. Also, he warned land grabbers to stay clear of the 45 hectares buffer zone around the Osun-Oshogbo Sacred Grove. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Citing the importance of UNESCO world heritage sites, do you think governments around the world are doing enough to protect them? What do you think can be done better? We would love to hear your views in the comment box below.<\/p>\n","post_title":"Nigeria Identifies Landmarks Fit For Declaration As UNESCO World Heritage Sites","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"nigeria-identifies-landmarks-fit-for-declaration-as-unesco-world-heritage-sites","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-10-06 06:40:44","post_modified_gmt":"2024-10-06 06:40:44","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.africanvibes.com\/?p=212236","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":195426,"post_author":"2777","post_date":"2019-11-16 10:18:21","post_date_gmt":"2019-11-16 10:18:21","post_content":"\n\n[caption id=\"attachment_195428\" align=\"aligncenter\" width=\"735\"]\"\" New Studies Suggest Africa Was The Home Of Modern Man<\/em>[\/caption]\n\nScientists are continually trying to trace the origin of humans. A new study<\/a> says Africa was homeland of modern man. According to the study, the area Makgadikgadi-Okavango in the southern part of Africa was the home to a large population of Homo sapiens<\/em> until the advent of climate change. The fingered region is around northern Botswana.\n\nAbout 200 thousand years ago, there was an enormous lake in the region. The lake was roughly twice the size of modern-day Lake Victoria. Thus, modern humans settled there for at least 70 thousand years. However, as a result of climate change, the area is now reduced to salt plains. Consequently, the human population began to migrate roughly 130 thousand years ago. The first set of migrants ventured northeast while the second wave went southwest. However, some remained in the homeland until today.  \n

ALSO READ: 10 Most spoken Languages in Africa<\/a><\/strong><\/div>\nAccording to the researchers, it was this migration that triggered the development of human\u2019s genetic, cultural and ethnic diversity in modern man. Speaking about the new study, Vanessa Hayes from the Garvan Institute of Medical Research and the University of Sydney, and Extraordinary Professor at the University of Pretoria said,\n\n\"We've known for a long time that modern man originated in Africa roughly 200,000 years ago. But what we hadn't known until the study was where exactly this homeland was.\"<\/em>\n\n\n

The role played by mitochondrial DNA in the research<\/h2>\nTo reach the conclusion, the researchers analyzed DNA samples for about 200 Khoisan people. The ethnic group lives in modern-day Namibia and South Africa. They are known to carry a high proportion of mitogenomes called \u2018L0\u2019 lineage which are the earliest genomes of modern man. Explaining the importance of mitogenomes, Hayes said,\n\n\"Mitochondrial DNA acts like a time capsule of our ancestral mothers, accumulating changes slowly over generations. Comparing the complete DNA code, or mitogenome, from different individuals provides information on how closely they are related. Our work would not have been possible without the generous contributions of local communities and study participants in Namibia and South Africa, which allowed us to uncover rare and new L0 sub-branches.\"<\/em>\n
ALSO READ: You Can Now Study Kinyarwanda And Other African Languages In Beijing Foreign Studies University<\/a><\/strong><\/div>\nSubsequently, the researchers linked the L0 lineage timeline with the cultural, linguistic, and geographic distribution of different sub-lineages. This led to the finding that the \u2018homeland\u2019 of modern man was south of the Greater Zambezi River Basin which covers entire northern Botswana and stretches into the west of Namibia and east of Zimbabwe. Lead phylogenetic analyst, Dr. Eva Chan from Garvan Institute of Medical Research said,\n\n\"We merged 198 new, rare mitogenomes to the current database of modern human's earliest known population, the L0 lineage. This allowed us to refine the evolutionary tree of our earliest ancestral branches better than ever before.\"<\/em>\n\n\n

The uniqueness of the new study on modern man<\/h2>\nUnlike previous studies, the uniqueness of the present study lies in the combination of disciplines namely climatic physics, geology, and genetics. Geologist, Dr. Andy Moore from Rhodes University investigated existing fossil, archeological, and geological evidence to establish the one-time existence of Lake Makgadikgadi, Africa\u2019s largest lake system. He said,\n\n\"Prior to modern man emergence, the lake had begun to drain due to shifts in underlying tectonic plates. This would have created, a vast wetland, which is known to be one of the most productive ecosystems for sustaining life.\"<\/em>\n
ALSO READ: 5 Ideas for Online Investing in Africa<\/a><\/strong><\/div>\nThe range of error of previous studies was 150,000 to 250,000. However, the new study has a range of error of 165,000 to 240,000.\n

Not everyone agrees with the study<\/h2>\nSome scientists have their doubts about the authenticity of the study. For example, Sarah Tishkoff of the University of Pennsylvania argues that mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) alone is a poor tool for tracing the history of ancient Africa\u2019s population. Others argue that the female ancestors of the Khosian speakers with the L0 lineage could have migrated from somewhere else.\n\n\n\nAnother researcher who expressed doubt about the findings of the study was Chris Stringer. Stringer is a researcher of human evolution at the Natural History Museum in the UK. He highlighted the complexity of human origins study. In a statement posted on Twitter<\/a>, Stringer said,\n\n\"I am very cautious about using modern genetic distributions to infer exactly where ancestral populations were living 200,000 years ago, particularly in a continent as large and complex as Africa. Moreover, like so many studies that concentrate on one small bit of the genome, or one region, or one stone tool industry, or one 'critical' fossil, it cannot capture the full complexity of our mosaic origins, once other data are considered.\u201d<\/em>\n\nNotwithstanding the divergence in the opinion of different researchers, one thing remains clear; Africa had an important role to play in the history and evolution of modern man. We will like to know what you think about this study in the comment box.","post_title":"New Studies Suggest Africa Is The Origin Of Modern Man","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"new-studies-suggest-africa-was-the-homeland-of-modern-man","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-10-06 06:39:42","post_modified_gmt":"2024-10-06 06:39:42","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.africanvibes.com\/?p=195426","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":9778,"post_author":"7","post_date":"2017-04-19 04:47:28","post_date_gmt":"2017-04-19 04:47:28","post_content":"\n\n[caption id=\"attachment_301462\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"219\"]\"Ghana's<\/a> Ghana's Aunty Ocloo Is No Ordinary Google Doodle Photo credit ghanaianmuseum<\/em>[\/caption]\n\nA dollar. That's all Esther Afua Ocloo needed to kickstart Ghana's first food processing factory in 1942. She was a college student. And she was broke. So she used the money, a gift from her aunt, to buy some oranges, sugar, firewood, and jam jars. She produced 12 pots of marmalade. And Nkulenu Industries was born. She sold the jam to her classmates, then the school, then the country, then the world.\n\nALSO READ:\u00a0Zimbabwean Woman Gets Life-Size Statue In New York. Here Is Why<\/a><\/strong>\n\nEsther Afua Ocloo, the star of today's Google Doodle<\/a>, was more than a jam star. She also became a pioneer in the field of microfinance \u2014 lending a small amount of money to women with a dream like she once had.\n\n[caption id=\"attachment_9779\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"1000\"]\"Ghana's Photo credit Youtube<\/a><\/em>[\/caption]\n\nRead More Here >><\/strong><\/span><\/a>","post_title":"Ghana's Aunty Ocloo Is No Ordinary Google Doodle","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"ghanas-aunty-ocloo-no-ordinary-google-doodle","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-10-04 05:58:30","post_modified_gmt":"2024-10-04 05:58:30","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.africanvibes.com\/?p=9778","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"}],"next":false,"prev":false,"total_page":1},"paged":1,"column_class":"jeg_col_2o3","class":"epic_block_3"};

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\n
\"Christopher
Christopher Griffin in 2017 during the excavation of Mbiresaurus raathi (Photo credit: Stephen TolanVirginia Tech)<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Although scientists started working on the site in 2017, the excavation suffered setbacks from COVID-19. The nearly complete skeleton is believed to be about 230 million years old.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

This places the species at par with the oldest dinosaurs scientists have ever unearthed. The research findings were published in the Nature journal<\/a> on Wednesday, Aug. 31, 2022.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The name of the oldest dinosaur was derived from Mbire, the name of the Shona dynasty that dominated the region. Dr. Michael Raath is the scientist that helped in the discovery of the fossil.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The implications of the discovery of Mbiresaurus raathi<\/em><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
\"The
The new Zimbabwean assemblage is on the same palaeolatitudinal climatic belt as other Carnian dinosaur-bearing assemblages and has a similar taxonomic composition (Photo credit: Nature)<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

The discovery of Mbiresaurus raathi <\/em>which is one of the oldest dinosaurs has shed more light on the Triassic era which ended over 200 million years ago. Fossils from the era have been discovered in India, South America, and now Zimbabwe.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The finding beams more light on the migration and evolution of earlier dinosaurs. Speaking to BBC, the deputy director of National Museums and Monuments of Zimbabwe, Darlington Munyikwa, who took part in the discovery said, \u201cFossils from the Triassic age in the study of early dinosaurs is rare\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Mr. Munyikwa disclosed that the country was aware of the fossil site for decades. He also noted that there are many similar sites in the area that needed further exploration when funds become available. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Griffin hinted at what the discovery has helped to explain. According to him, the discovery \u201cshows that dinosaurs did not start as dominators of the world\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

ALSO READ: <\/strong>Tunisian Migrants Are Ditching Europe For Southern Africa. See Why<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Research curator of paleontology at the North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences, Christian Kammerer, stressed, \u201cThe foremost dinosaurs were tiny\u2014far from the giants that occupy our thoughts\u201d. Kammerer was not part of the study but shared the view with Live Science.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The discovery of Mbiresaurus raathi <\/em>fossils also reveals another important piece of information that Griffin pointed out.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cThe dinosaurs and the animals that existed mutually with them tend to be confined to a specific type of environment in the far south\u2014what we know today as India, southern Africa, and South America.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

The Triassic lineage<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
\"\"
Skeletal anatomy of the Mbiresaurus raathi holotype (NHMZ 2222) and paratype (NHMZ 2547) (Photo credit: Nature)<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Scientists are now having a better understanding of the Triassic lineage and how dinosaurs evolved from small creatures to the giant most of us know today. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

University of Cape Town paleontologist, Prof Anusuya Chinsamy-Turan told the BBC that Mbiresaurus raathi<\/em>\u2019s discovery is a vital part of the lineage that gave rise to the sauropod dinosaurs (encompassing brontosaurus and diplodocus).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cIt teaches us that during the evolution of dinosaurs, they existed in different continents but seem to trace a hot humid path instead of dry inhospitable environments. Hopefully, we would find more in that area.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

ALSO READ:<\/strong> Entrepreneur Spotlight: Microfuse Stick By Ugandan Engineers Is The Future Of Computer<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

With the discovery of the new fossils of the Mbiresaurus raathi<\/em>, Zimbabwe experts now have a new concern. Prof Chinsamy-Turan echoed this sentiment when she told BBC, \u201cI hope there is a strict policy to ensure the handing over of such fossils to the museum to avoid losing the material.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

At the moment, the Mbiresaurus raathi<\/em> fossil remains are kept in a room in a museum in Bulawayo, a southern city in the country. A University of Edinburgh paleontologist, Steve Brusatte who was not part of the study said,<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cPrior to now we almost know nothing about the foremost dinosaurs in Africa. The discovery of Mbiresaurus raathi change<\/em>s everything. It is one of the most important discoveries in recent times about the dinosaur anywhere on the globe.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n","post_title":"Scientists Unearth Africa\u2019s Oldest Dinosaur Mbiresaurus raathi In Zimbabwe","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"scientists-unearth-mbiresaurus-raathi","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-10-16 16:59:25","post_modified_gmt":"2024-10-16 16:59:25","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/africanvibes.com\/?p=340932","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":190293,"post_author":"7","post_date":"2020-01-07 18:14:51","post_date_gmt":"2020-01-07 18:14:51","post_content":"\n\nWhat would you do if you find a priceless 18th-century crown in a suitcase?\n\nIn 1998, Sirak Asfaw, a Dutch-Ethiopian hosted Ethiopian pilots, refugees, and diplomats who were passing through Rotterdam. In the suitcase of one of his visitors, he saw an 18th-century Ethiopian crown. \n\n\"I looked into the suitcase and saw something really amazing and I thought 'this is not right. This has been stolen. This should not be here. This belongs to Ethiopia'.\"<\/em>\n\nAsfaw confronted the owner of the suitcase and told him the crown will not leave his house. \n\n\n\n\u201c[I told him the crown] will not leave my house unless it goes back to Ethiopia.\" <\/em>The owner obliged and gave him the artifact. \n

ALSO READ: Ethiopia's Prime Minister Takes Home the 2019 Nobel Peace Prize<\/a><\/strong><\/div>\n

Why Sirak Asfaw became the custodian of the Ethiopia crown<\/h2>\nShortly after having the crown in his custody, he went to a message board to ask what people thought he should do to \u2018an Ethiopian artifact\u2019. Some suggested he should turn it over to the Dutch government. Fearing the Dutch government may claim it, he decided to keep it. \n\nFor 21 years, he hid the priceless Ethiopia crown in his apartment waiting for the right time to return it. However, Ethiopians who knew he had the treasure tried to pressure him into returning it.\n\nAsfaw, who became a refugee during the \u2018Red Terror\u2019 purge where as many as 500k Ethiopians were killed in a bloodbath, talked about his decision saying\n\n\"I did not want to return it to the same regime that had made it possible for the crown to get stolen. [I decided to be the custodian] until such time it could go back. I knew if I gave it back, it would just disappear again.\u201d<\/em>\n\nWith the coming into power of Abiy Ahmed, the atmosphere was ripe to return the crown. Consequently, he contacted Arthur Brand, a Dutch \u2018art detective\u2019 and told him about the crown. In an interview, Mr. Brand said,\n\n[caption id=\"attachment_190297\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"634\"]\"\" Sirak Asfew (left) and Arthur Brand (right) pose with the 18th-century Ethiopia crown<\/em>[\/caption]\n\n
 <\/div>\n
ALSO READ: Ethiopia Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed Disarms Armed Protesting Soldiers with Push-Ups<\/a><\/strong><\/div>\n\u201cIt turns out that Sirak Asfaw had been the custodian of a rare 18th-century Ethiopia crown for the past 21 years and wants to give it back. It was a story straight from a crime thriller.\u201d<\/em>\n\nAfter returning the artifact, Asfaw said, \u201cThis is Ethiopian cultural heritage, this is Ethiopia's identity and finally it feels good to give it back.\u201d<\/em>\n

Striking features of the artifact<\/h2>\nThe Ethiopia crown is made of gilded copper. The body of the crown, around the base, bears the image of the Holy Trinity and the 12 Apostles. The crown is one of the less than 20 that were made\u2014and the most valuable of them all. The artifact bears the date 1633-34 but a research associate at Oxford University, Jacopo Gnisci suggests it may have been made a century later. He believes a powerful warlord, \u2018ras\u2019 Welde Sellase gave the crown to the church in Cheleqot, a village near Mekelle in northern Ethiopia. After confirming the authenticity of the artifact, Gnisci said,\n
ALSO READ: Ethiopian Prime Minister's War On Corruption Results In Arrests Of 59 More Officials<\/a><\/strong><\/div>\n\u201cThese crowns are of great cultural and symbolic significance in Ethiopia, as they are usually donated by high-ranking officials to churches in a practice that reaches as far back as the Late Antiquity. These crowns are of priceless symbolic value and it is important that they be returned to Ethiopia,\u201d<\/em>\n\nThe last time the Ethiopia crown was seen in public was in 1993. At that time it was worn by a priest in a photograph. However, it disappeared afterward. Investigations were launched but the culprit was never found. The artifact is currently held in a secure facility in the Netherlands pending further actions.","post_title":"Here Is What Sirak Asfaw Did When He Found A Priceless 18th-Century Crown In A Suitcase","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"priceless-ethiopia-crown-to-return-home-after-21-years-in-dutch-apartment","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-08-16 16:10:29","post_modified_gmt":"2024-08-16 16:10:29","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.africanvibes.com\/?p=190293","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":212236,"post_author":"2777","post_date":"2020-01-03 10:18:22","post_date_gmt":"2020-01-03 10:18:22","post_content":"\n

There are 1121 properties on the United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) list. Out of these large numbers, only two Nigerian cultural sites are on the list. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

They are Sukur Cultural Landscape in Adamawa State and Osun-Oshogbo Sacred Grove in Osun State. However, the government of Nigeria has identified more sites in the country that are fit to be on the list of UNESCO world heritage sites.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The minister of Information and Culture, Mr. Lai Mohammed made this known after a visit to the Osun-Oshogbo Sacred Grove. According to the minister, they were other sites in the country that meet the requirements of being on the UNESCO world heritage sites list. These include Igbo Olodumare, Kano City Walls, and Ogbunike Cave. Explaining the reason why the sites should be on the list, the minister said,<\/p>\n\n\n\n

ALSO READ:<\/strong> 10 Must See Historic Sites In Ghana<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cThe ancient Kano City Walls witnessed the famous Trans- Sahara Trade of which Kano was the dominant force. This trade linked the great kingdoms and empires of West Africa with North America and even Europe. The forests in Oke-Igbo, Ile Oluji Axis of Ondo State, which was the inspiration for D. O. Fagunwa\u2019s book, \u2018Igbo Olodumare\u2019 should be considered for the reason of its scenic state. The Ogbunike Caves<\/a> in Anambra State for its natural significance\u201d.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Ogbunike
Ogbunike Cave in Anambra State<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Other landmarks the minister wants to be on the UNESCO world heritage sites list are The Brazilian Baracoon Museum\/Point of No Return in Badagry, Lagos State and the Gashaka-Gumti National Park, Nigeria\u2019s largest national park in the eastern province of Taraba and Adamawa states close to Cameroon border.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Why Being on UNESCO World Heritage Sites List is a Big Deal<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Properties listed on UNESCO world heritage sites list are those with cultural, historical, scientific or other forms of significance. Consequently, they are under legal protection by international treaties. Such sites are important to humanity\u2019s collective interest. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Therefore, it is a thing of pride to have a country\u2019s properties on the list. Also, properties on the list get greater government attention which can be crucial for their existence. According to Mr. Mohammed,<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cThe fact that the General Assembly, comprising the entire 193 states parties, in November elected Nigeria into the UNESCO World Heritage Committee is a positive development for our quest to have more sites designated as World Heritage Sites. We shall use our presence on this Committee to fight for the enlistment of many more sites from Nigeria into the World Heritage list. Nigeria is really blessed with a lot of potential sites.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

ALSO READ:<\/strong> 10 Must-Visit Luxury Hotels In Johannesburg South Africa<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Brazilian
Brazilian Baracoon Museum Point of No Return in Badagry, Lagos State<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Threats to the Heritage Sites in Nigeria<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

The two heritage sites in Nigeria are facing significant threats. In the South, land grabbers are encroaching into the Osun-Oshogbo Sacred Grove. In the north, the fate of Sukur Cultural Landscape lies in the hands of the military. According to the minister,<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cOur gallant men and women in uniform have succeeded in repelling the attempt by the Boko Haram terrorists to destroy the Sukur Cultural Landscape.\u2019\u2019<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

However, the minister said the government will do all within its powers to protect the sites. Also, he warned land grabbers to stay clear of the 45 hectares buffer zone around the Osun-Oshogbo Sacred Grove. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Citing the importance of UNESCO world heritage sites, do you think governments around the world are doing enough to protect them? What do you think can be done better? We would love to hear your views in the comment box below.<\/p>\n","post_title":"Nigeria Identifies Landmarks Fit For Declaration As UNESCO World Heritage Sites","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"nigeria-identifies-landmarks-fit-for-declaration-as-unesco-world-heritage-sites","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-10-06 06:40:44","post_modified_gmt":"2024-10-06 06:40:44","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.africanvibes.com\/?p=212236","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":195426,"post_author":"2777","post_date":"2019-11-16 10:18:21","post_date_gmt":"2019-11-16 10:18:21","post_content":"\n\n[caption id=\"attachment_195428\" align=\"aligncenter\" width=\"735\"]\"\" New Studies Suggest Africa Was The Home Of Modern Man<\/em>[\/caption]\n\nScientists are continually trying to trace the origin of humans. A new study<\/a> says Africa was homeland of modern man. According to the study, the area Makgadikgadi-Okavango in the southern part of Africa was the home to a large population of Homo sapiens<\/em> until the advent of climate change. The fingered region is around northern Botswana.\n\nAbout 200 thousand years ago, there was an enormous lake in the region. The lake was roughly twice the size of modern-day Lake Victoria. Thus, modern humans settled there for at least 70 thousand years. However, as a result of climate change, the area is now reduced to salt plains. Consequently, the human population began to migrate roughly 130 thousand years ago. The first set of migrants ventured northeast while the second wave went southwest. However, some remained in the homeland until today.  \n

ALSO READ: 10 Most spoken Languages in Africa<\/a><\/strong><\/div>\nAccording to the researchers, it was this migration that triggered the development of human\u2019s genetic, cultural and ethnic diversity in modern man. Speaking about the new study, Vanessa Hayes from the Garvan Institute of Medical Research and the University of Sydney, and Extraordinary Professor at the University of Pretoria said,\n\n\"We've known for a long time that modern man originated in Africa roughly 200,000 years ago. But what we hadn't known until the study was where exactly this homeland was.\"<\/em>\n\n\n

The role played by mitochondrial DNA in the research<\/h2>\nTo reach the conclusion, the researchers analyzed DNA samples for about 200 Khoisan people. The ethnic group lives in modern-day Namibia and South Africa. They are known to carry a high proportion of mitogenomes called \u2018L0\u2019 lineage which are the earliest genomes of modern man. Explaining the importance of mitogenomes, Hayes said,\n\n\"Mitochondrial DNA acts like a time capsule of our ancestral mothers, accumulating changes slowly over generations. Comparing the complete DNA code, or mitogenome, from different individuals provides information on how closely they are related. Our work would not have been possible without the generous contributions of local communities and study participants in Namibia and South Africa, which allowed us to uncover rare and new L0 sub-branches.\"<\/em>\n
ALSO READ: You Can Now Study Kinyarwanda And Other African Languages In Beijing Foreign Studies University<\/a><\/strong><\/div>\nSubsequently, the researchers linked the L0 lineage timeline with the cultural, linguistic, and geographic distribution of different sub-lineages. This led to the finding that the \u2018homeland\u2019 of modern man was south of the Greater Zambezi River Basin which covers entire northern Botswana and stretches into the west of Namibia and east of Zimbabwe. Lead phylogenetic analyst, Dr. Eva Chan from Garvan Institute of Medical Research said,\n\n\"We merged 198 new, rare mitogenomes to the current database of modern human's earliest known population, the L0 lineage. This allowed us to refine the evolutionary tree of our earliest ancestral branches better than ever before.\"<\/em>\n\n\n

The uniqueness of the new study on modern man<\/h2>\nUnlike previous studies, the uniqueness of the present study lies in the combination of disciplines namely climatic physics, geology, and genetics. Geologist, Dr. Andy Moore from Rhodes University investigated existing fossil, archeological, and geological evidence to establish the one-time existence of Lake Makgadikgadi, Africa\u2019s largest lake system. He said,\n\n\"Prior to modern man emergence, the lake had begun to drain due to shifts in underlying tectonic plates. This would have created, a vast wetland, which is known to be one of the most productive ecosystems for sustaining life.\"<\/em>\n
ALSO READ: 5 Ideas for Online Investing in Africa<\/a><\/strong><\/div>\nThe range of error of previous studies was 150,000 to 250,000. However, the new study has a range of error of 165,000 to 240,000.\n

Not everyone agrees with the study<\/h2>\nSome scientists have their doubts about the authenticity of the study. For example, Sarah Tishkoff of the University of Pennsylvania argues that mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) alone is a poor tool for tracing the history of ancient Africa\u2019s population. Others argue that the female ancestors of the Khosian speakers with the L0 lineage could have migrated from somewhere else.\n\n\n\nAnother researcher who expressed doubt about the findings of the study was Chris Stringer. Stringer is a researcher of human evolution at the Natural History Museum in the UK. He highlighted the complexity of human origins study. In a statement posted on Twitter<\/a>, Stringer said,\n\n\"I am very cautious about using modern genetic distributions to infer exactly where ancestral populations were living 200,000 years ago, particularly in a continent as large and complex as Africa. Moreover, like so many studies that concentrate on one small bit of the genome, or one region, or one stone tool industry, or one 'critical' fossil, it cannot capture the full complexity of our mosaic origins, once other data are considered.\u201d<\/em>\n\nNotwithstanding the divergence in the opinion of different researchers, one thing remains clear; Africa had an important role to play in the history and evolution of modern man. We will like to know what you think about this study in the comment box.","post_title":"New Studies Suggest Africa Is The Origin Of Modern Man","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"new-studies-suggest-africa-was-the-homeland-of-modern-man","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-10-06 06:39:42","post_modified_gmt":"2024-10-06 06:39:42","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.africanvibes.com\/?p=195426","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":9778,"post_author":"7","post_date":"2017-04-19 04:47:28","post_date_gmt":"2017-04-19 04:47:28","post_content":"\n\n[caption id=\"attachment_301462\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"219\"]\"Ghana's<\/a> Ghana's Aunty Ocloo Is No Ordinary Google Doodle Photo credit ghanaianmuseum<\/em>[\/caption]\n\nA dollar. That's all Esther Afua Ocloo needed to kickstart Ghana's first food processing factory in 1942. She was a college student. And she was broke. So she used the money, a gift from her aunt, to buy some oranges, sugar, firewood, and jam jars. She produced 12 pots of marmalade. And Nkulenu Industries was born. She sold the jam to her classmates, then the school, then the country, then the world.\n\nALSO READ:\u00a0Zimbabwean Woman Gets Life-Size Statue In New York. Here Is Why<\/a><\/strong>\n\nEsther Afua Ocloo, the star of today's Google Doodle<\/a>, was more than a jam star. She also became a pioneer in the field of microfinance \u2014 lending a small amount of money to women with a dream like she once had.\n\n[caption id=\"attachment_9779\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"1000\"]\"Ghana's Photo credit Youtube<\/a><\/em>[\/caption]\n\nRead More Here >><\/strong><\/span><\/a>","post_title":"Ghana's Aunty Ocloo Is No Ordinary Google Doodle","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"ghanas-aunty-ocloo-no-ordinary-google-doodle","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-10-04 05:58:30","post_modified_gmt":"2024-10-04 05:58:30","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.africanvibes.com\/?p=9778","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"}],"next":false,"prev":false,"total_page":1},"paged":1,"column_class":"jeg_col_2o3","class":"epic_block_3"};

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See all

\n

Why it took so long to find<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
\"Christopher
Christopher Griffin in 2017 during the excavation of Mbiresaurus raathi (Photo credit: Stephen TolanVirginia Tech)<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Although scientists started working on the site in 2017, the excavation suffered setbacks from COVID-19. The nearly complete skeleton is believed to be about 230 million years old.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

This places the species at par with the oldest dinosaurs scientists have ever unearthed. The research findings were published in the Nature journal<\/a> on Wednesday, Aug. 31, 2022.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The name of the oldest dinosaur was derived from Mbire, the name of the Shona dynasty that dominated the region. Dr. Michael Raath is the scientist that helped in the discovery of the fossil.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The implications of the discovery of Mbiresaurus raathi<\/em><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
\"The
The new Zimbabwean assemblage is on the same palaeolatitudinal climatic belt as other Carnian dinosaur-bearing assemblages and has a similar taxonomic composition (Photo credit: Nature)<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

The discovery of Mbiresaurus raathi <\/em>which is one of the oldest dinosaurs has shed more light on the Triassic era which ended over 200 million years ago. Fossils from the era have been discovered in India, South America, and now Zimbabwe.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The finding beams more light on the migration and evolution of earlier dinosaurs. Speaking to BBC, the deputy director of National Museums and Monuments of Zimbabwe, Darlington Munyikwa, who took part in the discovery said, \u201cFossils from the Triassic age in the study of early dinosaurs is rare\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Mr. Munyikwa disclosed that the country was aware of the fossil site for decades. He also noted that there are many similar sites in the area that needed further exploration when funds become available. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Griffin hinted at what the discovery has helped to explain. According to him, the discovery \u201cshows that dinosaurs did not start as dominators of the world\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

ALSO READ: <\/strong>Tunisian Migrants Are Ditching Europe For Southern Africa. See Why<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Research curator of paleontology at the North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences, Christian Kammerer, stressed, \u201cThe foremost dinosaurs were tiny\u2014far from the giants that occupy our thoughts\u201d. Kammerer was not part of the study but shared the view with Live Science.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The discovery of Mbiresaurus raathi <\/em>fossils also reveals another important piece of information that Griffin pointed out.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cThe dinosaurs and the animals that existed mutually with them tend to be confined to a specific type of environment in the far south\u2014what we know today as India, southern Africa, and South America.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

The Triassic lineage<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
\"\"
Skeletal anatomy of the Mbiresaurus raathi holotype (NHMZ 2222) and paratype (NHMZ 2547) (Photo credit: Nature)<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Scientists are now having a better understanding of the Triassic lineage and how dinosaurs evolved from small creatures to the giant most of us know today. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

University of Cape Town paleontologist, Prof Anusuya Chinsamy-Turan told the BBC that Mbiresaurus raathi<\/em>\u2019s discovery is a vital part of the lineage that gave rise to the sauropod dinosaurs (encompassing brontosaurus and diplodocus).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cIt teaches us that during the evolution of dinosaurs, they existed in different continents but seem to trace a hot humid path instead of dry inhospitable environments. Hopefully, we would find more in that area.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

ALSO READ:<\/strong> Entrepreneur Spotlight: Microfuse Stick By Ugandan Engineers Is The Future Of Computer<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

With the discovery of the new fossils of the Mbiresaurus raathi<\/em>, Zimbabwe experts now have a new concern. Prof Chinsamy-Turan echoed this sentiment when she told BBC, \u201cI hope there is a strict policy to ensure the handing over of such fossils to the museum to avoid losing the material.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

At the moment, the Mbiresaurus raathi<\/em> fossil remains are kept in a room in a museum in Bulawayo, a southern city in the country. A University of Edinburgh paleontologist, Steve Brusatte who was not part of the study said,<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cPrior to now we almost know nothing about the foremost dinosaurs in Africa. The discovery of Mbiresaurus raathi change<\/em>s everything. It is one of the most important discoveries in recent times about the dinosaur anywhere on the globe.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n","post_title":"Scientists Unearth Africa\u2019s Oldest Dinosaur Mbiresaurus raathi In Zimbabwe","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"scientists-unearth-mbiresaurus-raathi","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-10-16 16:59:25","post_modified_gmt":"2024-10-16 16:59:25","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/africanvibes.com\/?p=340932","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":190293,"post_author":"7","post_date":"2020-01-07 18:14:51","post_date_gmt":"2020-01-07 18:14:51","post_content":"\n\nWhat would you do if you find a priceless 18th-century crown in a suitcase?\n\nIn 1998, Sirak Asfaw, a Dutch-Ethiopian hosted Ethiopian pilots, refugees, and diplomats who were passing through Rotterdam. In the suitcase of one of his visitors, he saw an 18th-century Ethiopian crown. \n\n\"I looked into the suitcase and saw something really amazing and I thought 'this is not right. This has been stolen. This should not be here. This belongs to Ethiopia'.\"<\/em>\n\nAsfaw confronted the owner of the suitcase and told him the crown will not leave his house. \n\n\n\n\u201c[I told him the crown] will not leave my house unless it goes back to Ethiopia.\" <\/em>The owner obliged and gave him the artifact. \n

ALSO READ: Ethiopia's Prime Minister Takes Home the 2019 Nobel Peace Prize<\/a><\/strong><\/div>\n

Why Sirak Asfaw became the custodian of the Ethiopia crown<\/h2>\nShortly after having the crown in his custody, he went to a message board to ask what people thought he should do to \u2018an Ethiopian artifact\u2019. Some suggested he should turn it over to the Dutch government. Fearing the Dutch government may claim it, he decided to keep it. \n\nFor 21 years, he hid the priceless Ethiopia crown in his apartment waiting for the right time to return it. However, Ethiopians who knew he had the treasure tried to pressure him into returning it.\n\nAsfaw, who became a refugee during the \u2018Red Terror\u2019 purge where as many as 500k Ethiopians were killed in a bloodbath, talked about his decision saying\n\n\"I did not want to return it to the same regime that had made it possible for the crown to get stolen. [I decided to be the custodian] until such time it could go back. I knew if I gave it back, it would just disappear again.\u201d<\/em>\n\nWith the coming into power of Abiy Ahmed, the atmosphere was ripe to return the crown. Consequently, he contacted Arthur Brand, a Dutch \u2018art detective\u2019 and told him about the crown. In an interview, Mr. Brand said,\n\n[caption id=\"attachment_190297\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"634\"]\"\" Sirak Asfew (left) and Arthur Brand (right) pose with the 18th-century Ethiopia crown<\/em>[\/caption]\n\n
 <\/div>\n
ALSO READ: Ethiopia Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed Disarms Armed Protesting Soldiers with Push-Ups<\/a><\/strong><\/div>\n\u201cIt turns out that Sirak Asfaw had been the custodian of a rare 18th-century Ethiopia crown for the past 21 years and wants to give it back. It was a story straight from a crime thriller.\u201d<\/em>\n\nAfter returning the artifact, Asfaw said, \u201cThis is Ethiopian cultural heritage, this is Ethiopia's identity and finally it feels good to give it back.\u201d<\/em>\n

Striking features of the artifact<\/h2>\nThe Ethiopia crown is made of gilded copper. The body of the crown, around the base, bears the image of the Holy Trinity and the 12 Apostles. The crown is one of the less than 20 that were made\u2014and the most valuable of them all. The artifact bears the date 1633-34 but a research associate at Oxford University, Jacopo Gnisci suggests it may have been made a century later. He believes a powerful warlord, \u2018ras\u2019 Welde Sellase gave the crown to the church in Cheleqot, a village near Mekelle in northern Ethiopia. After confirming the authenticity of the artifact, Gnisci said,\n
ALSO READ: Ethiopian Prime Minister's War On Corruption Results In Arrests Of 59 More Officials<\/a><\/strong><\/div>\n\u201cThese crowns are of great cultural and symbolic significance in Ethiopia, as they are usually donated by high-ranking officials to churches in a practice that reaches as far back as the Late Antiquity. These crowns are of priceless symbolic value and it is important that they be returned to Ethiopia,\u201d<\/em>\n\nThe last time the Ethiopia crown was seen in public was in 1993. At that time it was worn by a priest in a photograph. However, it disappeared afterward. Investigations were launched but the culprit was never found. The artifact is currently held in a secure facility in the Netherlands pending further actions.","post_title":"Here Is What Sirak Asfaw Did When He Found A Priceless 18th-Century Crown In A Suitcase","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"priceless-ethiopia-crown-to-return-home-after-21-years-in-dutch-apartment","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-08-16 16:10:29","post_modified_gmt":"2024-08-16 16:10:29","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.africanvibes.com\/?p=190293","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":212236,"post_author":"2777","post_date":"2020-01-03 10:18:22","post_date_gmt":"2020-01-03 10:18:22","post_content":"\n

There are 1121 properties on the United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) list. Out of these large numbers, only two Nigerian cultural sites are on the list. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

They are Sukur Cultural Landscape in Adamawa State and Osun-Oshogbo Sacred Grove in Osun State. However, the government of Nigeria has identified more sites in the country that are fit to be on the list of UNESCO world heritage sites.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The minister of Information and Culture, Mr. Lai Mohammed made this known after a visit to the Osun-Oshogbo Sacred Grove. According to the minister, they were other sites in the country that meet the requirements of being on the UNESCO world heritage sites list. These include Igbo Olodumare, Kano City Walls, and Ogbunike Cave. Explaining the reason why the sites should be on the list, the minister said,<\/p>\n\n\n\n

ALSO READ:<\/strong> 10 Must See Historic Sites In Ghana<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cThe ancient Kano City Walls witnessed the famous Trans- Sahara Trade of which Kano was the dominant force. This trade linked the great kingdoms and empires of West Africa with North America and even Europe. The forests in Oke-Igbo, Ile Oluji Axis of Ondo State, which was the inspiration for D. O. Fagunwa\u2019s book, \u2018Igbo Olodumare\u2019 should be considered for the reason of its scenic state. The Ogbunike Caves<\/a> in Anambra State for its natural significance\u201d.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Ogbunike
Ogbunike Cave in Anambra State<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Other landmarks the minister wants to be on the UNESCO world heritage sites list are The Brazilian Baracoon Museum\/Point of No Return in Badagry, Lagos State and the Gashaka-Gumti National Park, Nigeria\u2019s largest national park in the eastern province of Taraba and Adamawa states close to Cameroon border.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Why Being on UNESCO World Heritage Sites List is a Big Deal<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Properties listed on UNESCO world heritage sites list are those with cultural, historical, scientific or other forms of significance. Consequently, they are under legal protection by international treaties. Such sites are important to humanity\u2019s collective interest. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Therefore, it is a thing of pride to have a country\u2019s properties on the list. Also, properties on the list get greater government attention which can be crucial for their existence. According to Mr. Mohammed,<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cThe fact that the General Assembly, comprising the entire 193 states parties, in November elected Nigeria into the UNESCO World Heritage Committee is a positive development for our quest to have more sites designated as World Heritage Sites. We shall use our presence on this Committee to fight for the enlistment of many more sites from Nigeria into the World Heritage list. Nigeria is really blessed with a lot of potential sites.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

ALSO READ:<\/strong> 10 Must-Visit Luxury Hotels In Johannesburg South Africa<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Brazilian
Brazilian Baracoon Museum Point of No Return in Badagry, Lagos State<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Threats to the Heritage Sites in Nigeria<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

The two heritage sites in Nigeria are facing significant threats. In the South, land grabbers are encroaching into the Osun-Oshogbo Sacred Grove. In the north, the fate of Sukur Cultural Landscape lies in the hands of the military. According to the minister,<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cOur gallant men and women in uniform have succeeded in repelling the attempt by the Boko Haram terrorists to destroy the Sukur Cultural Landscape.\u2019\u2019<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

However, the minister said the government will do all within its powers to protect the sites. Also, he warned land grabbers to stay clear of the 45 hectares buffer zone around the Osun-Oshogbo Sacred Grove. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Citing the importance of UNESCO world heritage sites, do you think governments around the world are doing enough to protect them? What do you think can be done better? We would love to hear your views in the comment box below.<\/p>\n","post_title":"Nigeria Identifies Landmarks Fit For Declaration As UNESCO World Heritage Sites","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"nigeria-identifies-landmarks-fit-for-declaration-as-unesco-world-heritage-sites","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-10-06 06:40:44","post_modified_gmt":"2024-10-06 06:40:44","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.africanvibes.com\/?p=212236","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":195426,"post_author":"2777","post_date":"2019-11-16 10:18:21","post_date_gmt":"2019-11-16 10:18:21","post_content":"\n\n[caption id=\"attachment_195428\" align=\"aligncenter\" width=\"735\"]\"\" New Studies Suggest Africa Was The Home Of Modern Man<\/em>[\/caption]\n\nScientists are continually trying to trace the origin of humans. A new study<\/a> says Africa was homeland of modern man. According to the study, the area Makgadikgadi-Okavango in the southern part of Africa was the home to a large population of Homo sapiens<\/em> until the advent of climate change. The fingered region is around northern Botswana.\n\nAbout 200 thousand years ago, there was an enormous lake in the region. The lake was roughly twice the size of modern-day Lake Victoria. Thus, modern humans settled there for at least 70 thousand years. However, as a result of climate change, the area is now reduced to salt plains. Consequently, the human population began to migrate roughly 130 thousand years ago. The first set of migrants ventured northeast while the second wave went southwest. However, some remained in the homeland until today.  \n

ALSO READ: 10 Most spoken Languages in Africa<\/a><\/strong><\/div>\nAccording to the researchers, it was this migration that triggered the development of human\u2019s genetic, cultural and ethnic diversity in modern man. Speaking about the new study, Vanessa Hayes from the Garvan Institute of Medical Research and the University of Sydney, and Extraordinary Professor at the University of Pretoria said,\n\n\"We've known for a long time that modern man originated in Africa roughly 200,000 years ago. But what we hadn't known until the study was where exactly this homeland was.\"<\/em>\n\n\n

The role played by mitochondrial DNA in the research<\/h2>\nTo reach the conclusion, the researchers analyzed DNA samples for about 200 Khoisan people. The ethnic group lives in modern-day Namibia and South Africa. They are known to carry a high proportion of mitogenomes called \u2018L0\u2019 lineage which are the earliest genomes of modern man. Explaining the importance of mitogenomes, Hayes said,\n\n\"Mitochondrial DNA acts like a time capsule of our ancestral mothers, accumulating changes slowly over generations. Comparing the complete DNA code, or mitogenome, from different individuals provides information on how closely they are related. Our work would not have been possible without the generous contributions of local communities and study participants in Namibia and South Africa, which allowed us to uncover rare and new L0 sub-branches.\"<\/em>\n
ALSO READ: You Can Now Study Kinyarwanda And Other African Languages In Beijing Foreign Studies University<\/a><\/strong><\/div>\nSubsequently, the researchers linked the L0 lineage timeline with the cultural, linguistic, and geographic distribution of different sub-lineages. This led to the finding that the \u2018homeland\u2019 of modern man was south of the Greater Zambezi River Basin which covers entire northern Botswana and stretches into the west of Namibia and east of Zimbabwe. Lead phylogenetic analyst, Dr. Eva Chan from Garvan Institute of Medical Research said,\n\n\"We merged 198 new, rare mitogenomes to the current database of modern human's earliest known population, the L0 lineage. This allowed us to refine the evolutionary tree of our earliest ancestral branches better than ever before.\"<\/em>\n\n\n

The uniqueness of the new study on modern man<\/h2>\nUnlike previous studies, the uniqueness of the present study lies in the combination of disciplines namely climatic physics, geology, and genetics. Geologist, Dr. Andy Moore from Rhodes University investigated existing fossil, archeological, and geological evidence to establish the one-time existence of Lake Makgadikgadi, Africa\u2019s largest lake system. He said,\n\n\"Prior to modern man emergence, the lake had begun to drain due to shifts in underlying tectonic plates. This would have created, a vast wetland, which is known to be one of the most productive ecosystems for sustaining life.\"<\/em>\n
ALSO READ: 5 Ideas for Online Investing in Africa<\/a><\/strong><\/div>\nThe range of error of previous studies was 150,000 to 250,000. However, the new study has a range of error of 165,000 to 240,000.\n

Not everyone agrees with the study<\/h2>\nSome scientists have their doubts about the authenticity of the study. For example, Sarah Tishkoff of the University of Pennsylvania argues that mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) alone is a poor tool for tracing the history of ancient Africa\u2019s population. Others argue that the female ancestors of the Khosian speakers with the L0 lineage could have migrated from somewhere else.\n\n\n\nAnother researcher who expressed doubt about the findings of the study was Chris Stringer. Stringer is a researcher of human evolution at the Natural History Museum in the UK. He highlighted the complexity of human origins study. In a statement posted on Twitter<\/a>, Stringer said,\n\n\"I am very cautious about using modern genetic distributions to infer exactly where ancestral populations were living 200,000 years ago, particularly in a continent as large and complex as Africa. Moreover, like so many studies that concentrate on one small bit of the genome, or one region, or one stone tool industry, or one 'critical' fossil, it cannot capture the full complexity of our mosaic origins, once other data are considered.\u201d<\/em>\n\nNotwithstanding the divergence in the opinion of different researchers, one thing remains clear; Africa had an important role to play in the history and evolution of modern man. We will like to know what you think about this study in the comment box.","post_title":"New Studies Suggest Africa Is The Origin Of Modern Man","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"new-studies-suggest-africa-was-the-homeland-of-modern-man","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-10-06 06:39:42","post_modified_gmt":"2024-10-06 06:39:42","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.africanvibes.com\/?p=195426","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":9778,"post_author":"7","post_date":"2017-04-19 04:47:28","post_date_gmt":"2017-04-19 04:47:28","post_content":"\n\n[caption id=\"attachment_301462\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"219\"]\"Ghana's<\/a> Ghana's Aunty Ocloo Is No Ordinary Google Doodle Photo credit ghanaianmuseum<\/em>[\/caption]\n\nA dollar. That's all Esther Afua Ocloo needed to kickstart Ghana's first food processing factory in 1942. She was a college student. And she was broke. So she used the money, a gift from her aunt, to buy some oranges, sugar, firewood, and jam jars. She produced 12 pots of marmalade. And Nkulenu Industries was born. She sold the jam to her classmates, then the school, then the country, then the world.\n\nALSO READ:\u00a0Zimbabwean Woman Gets Life-Size Statue In New York. Here Is Why<\/a><\/strong>\n\nEsther Afua Ocloo, the star of today's Google Doodle<\/a>, was more than a jam star. She also became a pioneer in the field of microfinance \u2014 lending a small amount of money to women with a dream like she once had.\n\n[caption id=\"attachment_9779\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"1000\"]\"Ghana's Photo credit Youtube<\/a><\/em>[\/caption]\n\nRead More Here >><\/strong><\/span><\/a>","post_title":"Ghana's Aunty Ocloo Is No Ordinary Google Doodle","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"ghanas-aunty-ocloo-no-ordinary-google-doodle","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-10-04 05:58:30","post_modified_gmt":"2024-10-04 05:58:30","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.africanvibes.com\/?p=9778","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"}],"next":false,"prev":false,"total_page":1},"paged":1,"column_class":"jeg_col_2o3","class":"epic_block_3"};

Recent Posts
See all

\n

The close proximity of many regions during the Pangaea era explains why they share similar flora and fauna.  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Why it took so long to find<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
\"Christopher
Christopher Griffin in 2017 during the excavation of Mbiresaurus raathi (Photo credit: Stephen TolanVirginia Tech)<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Although scientists started working on the site in 2017, the excavation suffered setbacks from COVID-19. The nearly complete skeleton is believed to be about 230 million years old.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

This places the species at par with the oldest dinosaurs scientists have ever unearthed. The research findings were published in the Nature journal<\/a> on Wednesday, Aug. 31, 2022.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The name of the oldest dinosaur was derived from Mbire, the name of the Shona dynasty that dominated the region. Dr. Michael Raath is the scientist that helped in the discovery of the fossil.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The implications of the discovery of Mbiresaurus raathi<\/em><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
\"The
The new Zimbabwean assemblage is on the same palaeolatitudinal climatic belt as other Carnian dinosaur-bearing assemblages and has a similar taxonomic composition (Photo credit: Nature)<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

The discovery of Mbiresaurus raathi <\/em>which is one of the oldest dinosaurs has shed more light on the Triassic era which ended over 200 million years ago. Fossils from the era have been discovered in India, South America, and now Zimbabwe.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The finding beams more light on the migration and evolution of earlier dinosaurs. Speaking to BBC, the deputy director of National Museums and Monuments of Zimbabwe, Darlington Munyikwa, who took part in the discovery said, \u201cFossils from the Triassic age in the study of early dinosaurs is rare\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Mr. Munyikwa disclosed that the country was aware of the fossil site for decades. He also noted that there are many similar sites in the area that needed further exploration when funds become available. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Griffin hinted at what the discovery has helped to explain. According to him, the discovery \u201cshows that dinosaurs did not start as dominators of the world\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

ALSO READ: <\/strong>Tunisian Migrants Are Ditching Europe For Southern Africa. See Why<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Research curator of paleontology at the North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences, Christian Kammerer, stressed, \u201cThe foremost dinosaurs were tiny\u2014far from the giants that occupy our thoughts\u201d. Kammerer was not part of the study but shared the view with Live Science.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The discovery of Mbiresaurus raathi <\/em>fossils also reveals another important piece of information that Griffin pointed out.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cThe dinosaurs and the animals that existed mutually with them tend to be confined to a specific type of environment in the far south\u2014what we know today as India, southern Africa, and South America.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

The Triassic lineage<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
\"\"
Skeletal anatomy of the Mbiresaurus raathi holotype (NHMZ 2222) and paratype (NHMZ 2547) (Photo credit: Nature)<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Scientists are now having a better understanding of the Triassic lineage and how dinosaurs evolved from small creatures to the giant most of us know today. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

University of Cape Town paleontologist, Prof Anusuya Chinsamy-Turan told the BBC that Mbiresaurus raathi<\/em>\u2019s discovery is a vital part of the lineage that gave rise to the sauropod dinosaurs (encompassing brontosaurus and diplodocus).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cIt teaches us that during the evolution of dinosaurs, they existed in different continents but seem to trace a hot humid path instead of dry inhospitable environments. Hopefully, we would find more in that area.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

ALSO READ:<\/strong> Entrepreneur Spotlight: Microfuse Stick By Ugandan Engineers Is The Future Of Computer<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

With the discovery of the new fossils of the Mbiresaurus raathi<\/em>, Zimbabwe experts now have a new concern. Prof Chinsamy-Turan echoed this sentiment when she told BBC, \u201cI hope there is a strict policy to ensure the handing over of such fossils to the museum to avoid losing the material.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

At the moment, the Mbiresaurus raathi<\/em> fossil remains are kept in a room in a museum in Bulawayo, a southern city in the country. A University of Edinburgh paleontologist, Steve Brusatte who was not part of the study said,<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cPrior to now we almost know nothing about the foremost dinosaurs in Africa. The discovery of Mbiresaurus raathi change<\/em>s everything. It is one of the most important discoveries in recent times about the dinosaur anywhere on the globe.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n","post_title":"Scientists Unearth Africa\u2019s Oldest Dinosaur Mbiresaurus raathi In Zimbabwe","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"scientists-unearth-mbiresaurus-raathi","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-10-16 16:59:25","post_modified_gmt":"2024-10-16 16:59:25","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/africanvibes.com\/?p=340932","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":190293,"post_author":"7","post_date":"2020-01-07 18:14:51","post_date_gmt":"2020-01-07 18:14:51","post_content":"\n\nWhat would you do if you find a priceless 18th-century crown in a suitcase?\n\nIn 1998, Sirak Asfaw, a Dutch-Ethiopian hosted Ethiopian pilots, refugees, and diplomats who were passing through Rotterdam. In the suitcase of one of his visitors, he saw an 18th-century Ethiopian crown. \n\n\"I looked into the suitcase and saw something really amazing and I thought 'this is not right. This has been stolen. This should not be here. This belongs to Ethiopia'.\"<\/em>\n\nAsfaw confronted the owner of the suitcase and told him the crown will not leave his house. \n\n\n\n\u201c[I told him the crown] will not leave my house unless it goes back to Ethiopia.\" <\/em>The owner obliged and gave him the artifact. \n

ALSO READ: Ethiopia's Prime Minister Takes Home the 2019 Nobel Peace Prize<\/a><\/strong><\/div>\n

Why Sirak Asfaw became the custodian of the Ethiopia crown<\/h2>\nShortly after having the crown in his custody, he went to a message board to ask what people thought he should do to \u2018an Ethiopian artifact\u2019. Some suggested he should turn it over to the Dutch government. Fearing the Dutch government may claim it, he decided to keep it. \n\nFor 21 years, he hid the priceless Ethiopia crown in his apartment waiting for the right time to return it. However, Ethiopians who knew he had the treasure tried to pressure him into returning it.\n\nAsfaw, who became a refugee during the \u2018Red Terror\u2019 purge where as many as 500k Ethiopians were killed in a bloodbath, talked about his decision saying\n\n\"I did not want to return it to the same regime that had made it possible for the crown to get stolen. [I decided to be the custodian] until such time it could go back. I knew if I gave it back, it would just disappear again.\u201d<\/em>\n\nWith the coming into power of Abiy Ahmed, the atmosphere was ripe to return the crown. Consequently, he contacted Arthur Brand, a Dutch \u2018art detective\u2019 and told him about the crown. In an interview, Mr. Brand said,\n\n[caption id=\"attachment_190297\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"634\"]\"\" Sirak Asfew (left) and Arthur Brand (right) pose with the 18th-century Ethiopia crown<\/em>[\/caption]\n\n
 <\/div>\n
ALSO READ: Ethiopia Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed Disarms Armed Protesting Soldiers with Push-Ups<\/a><\/strong><\/div>\n\u201cIt turns out that Sirak Asfaw had been the custodian of a rare 18th-century Ethiopia crown for the past 21 years and wants to give it back. It was a story straight from a crime thriller.\u201d<\/em>\n\nAfter returning the artifact, Asfaw said, \u201cThis is Ethiopian cultural heritage, this is Ethiopia's identity and finally it feels good to give it back.\u201d<\/em>\n

Striking features of the artifact<\/h2>\nThe Ethiopia crown is made of gilded copper. The body of the crown, around the base, bears the image of the Holy Trinity and the 12 Apostles. The crown is one of the less than 20 that were made\u2014and the most valuable of them all. The artifact bears the date 1633-34 but a research associate at Oxford University, Jacopo Gnisci suggests it may have been made a century later. He believes a powerful warlord, \u2018ras\u2019 Welde Sellase gave the crown to the church in Cheleqot, a village near Mekelle in northern Ethiopia. After confirming the authenticity of the artifact, Gnisci said,\n
ALSO READ: Ethiopian Prime Minister's War On Corruption Results In Arrests Of 59 More Officials<\/a><\/strong><\/div>\n\u201cThese crowns are of great cultural and symbolic significance in Ethiopia, as they are usually donated by high-ranking officials to churches in a practice that reaches as far back as the Late Antiquity. These crowns are of priceless symbolic value and it is important that they be returned to Ethiopia,\u201d<\/em>\n\nThe last time the Ethiopia crown was seen in public was in 1993. At that time it was worn by a priest in a photograph. However, it disappeared afterward. Investigations were launched but the culprit was never found. The artifact is currently held in a secure facility in the Netherlands pending further actions.","post_title":"Here Is What Sirak Asfaw Did When He Found A Priceless 18th-Century Crown In A Suitcase","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"priceless-ethiopia-crown-to-return-home-after-21-years-in-dutch-apartment","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-08-16 16:10:29","post_modified_gmt":"2024-08-16 16:10:29","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.africanvibes.com\/?p=190293","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":212236,"post_author":"2777","post_date":"2020-01-03 10:18:22","post_date_gmt":"2020-01-03 10:18:22","post_content":"\n

There are 1121 properties on the United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) list. Out of these large numbers, only two Nigerian cultural sites are on the list. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

They are Sukur Cultural Landscape in Adamawa State and Osun-Oshogbo Sacred Grove in Osun State. However, the government of Nigeria has identified more sites in the country that are fit to be on the list of UNESCO world heritage sites.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The minister of Information and Culture, Mr. Lai Mohammed made this known after a visit to the Osun-Oshogbo Sacred Grove. According to the minister, they were other sites in the country that meet the requirements of being on the UNESCO world heritage sites list. These include Igbo Olodumare, Kano City Walls, and Ogbunike Cave. Explaining the reason why the sites should be on the list, the minister said,<\/p>\n\n\n\n

ALSO READ:<\/strong> 10 Must See Historic Sites In Ghana<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cThe ancient Kano City Walls witnessed the famous Trans- Sahara Trade of which Kano was the dominant force. This trade linked the great kingdoms and empires of West Africa with North America and even Europe. The forests in Oke-Igbo, Ile Oluji Axis of Ondo State, which was the inspiration for D. O. Fagunwa\u2019s book, \u2018Igbo Olodumare\u2019 should be considered for the reason of its scenic state. The Ogbunike Caves<\/a> in Anambra State for its natural significance\u201d.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Ogbunike
Ogbunike Cave in Anambra State<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Other landmarks the minister wants to be on the UNESCO world heritage sites list are The Brazilian Baracoon Museum\/Point of No Return in Badagry, Lagos State and the Gashaka-Gumti National Park, Nigeria\u2019s largest national park in the eastern province of Taraba and Adamawa states close to Cameroon border.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Why Being on UNESCO World Heritage Sites List is a Big Deal<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Properties listed on UNESCO world heritage sites list are those with cultural, historical, scientific or other forms of significance. Consequently, they are under legal protection by international treaties. Such sites are important to humanity\u2019s collective interest. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Therefore, it is a thing of pride to have a country\u2019s properties on the list. Also, properties on the list get greater government attention which can be crucial for their existence. According to Mr. Mohammed,<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cThe fact that the General Assembly, comprising the entire 193 states parties, in November elected Nigeria into the UNESCO World Heritage Committee is a positive development for our quest to have more sites designated as World Heritage Sites. We shall use our presence on this Committee to fight for the enlistment of many more sites from Nigeria into the World Heritage list. Nigeria is really blessed with a lot of potential sites.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

ALSO READ:<\/strong> 10 Must-Visit Luxury Hotels In Johannesburg South Africa<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Brazilian
Brazilian Baracoon Museum Point of No Return in Badagry, Lagos State<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Threats to the Heritage Sites in Nigeria<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

The two heritage sites in Nigeria are facing significant threats. In the South, land grabbers are encroaching into the Osun-Oshogbo Sacred Grove. In the north, the fate of Sukur Cultural Landscape lies in the hands of the military. According to the minister,<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cOur gallant men and women in uniform have succeeded in repelling the attempt by the Boko Haram terrorists to destroy the Sukur Cultural Landscape.\u2019\u2019<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

However, the minister said the government will do all within its powers to protect the sites. Also, he warned land grabbers to stay clear of the 45 hectares buffer zone around the Osun-Oshogbo Sacred Grove. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Citing the importance of UNESCO world heritage sites, do you think governments around the world are doing enough to protect them? What do you think can be done better? We would love to hear your views in the comment box below.<\/p>\n","post_title":"Nigeria Identifies Landmarks Fit For Declaration As UNESCO World Heritage Sites","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"nigeria-identifies-landmarks-fit-for-declaration-as-unesco-world-heritage-sites","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-10-06 06:40:44","post_modified_gmt":"2024-10-06 06:40:44","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.africanvibes.com\/?p=212236","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":195426,"post_author":"2777","post_date":"2019-11-16 10:18:21","post_date_gmt":"2019-11-16 10:18:21","post_content":"\n\n[caption id=\"attachment_195428\" align=\"aligncenter\" width=\"735\"]\"\" New Studies Suggest Africa Was The Home Of Modern Man<\/em>[\/caption]\n\nScientists are continually trying to trace the origin of humans. A new study<\/a> says Africa was homeland of modern man. According to the study, the area Makgadikgadi-Okavango in the southern part of Africa was the home to a large population of Homo sapiens<\/em> until the advent of climate change. The fingered region is around northern Botswana.\n\nAbout 200 thousand years ago, there was an enormous lake in the region. The lake was roughly twice the size of modern-day Lake Victoria. Thus, modern humans settled there for at least 70 thousand years. However, as a result of climate change, the area is now reduced to salt plains. Consequently, the human population began to migrate roughly 130 thousand years ago. The first set of migrants ventured northeast while the second wave went southwest. However, some remained in the homeland until today.  \n

ALSO READ: 10 Most spoken Languages in Africa<\/a><\/strong><\/div>\nAccording to the researchers, it was this migration that triggered the development of human\u2019s genetic, cultural and ethnic diversity in modern man. Speaking about the new study, Vanessa Hayes from the Garvan Institute of Medical Research and the University of Sydney, and Extraordinary Professor at the University of Pretoria said,\n\n\"We've known for a long time that modern man originated in Africa roughly 200,000 years ago. But what we hadn't known until the study was where exactly this homeland was.\"<\/em>\n\n\n

The role played by mitochondrial DNA in the research<\/h2>\nTo reach the conclusion, the researchers analyzed DNA samples for about 200 Khoisan people. The ethnic group lives in modern-day Namibia and South Africa. They are known to carry a high proportion of mitogenomes called \u2018L0\u2019 lineage which are the earliest genomes of modern man. Explaining the importance of mitogenomes, Hayes said,\n\n\"Mitochondrial DNA acts like a time capsule of our ancestral mothers, accumulating changes slowly over generations. Comparing the complete DNA code, or mitogenome, from different individuals provides information on how closely they are related. Our work would not have been possible without the generous contributions of local communities and study participants in Namibia and South Africa, which allowed us to uncover rare and new L0 sub-branches.\"<\/em>\n
ALSO READ: You Can Now Study Kinyarwanda And Other African Languages In Beijing Foreign Studies University<\/a><\/strong><\/div>\nSubsequently, the researchers linked the L0 lineage timeline with the cultural, linguistic, and geographic distribution of different sub-lineages. This led to the finding that the \u2018homeland\u2019 of modern man was south of the Greater Zambezi River Basin which covers entire northern Botswana and stretches into the west of Namibia and east of Zimbabwe. Lead phylogenetic analyst, Dr. Eva Chan from Garvan Institute of Medical Research said,\n\n\"We merged 198 new, rare mitogenomes to the current database of modern human's earliest known population, the L0 lineage. This allowed us to refine the evolutionary tree of our earliest ancestral branches better than ever before.\"<\/em>\n\n\n

The uniqueness of the new study on modern man<\/h2>\nUnlike previous studies, the uniqueness of the present study lies in the combination of disciplines namely climatic physics, geology, and genetics. Geologist, Dr. Andy Moore from Rhodes University investigated existing fossil, archeological, and geological evidence to establish the one-time existence of Lake Makgadikgadi, Africa\u2019s largest lake system. He said,\n\n\"Prior to modern man emergence, the lake had begun to drain due to shifts in underlying tectonic plates. This would have created, a vast wetland, which is known to be one of the most productive ecosystems for sustaining life.\"<\/em>\n
ALSO READ: 5 Ideas for Online Investing in Africa<\/a><\/strong><\/div>\nThe range of error of previous studies was 150,000 to 250,000. However, the new study has a range of error of 165,000 to 240,000.\n

Not everyone agrees with the study<\/h2>\nSome scientists have their doubts about the authenticity of the study. For example, Sarah Tishkoff of the University of Pennsylvania argues that mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) alone is a poor tool for tracing the history of ancient Africa\u2019s population. Others argue that the female ancestors of the Khosian speakers with the L0 lineage could have migrated from somewhere else.\n\n\n\nAnother researcher who expressed doubt about the findings of the study was Chris Stringer. Stringer is a researcher of human evolution at the Natural History Museum in the UK. He highlighted the complexity of human origins study. In a statement posted on Twitter<\/a>, Stringer said,\n\n\"I am very cautious about using modern genetic distributions to infer exactly where ancestral populations were living 200,000 years ago, particularly in a continent as large and complex as Africa. Moreover, like so many studies that concentrate on one small bit of the genome, or one region, or one stone tool industry, or one 'critical' fossil, it cannot capture the full complexity of our mosaic origins, once other data are considered.\u201d<\/em>\n\nNotwithstanding the divergence in the opinion of different researchers, one thing remains clear; Africa had an important role to play in the history and evolution of modern man. We will like to know what you think about this study in the comment box.","post_title":"New Studies Suggest Africa Is The Origin Of Modern Man","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"new-studies-suggest-africa-was-the-homeland-of-modern-man","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-10-06 06:39:42","post_modified_gmt":"2024-10-06 06:39:42","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.africanvibes.com\/?p=195426","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":9778,"post_author":"7","post_date":"2017-04-19 04:47:28","post_date_gmt":"2017-04-19 04:47:28","post_content":"\n\n[caption id=\"attachment_301462\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"219\"]\"Ghana's<\/a> Ghana's Aunty Ocloo Is No Ordinary Google Doodle Photo credit ghanaianmuseum<\/em>[\/caption]\n\nA dollar. That's all Esther Afua Ocloo needed to kickstart Ghana's first food processing factory in 1942. She was a college student. And she was broke. So she used the money, a gift from her aunt, to buy some oranges, sugar, firewood, and jam jars. She produced 12 pots of marmalade. And Nkulenu Industries was born. She sold the jam to her classmates, then the school, then the country, then the world.\n\nALSO READ:\u00a0Zimbabwean Woman Gets Life-Size Statue In New York. Here Is Why<\/a><\/strong>\n\nEsther Afua Ocloo, the star of today's Google Doodle<\/a>, was more than a jam star. She also became a pioneer in the field of microfinance \u2014 lending a small amount of money to women with a dream like she once had.\n\n[caption id=\"attachment_9779\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"1000\"]\"Ghana's Photo credit Youtube<\/a><\/em>[\/caption]\n\nRead More Here >><\/strong><\/span><\/a>","post_title":"Ghana's Aunty Ocloo Is No Ordinary Google Doodle","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"ghanas-aunty-ocloo-no-ordinary-google-doodle","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-10-04 05:58:30","post_modified_gmt":"2024-10-04 05:58:30","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.africanvibes.com\/?p=9778","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"}],"next":false,"prev":false,"total_page":1},"paged":1,"column_class":"jeg_col_2o3","class":"epic_block_3"};

Recent Posts
See all

\n

\u201cIf you draw a line across Pangaea joining southern Brazil and northern Argentina, it will cross through northern Zimbabwe too,\u201d Griffin said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The close proximity of many regions during the Pangaea era explains why they share similar flora and fauna.  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Why it took so long to find<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
\"Christopher
Christopher Griffin in 2017 during the excavation of Mbiresaurus raathi (Photo credit: Stephen TolanVirginia Tech)<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Although scientists started working on the site in 2017, the excavation suffered setbacks from COVID-19. The nearly complete skeleton is believed to be about 230 million years old.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

This places the species at par with the oldest dinosaurs scientists have ever unearthed. The research findings were published in the Nature journal<\/a> on Wednesday, Aug. 31, 2022.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The name of the oldest dinosaur was derived from Mbire, the name of the Shona dynasty that dominated the region. Dr. Michael Raath is the scientist that helped in the discovery of the fossil.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The implications of the discovery of Mbiresaurus raathi<\/em><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
\"The
The new Zimbabwean assemblage is on the same palaeolatitudinal climatic belt as other Carnian dinosaur-bearing assemblages and has a similar taxonomic composition (Photo credit: Nature)<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

The discovery of Mbiresaurus raathi <\/em>which is one of the oldest dinosaurs has shed more light on the Triassic era which ended over 200 million years ago. Fossils from the era have been discovered in India, South America, and now Zimbabwe.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The finding beams more light on the migration and evolution of earlier dinosaurs. Speaking to BBC, the deputy director of National Museums and Monuments of Zimbabwe, Darlington Munyikwa, who took part in the discovery said, \u201cFossils from the Triassic age in the study of early dinosaurs is rare\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Mr. Munyikwa disclosed that the country was aware of the fossil site for decades. He also noted that there are many similar sites in the area that needed further exploration when funds become available. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Griffin hinted at what the discovery has helped to explain. According to him, the discovery \u201cshows that dinosaurs did not start as dominators of the world\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

ALSO READ: <\/strong>Tunisian Migrants Are Ditching Europe For Southern Africa. See Why<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Research curator of paleontology at the North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences, Christian Kammerer, stressed, \u201cThe foremost dinosaurs were tiny\u2014far from the giants that occupy our thoughts\u201d. Kammerer was not part of the study but shared the view with Live Science.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The discovery of Mbiresaurus raathi <\/em>fossils also reveals another important piece of information that Griffin pointed out.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cThe dinosaurs and the animals that existed mutually with them tend to be confined to a specific type of environment in the far south\u2014what we know today as India, southern Africa, and South America.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

The Triassic lineage<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
\"\"
Skeletal anatomy of the Mbiresaurus raathi holotype (NHMZ 2222) and paratype (NHMZ 2547) (Photo credit: Nature)<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Scientists are now having a better understanding of the Triassic lineage and how dinosaurs evolved from small creatures to the giant most of us know today. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

University of Cape Town paleontologist, Prof Anusuya Chinsamy-Turan told the BBC that Mbiresaurus raathi<\/em>\u2019s discovery is a vital part of the lineage that gave rise to the sauropod dinosaurs (encompassing brontosaurus and diplodocus).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cIt teaches us that during the evolution of dinosaurs, they existed in different continents but seem to trace a hot humid path instead of dry inhospitable environments. Hopefully, we would find more in that area.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

ALSO READ:<\/strong> Entrepreneur Spotlight: Microfuse Stick By Ugandan Engineers Is The Future Of Computer<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

With the discovery of the new fossils of the Mbiresaurus raathi<\/em>, Zimbabwe experts now have a new concern. Prof Chinsamy-Turan echoed this sentiment when she told BBC, \u201cI hope there is a strict policy to ensure the handing over of such fossils to the museum to avoid losing the material.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

At the moment, the Mbiresaurus raathi<\/em> fossil remains are kept in a room in a museum in Bulawayo, a southern city in the country. A University of Edinburgh paleontologist, Steve Brusatte who was not part of the study said,<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cPrior to now we almost know nothing about the foremost dinosaurs in Africa. The discovery of Mbiresaurus raathi change<\/em>s everything. It is one of the most important discoveries in recent times about the dinosaur anywhere on the globe.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n","post_title":"Scientists Unearth Africa\u2019s Oldest Dinosaur Mbiresaurus raathi In Zimbabwe","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"scientists-unearth-mbiresaurus-raathi","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-10-16 16:59:25","post_modified_gmt":"2024-10-16 16:59:25","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/africanvibes.com\/?p=340932","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":190293,"post_author":"7","post_date":"2020-01-07 18:14:51","post_date_gmt":"2020-01-07 18:14:51","post_content":"\n\nWhat would you do if you find a priceless 18th-century crown in a suitcase?\n\nIn 1998, Sirak Asfaw, a Dutch-Ethiopian hosted Ethiopian pilots, refugees, and diplomats who were passing through Rotterdam. In the suitcase of one of his visitors, he saw an 18th-century Ethiopian crown. \n\n\"I looked into the suitcase and saw something really amazing and I thought 'this is not right. This has been stolen. This should not be here. This belongs to Ethiopia'.\"<\/em>\n\nAsfaw confronted the owner of the suitcase and told him the crown will not leave his house. \n\n\n\n\u201c[I told him the crown] will not leave my house unless it goes back to Ethiopia.\" <\/em>The owner obliged and gave him the artifact. \n

ALSO READ: Ethiopia's Prime Minister Takes Home the 2019 Nobel Peace Prize<\/a><\/strong><\/div>\n

Why Sirak Asfaw became the custodian of the Ethiopia crown<\/h2>\nShortly after having the crown in his custody, he went to a message board to ask what people thought he should do to \u2018an Ethiopian artifact\u2019. Some suggested he should turn it over to the Dutch government. Fearing the Dutch government may claim it, he decided to keep it. \n\nFor 21 years, he hid the priceless Ethiopia crown in his apartment waiting for the right time to return it. However, Ethiopians who knew he had the treasure tried to pressure him into returning it.\n\nAsfaw, who became a refugee during the \u2018Red Terror\u2019 purge where as many as 500k Ethiopians were killed in a bloodbath, talked about his decision saying\n\n\"I did not want to return it to the same regime that had made it possible for the crown to get stolen. [I decided to be the custodian] until such time it could go back. I knew if I gave it back, it would just disappear again.\u201d<\/em>\n\nWith the coming into power of Abiy Ahmed, the atmosphere was ripe to return the crown. Consequently, he contacted Arthur Brand, a Dutch \u2018art detective\u2019 and told him about the crown. In an interview, Mr. Brand said,\n\n[caption id=\"attachment_190297\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"634\"]\"\" Sirak Asfew (left) and Arthur Brand (right) pose with the 18th-century Ethiopia crown<\/em>[\/caption]\n\n
 <\/div>\n
ALSO READ: Ethiopia Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed Disarms Armed Protesting Soldiers with Push-Ups<\/a><\/strong><\/div>\n\u201cIt turns out that Sirak Asfaw had been the custodian of a rare 18th-century Ethiopia crown for the past 21 years and wants to give it back. It was a story straight from a crime thriller.\u201d<\/em>\n\nAfter returning the artifact, Asfaw said, \u201cThis is Ethiopian cultural heritage, this is Ethiopia's identity and finally it feels good to give it back.\u201d<\/em>\n

Striking features of the artifact<\/h2>\nThe Ethiopia crown is made of gilded copper. The body of the crown, around the base, bears the image of the Holy Trinity and the 12 Apostles. The crown is one of the less than 20 that were made\u2014and the most valuable of them all. The artifact bears the date 1633-34 but a research associate at Oxford University, Jacopo Gnisci suggests it may have been made a century later. He believes a powerful warlord, \u2018ras\u2019 Welde Sellase gave the crown to the church in Cheleqot, a village near Mekelle in northern Ethiopia. After confirming the authenticity of the artifact, Gnisci said,\n
ALSO READ: Ethiopian Prime Minister's War On Corruption Results In Arrests Of 59 More Officials<\/a><\/strong><\/div>\n\u201cThese crowns are of great cultural and symbolic significance in Ethiopia, as they are usually donated by high-ranking officials to churches in a practice that reaches as far back as the Late Antiquity. These crowns are of priceless symbolic value and it is important that they be returned to Ethiopia,\u201d<\/em>\n\nThe last time the Ethiopia crown was seen in public was in 1993. At that time it was worn by a priest in a photograph. However, it disappeared afterward. Investigations were launched but the culprit was never found. The artifact is currently held in a secure facility in the Netherlands pending further actions.","post_title":"Here Is What Sirak Asfaw Did When He Found A Priceless 18th-Century Crown In A Suitcase","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"priceless-ethiopia-crown-to-return-home-after-21-years-in-dutch-apartment","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-08-16 16:10:29","post_modified_gmt":"2024-08-16 16:10:29","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.africanvibes.com\/?p=190293","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":212236,"post_author":"2777","post_date":"2020-01-03 10:18:22","post_date_gmt":"2020-01-03 10:18:22","post_content":"\n

There are 1121 properties on the United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) list. Out of these large numbers, only two Nigerian cultural sites are on the list. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

They are Sukur Cultural Landscape in Adamawa State and Osun-Oshogbo Sacred Grove in Osun State. However, the government of Nigeria has identified more sites in the country that are fit to be on the list of UNESCO world heritage sites.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The minister of Information and Culture, Mr. Lai Mohammed made this known after a visit to the Osun-Oshogbo Sacred Grove. According to the minister, they were other sites in the country that meet the requirements of being on the UNESCO world heritage sites list. These include Igbo Olodumare, Kano City Walls, and Ogbunike Cave. Explaining the reason why the sites should be on the list, the minister said,<\/p>\n\n\n\n

ALSO READ:<\/strong> 10 Must See Historic Sites In Ghana<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cThe ancient Kano City Walls witnessed the famous Trans- Sahara Trade of which Kano was the dominant force. This trade linked the great kingdoms and empires of West Africa with North America and even Europe. The forests in Oke-Igbo, Ile Oluji Axis of Ondo State, which was the inspiration for D. O. Fagunwa\u2019s book, \u2018Igbo Olodumare\u2019 should be considered for the reason of its scenic state. The Ogbunike Caves<\/a> in Anambra State for its natural significance\u201d.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Ogbunike
Ogbunike Cave in Anambra State<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Other landmarks the minister wants to be on the UNESCO world heritage sites list are The Brazilian Baracoon Museum\/Point of No Return in Badagry, Lagos State and the Gashaka-Gumti National Park, Nigeria\u2019s largest national park in the eastern province of Taraba and Adamawa states close to Cameroon border.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Why Being on UNESCO World Heritage Sites List is a Big Deal<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Properties listed on UNESCO world heritage sites list are those with cultural, historical, scientific or other forms of significance. Consequently, they are under legal protection by international treaties. Such sites are important to humanity\u2019s collective interest. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Therefore, it is a thing of pride to have a country\u2019s properties on the list. Also, properties on the list get greater government attention which can be crucial for their existence. According to Mr. Mohammed,<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cThe fact that the General Assembly, comprising the entire 193 states parties, in November elected Nigeria into the UNESCO World Heritage Committee is a positive development for our quest to have more sites designated as World Heritage Sites. We shall use our presence on this Committee to fight for the enlistment of many more sites from Nigeria into the World Heritage list. Nigeria is really blessed with a lot of potential sites.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

ALSO READ:<\/strong> 10 Must-Visit Luxury Hotels In Johannesburg South Africa<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Brazilian
Brazilian Baracoon Museum Point of No Return in Badagry, Lagos State<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Threats to the Heritage Sites in Nigeria<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

The two heritage sites in Nigeria are facing significant threats. In the South, land grabbers are encroaching into the Osun-Oshogbo Sacred Grove. In the north, the fate of Sukur Cultural Landscape lies in the hands of the military. According to the minister,<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cOur gallant men and women in uniform have succeeded in repelling the attempt by the Boko Haram terrorists to destroy the Sukur Cultural Landscape.\u2019\u2019<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

However, the minister said the government will do all within its powers to protect the sites. Also, he warned land grabbers to stay clear of the 45 hectares buffer zone around the Osun-Oshogbo Sacred Grove. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Citing the importance of UNESCO world heritage sites, do you think governments around the world are doing enough to protect them? What do you think can be done better? We would love to hear your views in the comment box below.<\/p>\n","post_title":"Nigeria Identifies Landmarks Fit For Declaration As UNESCO World Heritage Sites","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"nigeria-identifies-landmarks-fit-for-declaration-as-unesco-world-heritage-sites","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-10-06 06:40:44","post_modified_gmt":"2024-10-06 06:40:44","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.africanvibes.com\/?p=212236","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":195426,"post_author":"2777","post_date":"2019-11-16 10:18:21","post_date_gmt":"2019-11-16 10:18:21","post_content":"\n\n[caption id=\"attachment_195428\" align=\"aligncenter\" width=\"735\"]\"\" New Studies Suggest Africa Was The Home Of Modern Man<\/em>[\/caption]\n\nScientists are continually trying to trace the origin of humans. A new study<\/a> says Africa was homeland of modern man. According to the study, the area Makgadikgadi-Okavango in the southern part of Africa was the home to a large population of Homo sapiens<\/em> until the advent of climate change. The fingered region is around northern Botswana.\n\nAbout 200 thousand years ago, there was an enormous lake in the region. The lake was roughly twice the size of modern-day Lake Victoria. Thus, modern humans settled there for at least 70 thousand years. However, as a result of climate change, the area is now reduced to salt plains. Consequently, the human population began to migrate roughly 130 thousand years ago. The first set of migrants ventured northeast while the second wave went southwest. However, some remained in the homeland until today.  \n

ALSO READ: 10 Most spoken Languages in Africa<\/a><\/strong><\/div>\nAccording to the researchers, it was this migration that triggered the development of human\u2019s genetic, cultural and ethnic diversity in modern man. Speaking about the new study, Vanessa Hayes from the Garvan Institute of Medical Research and the University of Sydney, and Extraordinary Professor at the University of Pretoria said,\n\n\"We've known for a long time that modern man originated in Africa roughly 200,000 years ago. But what we hadn't known until the study was where exactly this homeland was.\"<\/em>\n\n\n

The role played by mitochondrial DNA in the research<\/h2>\nTo reach the conclusion, the researchers analyzed DNA samples for about 200 Khoisan people. The ethnic group lives in modern-day Namibia and South Africa. They are known to carry a high proportion of mitogenomes called \u2018L0\u2019 lineage which are the earliest genomes of modern man. Explaining the importance of mitogenomes, Hayes said,\n\n\"Mitochondrial DNA acts like a time capsule of our ancestral mothers, accumulating changes slowly over generations. Comparing the complete DNA code, or mitogenome, from different individuals provides information on how closely they are related. Our work would not have been possible without the generous contributions of local communities and study participants in Namibia and South Africa, which allowed us to uncover rare and new L0 sub-branches.\"<\/em>\n
ALSO READ: You Can Now Study Kinyarwanda And Other African Languages In Beijing Foreign Studies University<\/a><\/strong><\/div>\nSubsequently, the researchers linked the L0 lineage timeline with the cultural, linguistic, and geographic distribution of different sub-lineages. This led to the finding that the \u2018homeland\u2019 of modern man was south of the Greater Zambezi River Basin which covers entire northern Botswana and stretches into the west of Namibia and east of Zimbabwe. Lead phylogenetic analyst, Dr. Eva Chan from Garvan Institute of Medical Research said,\n\n\"We merged 198 new, rare mitogenomes to the current database of modern human's earliest known population, the L0 lineage. This allowed us to refine the evolutionary tree of our earliest ancestral branches better than ever before.\"<\/em>\n\n\n

The uniqueness of the new study on modern man<\/h2>\nUnlike previous studies, the uniqueness of the present study lies in the combination of disciplines namely climatic physics, geology, and genetics. Geologist, Dr. Andy Moore from Rhodes University investigated existing fossil, archeological, and geological evidence to establish the one-time existence of Lake Makgadikgadi, Africa\u2019s largest lake system. He said,\n\n\"Prior to modern man emergence, the lake had begun to drain due to shifts in underlying tectonic plates. This would have created, a vast wetland, which is known to be one of the most productive ecosystems for sustaining life.\"<\/em>\n
ALSO READ: 5 Ideas for Online Investing in Africa<\/a><\/strong><\/div>\nThe range of error of previous studies was 150,000 to 250,000. However, the new study has a range of error of 165,000 to 240,000.\n

Not everyone agrees with the study<\/h2>\nSome scientists have their doubts about the authenticity of the study. For example, Sarah Tishkoff of the University of Pennsylvania argues that mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) alone is a poor tool for tracing the history of ancient Africa\u2019s population. Others argue that the female ancestors of the Khosian speakers with the L0 lineage could have migrated from somewhere else.\n\n\n\nAnother researcher who expressed doubt about the findings of the study was Chris Stringer. Stringer is a researcher of human evolution at the Natural History Museum in the UK. He highlighted the complexity of human origins study. In a statement posted on Twitter<\/a>, Stringer said,\n\n\"I am very cautious about using modern genetic distributions to infer exactly where ancestral populations were living 200,000 years ago, particularly in a continent as large and complex as Africa. Moreover, like so many studies that concentrate on one small bit of the genome, or one region, or one stone tool industry, or one 'critical' fossil, it cannot capture the full complexity of our mosaic origins, once other data are considered.\u201d<\/em>\n\nNotwithstanding the divergence in the opinion of different researchers, one thing remains clear; Africa had an important role to play in the history and evolution of modern man. We will like to know what you think about this study in the comment box.","post_title":"New Studies Suggest Africa Is The Origin Of Modern Man","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"new-studies-suggest-africa-was-the-homeland-of-modern-man","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-10-06 06:39:42","post_modified_gmt":"2024-10-06 06:39:42","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.africanvibes.com\/?p=195426","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":9778,"post_author":"7","post_date":"2017-04-19 04:47:28","post_date_gmt":"2017-04-19 04:47:28","post_content":"\n\n[caption id=\"attachment_301462\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"219\"]\"Ghana's<\/a> Ghana's Aunty Ocloo Is No Ordinary Google Doodle Photo credit ghanaianmuseum<\/em>[\/caption]\n\nA dollar. That's all Esther Afua Ocloo needed to kickstart Ghana's first food processing factory in 1942. She was a college student. And she was broke. So she used the money, a gift from her aunt, to buy some oranges, sugar, firewood, and jam jars. She produced 12 pots of marmalade. And Nkulenu Industries was born. She sold the jam to her classmates, then the school, then the country, then the world.\n\nALSO READ:\u00a0Zimbabwean Woman Gets Life-Size Statue In New York. Here Is Why<\/a><\/strong>\n\nEsther Afua Ocloo, the star of today's Google Doodle<\/a>, was more than a jam star. She also became a pioneer in the field of microfinance \u2014 lending a small amount of money to women with a dream like she once had.\n\n[caption id=\"attachment_9779\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"1000\"]\"Ghana's Photo credit Youtube<\/a><\/em>[\/caption]\n\nRead More Here >><\/strong><\/span><\/a>","post_title":"Ghana's Aunty Ocloo Is No Ordinary Google Doodle","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"ghanas-aunty-ocloo-no-ordinary-google-doodle","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-10-04 05:58:30","post_modified_gmt":"2024-10-04 05:58:30","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.africanvibes.com\/?p=9778","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"}],"next":false,"prev":false,"total_page":1},"paged":1,"column_class":"jeg_col_2o3","class":"epic_block_3"};

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\n

The Pangaea era<\/a> was a time in history when the earth\u2019s continent was one big landmass surrounded by water. However, as time went by, the landmass split up. Christopher Griffin who was part of the exploration expanded on how Pangaea explains the distribution of dinosaur fossils.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cIf you draw a line across Pangaea joining southern Brazil and northern Argentina, it will cross through northern Zimbabwe too,\u201d Griffin said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The close proximity of many regions during the Pangaea era explains why they share similar flora and fauna.  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Why it took so long to find<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
\"Christopher
Christopher Griffin in 2017 during the excavation of Mbiresaurus raathi (Photo credit: Stephen TolanVirginia Tech)<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Although scientists started working on the site in 2017, the excavation suffered setbacks from COVID-19. The nearly complete skeleton is believed to be about 230 million years old.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

This places the species at par with the oldest dinosaurs scientists have ever unearthed. The research findings were published in the Nature journal<\/a> on Wednesday, Aug. 31, 2022.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The name of the oldest dinosaur was derived from Mbire, the name of the Shona dynasty that dominated the region. Dr. Michael Raath is the scientist that helped in the discovery of the fossil.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The implications of the discovery of Mbiresaurus raathi<\/em><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
\"The
The new Zimbabwean assemblage is on the same palaeolatitudinal climatic belt as other Carnian dinosaur-bearing assemblages and has a similar taxonomic composition (Photo credit: Nature)<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

The discovery of Mbiresaurus raathi <\/em>which is one of the oldest dinosaurs has shed more light on the Triassic era which ended over 200 million years ago. Fossils from the era have been discovered in India, South America, and now Zimbabwe.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The finding beams more light on the migration and evolution of earlier dinosaurs. Speaking to BBC, the deputy director of National Museums and Monuments of Zimbabwe, Darlington Munyikwa, who took part in the discovery said, \u201cFossils from the Triassic age in the study of early dinosaurs is rare\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Mr. Munyikwa disclosed that the country was aware of the fossil site for decades. He also noted that there are many similar sites in the area that needed further exploration when funds become available. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Griffin hinted at what the discovery has helped to explain. According to him, the discovery \u201cshows that dinosaurs did not start as dominators of the world\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

ALSO READ: <\/strong>Tunisian Migrants Are Ditching Europe For Southern Africa. See Why<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Research curator of paleontology at the North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences, Christian Kammerer, stressed, \u201cThe foremost dinosaurs were tiny\u2014far from the giants that occupy our thoughts\u201d. Kammerer was not part of the study but shared the view with Live Science.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The discovery of Mbiresaurus raathi <\/em>fossils also reveals another important piece of information that Griffin pointed out.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cThe dinosaurs and the animals that existed mutually with them tend to be confined to a specific type of environment in the far south\u2014what we know today as India, southern Africa, and South America.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

The Triassic lineage<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
\"\"
Skeletal anatomy of the Mbiresaurus raathi holotype (NHMZ 2222) and paratype (NHMZ 2547) (Photo credit: Nature)<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Scientists are now having a better understanding of the Triassic lineage and how dinosaurs evolved from small creatures to the giant most of us know today. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

University of Cape Town paleontologist, Prof Anusuya Chinsamy-Turan told the BBC that Mbiresaurus raathi<\/em>\u2019s discovery is a vital part of the lineage that gave rise to the sauropod dinosaurs (encompassing brontosaurus and diplodocus).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cIt teaches us that during the evolution of dinosaurs, they existed in different continents but seem to trace a hot humid path instead of dry inhospitable environments. Hopefully, we would find more in that area.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

ALSO READ:<\/strong> Entrepreneur Spotlight: Microfuse Stick By Ugandan Engineers Is The Future Of Computer<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

With the discovery of the new fossils of the Mbiresaurus raathi<\/em>, Zimbabwe experts now have a new concern. Prof Chinsamy-Turan echoed this sentiment when she told BBC, \u201cI hope there is a strict policy to ensure the handing over of such fossils to the museum to avoid losing the material.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

At the moment, the Mbiresaurus raathi<\/em> fossil remains are kept in a room in a museum in Bulawayo, a southern city in the country. A University of Edinburgh paleontologist, Steve Brusatte who was not part of the study said,<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cPrior to now we almost know nothing about the foremost dinosaurs in Africa. The discovery of Mbiresaurus raathi change<\/em>s everything. It is one of the most important discoveries in recent times about the dinosaur anywhere on the globe.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n","post_title":"Scientists Unearth Africa\u2019s Oldest Dinosaur Mbiresaurus raathi In Zimbabwe","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"scientists-unearth-mbiresaurus-raathi","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-10-16 16:59:25","post_modified_gmt":"2024-10-16 16:59:25","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/africanvibes.com\/?p=340932","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":190293,"post_author":"7","post_date":"2020-01-07 18:14:51","post_date_gmt":"2020-01-07 18:14:51","post_content":"\n\nWhat would you do if you find a priceless 18th-century crown in a suitcase?\n\nIn 1998, Sirak Asfaw, a Dutch-Ethiopian hosted Ethiopian pilots, refugees, and diplomats who were passing through Rotterdam. In the suitcase of one of his visitors, he saw an 18th-century Ethiopian crown. \n\n\"I looked into the suitcase and saw something really amazing and I thought 'this is not right. This has been stolen. This should not be here. This belongs to Ethiopia'.\"<\/em>\n\nAsfaw confronted the owner of the suitcase and told him the crown will not leave his house. \n\n\n\n\u201c[I told him the crown] will not leave my house unless it goes back to Ethiopia.\" <\/em>The owner obliged and gave him the artifact. \n

ALSO READ: Ethiopia's Prime Minister Takes Home the 2019 Nobel Peace Prize<\/a><\/strong><\/div>\n

Why Sirak Asfaw became the custodian of the Ethiopia crown<\/h2>\nShortly after having the crown in his custody, he went to a message board to ask what people thought he should do to \u2018an Ethiopian artifact\u2019. Some suggested he should turn it over to the Dutch government. Fearing the Dutch government may claim it, he decided to keep it. \n\nFor 21 years, he hid the priceless Ethiopia crown in his apartment waiting for the right time to return it. However, Ethiopians who knew he had the treasure tried to pressure him into returning it.\n\nAsfaw, who became a refugee during the \u2018Red Terror\u2019 purge where as many as 500k Ethiopians were killed in a bloodbath, talked about his decision saying\n\n\"I did not want to return it to the same regime that had made it possible for the crown to get stolen. [I decided to be the custodian] until such time it could go back. I knew if I gave it back, it would just disappear again.\u201d<\/em>\n\nWith the coming into power of Abiy Ahmed, the atmosphere was ripe to return the crown. Consequently, he contacted Arthur Brand, a Dutch \u2018art detective\u2019 and told him about the crown. In an interview, Mr. Brand said,\n\n[caption id=\"attachment_190297\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"634\"]\"\" Sirak Asfew (left) and Arthur Brand (right) pose with the 18th-century Ethiopia crown<\/em>[\/caption]\n\n
 <\/div>\n
ALSO READ: Ethiopia Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed Disarms Armed Protesting Soldiers with Push-Ups<\/a><\/strong><\/div>\n\u201cIt turns out that Sirak Asfaw had been the custodian of a rare 18th-century Ethiopia crown for the past 21 years and wants to give it back. It was a story straight from a crime thriller.\u201d<\/em>\n\nAfter returning the artifact, Asfaw said, \u201cThis is Ethiopian cultural heritage, this is Ethiopia's identity and finally it feels good to give it back.\u201d<\/em>\n

Striking features of the artifact<\/h2>\nThe Ethiopia crown is made of gilded copper. The body of the crown, around the base, bears the image of the Holy Trinity and the 12 Apostles. The crown is one of the less than 20 that were made\u2014and the most valuable of them all. The artifact bears the date 1633-34 but a research associate at Oxford University, Jacopo Gnisci suggests it may have been made a century later. He believes a powerful warlord, \u2018ras\u2019 Welde Sellase gave the crown to the church in Cheleqot, a village near Mekelle in northern Ethiopia. After confirming the authenticity of the artifact, Gnisci said,\n
ALSO READ: Ethiopian Prime Minister's War On Corruption Results In Arrests Of 59 More Officials<\/a><\/strong><\/div>\n\u201cThese crowns are of great cultural and symbolic significance in Ethiopia, as they are usually donated by high-ranking officials to churches in a practice that reaches as far back as the Late Antiquity. These crowns are of priceless symbolic value and it is important that they be returned to Ethiopia,\u201d<\/em>\n\nThe last time the Ethiopia crown was seen in public was in 1993. At that time it was worn by a priest in a photograph. However, it disappeared afterward. Investigations were launched but the culprit was never found. The artifact is currently held in a secure facility in the Netherlands pending further actions.","post_title":"Here Is What Sirak Asfaw Did When He Found A Priceless 18th-Century Crown In A Suitcase","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"priceless-ethiopia-crown-to-return-home-after-21-years-in-dutch-apartment","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-08-16 16:10:29","post_modified_gmt":"2024-08-16 16:10:29","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.africanvibes.com\/?p=190293","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":212236,"post_author":"2777","post_date":"2020-01-03 10:18:22","post_date_gmt":"2020-01-03 10:18:22","post_content":"\n

There are 1121 properties on the United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) list. Out of these large numbers, only two Nigerian cultural sites are on the list. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

They are Sukur Cultural Landscape in Adamawa State and Osun-Oshogbo Sacred Grove in Osun State. However, the government of Nigeria has identified more sites in the country that are fit to be on the list of UNESCO world heritage sites.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The minister of Information and Culture, Mr. Lai Mohammed made this known after a visit to the Osun-Oshogbo Sacred Grove. According to the minister, they were other sites in the country that meet the requirements of being on the UNESCO world heritage sites list. These include Igbo Olodumare, Kano City Walls, and Ogbunike Cave. Explaining the reason why the sites should be on the list, the minister said,<\/p>\n\n\n\n

ALSO READ:<\/strong> 10 Must See Historic Sites In Ghana<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cThe ancient Kano City Walls witnessed the famous Trans- Sahara Trade of which Kano was the dominant force. This trade linked the great kingdoms and empires of West Africa with North America and even Europe. The forests in Oke-Igbo, Ile Oluji Axis of Ondo State, which was the inspiration for D. O. Fagunwa\u2019s book, \u2018Igbo Olodumare\u2019 should be considered for the reason of its scenic state. The Ogbunike Caves<\/a> in Anambra State for its natural significance\u201d.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Ogbunike
Ogbunike Cave in Anambra State<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Other landmarks the minister wants to be on the UNESCO world heritage sites list are The Brazilian Baracoon Museum\/Point of No Return in Badagry, Lagos State and the Gashaka-Gumti National Park, Nigeria\u2019s largest national park in the eastern province of Taraba and Adamawa states close to Cameroon border.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Why Being on UNESCO World Heritage Sites List is a Big Deal<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Properties listed on UNESCO world heritage sites list are those with cultural, historical, scientific or other forms of significance. Consequently, they are under legal protection by international treaties. Such sites are important to humanity\u2019s collective interest. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Therefore, it is a thing of pride to have a country\u2019s properties on the list. Also, properties on the list get greater government attention which can be crucial for their existence. According to Mr. Mohammed,<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cThe fact that the General Assembly, comprising the entire 193 states parties, in November elected Nigeria into the UNESCO World Heritage Committee is a positive development for our quest to have more sites designated as World Heritage Sites. We shall use our presence on this Committee to fight for the enlistment of many more sites from Nigeria into the World Heritage list. Nigeria is really blessed with a lot of potential sites.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

ALSO READ:<\/strong> 10 Must-Visit Luxury Hotels In Johannesburg South Africa<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Brazilian
Brazilian Baracoon Museum Point of No Return in Badagry, Lagos State<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Threats to the Heritage Sites in Nigeria<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

The two heritage sites in Nigeria are facing significant threats. In the South, land grabbers are encroaching into the Osun-Oshogbo Sacred Grove. In the north, the fate of Sukur Cultural Landscape lies in the hands of the military. According to the minister,<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cOur gallant men and women in uniform have succeeded in repelling the attempt by the Boko Haram terrorists to destroy the Sukur Cultural Landscape.\u2019\u2019<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

However, the minister said the government will do all within its powers to protect the sites. Also, he warned land grabbers to stay clear of the 45 hectares buffer zone around the Osun-Oshogbo Sacred Grove. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Citing the importance of UNESCO world heritage sites, do you think governments around the world are doing enough to protect them? What do you think can be done better? We would love to hear your views in the comment box below.<\/p>\n","post_title":"Nigeria Identifies Landmarks Fit For Declaration As UNESCO World Heritage Sites","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"nigeria-identifies-landmarks-fit-for-declaration-as-unesco-world-heritage-sites","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-10-06 06:40:44","post_modified_gmt":"2024-10-06 06:40:44","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.africanvibes.com\/?p=212236","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":195426,"post_author":"2777","post_date":"2019-11-16 10:18:21","post_date_gmt":"2019-11-16 10:18:21","post_content":"\n\n[caption id=\"attachment_195428\" align=\"aligncenter\" width=\"735\"]\"\" New Studies Suggest Africa Was The Home Of Modern Man<\/em>[\/caption]\n\nScientists are continually trying to trace the origin of humans. A new study<\/a> says Africa was homeland of modern man. According to the study, the area Makgadikgadi-Okavango in the southern part of Africa was the home to a large population of Homo sapiens<\/em> until the advent of climate change. The fingered region is around northern Botswana.\n\nAbout 200 thousand years ago, there was an enormous lake in the region. The lake was roughly twice the size of modern-day Lake Victoria. Thus, modern humans settled there for at least 70 thousand years. However, as a result of climate change, the area is now reduced to salt plains. Consequently, the human population began to migrate roughly 130 thousand years ago. The first set of migrants ventured northeast while the second wave went southwest. However, some remained in the homeland until today.  \n

ALSO READ: 10 Most spoken Languages in Africa<\/a><\/strong><\/div>\nAccording to the researchers, it was this migration that triggered the development of human\u2019s genetic, cultural and ethnic diversity in modern man. Speaking about the new study, Vanessa Hayes from the Garvan Institute of Medical Research and the University of Sydney, and Extraordinary Professor at the University of Pretoria said,\n\n\"We've known for a long time that modern man originated in Africa roughly 200,000 years ago. But what we hadn't known until the study was where exactly this homeland was.\"<\/em>\n\n\n

The role played by mitochondrial DNA in the research<\/h2>\nTo reach the conclusion, the researchers analyzed DNA samples for about 200 Khoisan people. The ethnic group lives in modern-day Namibia and South Africa. They are known to carry a high proportion of mitogenomes called \u2018L0\u2019 lineage which are the earliest genomes of modern man. Explaining the importance of mitogenomes, Hayes said,\n\n\"Mitochondrial DNA acts like a time capsule of our ancestral mothers, accumulating changes slowly over generations. Comparing the complete DNA code, or mitogenome, from different individuals provides information on how closely they are related. Our work would not have been possible without the generous contributions of local communities and study participants in Namibia and South Africa, which allowed us to uncover rare and new L0 sub-branches.\"<\/em>\n
ALSO READ: You Can Now Study Kinyarwanda And Other African Languages In Beijing Foreign Studies University<\/a><\/strong><\/div>\nSubsequently, the researchers linked the L0 lineage timeline with the cultural, linguistic, and geographic distribution of different sub-lineages. This led to the finding that the \u2018homeland\u2019 of modern man was south of the Greater Zambezi River Basin which covers entire northern Botswana and stretches into the west of Namibia and east of Zimbabwe. Lead phylogenetic analyst, Dr. Eva Chan from Garvan Institute of Medical Research said,\n\n\"We merged 198 new, rare mitogenomes to the current database of modern human's earliest known population, the L0 lineage. This allowed us to refine the evolutionary tree of our earliest ancestral branches better than ever before.\"<\/em>\n\n\n

The uniqueness of the new study on modern man<\/h2>\nUnlike previous studies, the uniqueness of the present study lies in the combination of disciplines namely climatic physics, geology, and genetics. Geologist, Dr. Andy Moore from Rhodes University investigated existing fossil, archeological, and geological evidence to establish the one-time existence of Lake Makgadikgadi, Africa\u2019s largest lake system. He said,\n\n\"Prior to modern man emergence, the lake had begun to drain due to shifts in underlying tectonic plates. This would have created, a vast wetland, which is known to be one of the most productive ecosystems for sustaining life.\"<\/em>\n
ALSO READ: 5 Ideas for Online Investing in Africa<\/a><\/strong><\/div>\nThe range of error of previous studies was 150,000 to 250,000. However, the new study has a range of error of 165,000 to 240,000.\n

Not everyone agrees with the study<\/h2>\nSome scientists have their doubts about the authenticity of the study. For example, Sarah Tishkoff of the University of Pennsylvania argues that mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) alone is a poor tool for tracing the history of ancient Africa\u2019s population. Others argue that the female ancestors of the Khosian speakers with the L0 lineage could have migrated from somewhere else.\n\n\n\nAnother researcher who expressed doubt about the findings of the study was Chris Stringer. Stringer is a researcher of human evolution at the Natural History Museum in the UK. He highlighted the complexity of human origins study. In a statement posted on Twitter<\/a>, Stringer said,\n\n\"I am very cautious about using modern genetic distributions to infer exactly where ancestral populations were living 200,000 years ago, particularly in a continent as large and complex as Africa. Moreover, like so many studies that concentrate on one small bit of the genome, or one region, or one stone tool industry, or one 'critical' fossil, it cannot capture the full complexity of our mosaic origins, once other data are considered.\u201d<\/em>\n\nNotwithstanding the divergence in the opinion of different researchers, one thing remains clear; Africa had an important role to play in the history and evolution of modern man. We will like to know what you think about this study in the comment box.","post_title":"New Studies Suggest Africa Is The Origin Of Modern Man","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"new-studies-suggest-africa-was-the-homeland-of-modern-man","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-10-06 06:39:42","post_modified_gmt":"2024-10-06 06:39:42","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.africanvibes.com\/?p=195426","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":9778,"post_author":"7","post_date":"2017-04-19 04:47:28","post_date_gmt":"2017-04-19 04:47:28","post_content":"\n\n[caption id=\"attachment_301462\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"219\"]\"Ghana's<\/a> Ghana's Aunty Ocloo Is No Ordinary Google Doodle Photo credit ghanaianmuseum<\/em>[\/caption]\n\nA dollar. That's all Esther Afua Ocloo needed to kickstart Ghana's first food processing factory in 1942. She was a college student. And she was broke. So she used the money, a gift from her aunt, to buy some oranges, sugar, firewood, and jam jars. She produced 12 pots of marmalade. And Nkulenu Industries was born. She sold the jam to her classmates, then the school, then the country, then the world.\n\nALSO READ:\u00a0Zimbabwean Woman Gets Life-Size Statue In New York. Here Is Why<\/a><\/strong>\n\nEsther Afua Ocloo, the star of today's Google Doodle<\/a>, was more than a jam star. She also became a pioneer in the field of microfinance \u2014 lending a small amount of money to women with a dream like she once had.\n\n[caption id=\"attachment_9779\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"1000\"]\"Ghana's Photo credit Youtube<\/a><\/em>[\/caption]\n\nRead More Here >><\/strong><\/span><\/a>","post_title":"Ghana's Aunty Ocloo Is No Ordinary Google Doodle","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"ghanas-aunty-ocloo-no-ordinary-google-doodle","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-10-04 05:58:30","post_modified_gmt":"2024-10-04 05:58:30","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.africanvibes.com\/?p=9778","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"}],"next":false,"prev":false,"total_page":1},"paged":1,"column_class":"jeg_col_2o3","class":"epic_block_3"};

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ALSO READ:<\/strong> You Can Now Study Kinyarwanda And Other African Languages In Beijing Foreign Studies University<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

The Pangaea era<\/a> was a time in history when the earth\u2019s continent was one big landmass surrounded by water. However, as time went by, the landmass split up. Christopher Griffin who was part of the exploration expanded on how Pangaea explains the distribution of dinosaur fossils.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cIf you draw a line across Pangaea joining southern Brazil and northern Argentina, it will cross through northern Zimbabwe too,\u201d Griffin said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The close proximity of many regions during the Pangaea era explains why they share similar flora and fauna.  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Why it took so long to find<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
\"Christopher
Christopher Griffin in 2017 during the excavation of Mbiresaurus raathi (Photo credit: Stephen TolanVirginia Tech)<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Although scientists started working on the site in 2017, the excavation suffered setbacks from COVID-19. The nearly complete skeleton is believed to be about 230 million years old.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

This places the species at par with the oldest dinosaurs scientists have ever unearthed. The research findings were published in the Nature journal<\/a> on Wednesday, Aug. 31, 2022.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The name of the oldest dinosaur was derived from Mbire, the name of the Shona dynasty that dominated the region. Dr. Michael Raath is the scientist that helped in the discovery of the fossil.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The implications of the discovery of Mbiresaurus raathi<\/em><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
\"The
The new Zimbabwean assemblage is on the same palaeolatitudinal climatic belt as other Carnian dinosaur-bearing assemblages and has a similar taxonomic composition (Photo credit: Nature)<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

The discovery of Mbiresaurus raathi <\/em>which is one of the oldest dinosaurs has shed more light on the Triassic era which ended over 200 million years ago. Fossils from the era have been discovered in India, South America, and now Zimbabwe.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The finding beams more light on the migration and evolution of earlier dinosaurs. Speaking to BBC, the deputy director of National Museums and Monuments of Zimbabwe, Darlington Munyikwa, who took part in the discovery said, \u201cFossils from the Triassic age in the study of early dinosaurs is rare\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Mr. Munyikwa disclosed that the country was aware of the fossil site for decades. He also noted that there are many similar sites in the area that needed further exploration when funds become available. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Griffin hinted at what the discovery has helped to explain. According to him, the discovery \u201cshows that dinosaurs did not start as dominators of the world\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

ALSO READ: <\/strong>Tunisian Migrants Are Ditching Europe For Southern Africa. See Why<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Research curator of paleontology at the North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences, Christian Kammerer, stressed, \u201cThe foremost dinosaurs were tiny\u2014far from the giants that occupy our thoughts\u201d. Kammerer was not part of the study but shared the view with Live Science.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The discovery of Mbiresaurus raathi <\/em>fossils also reveals another important piece of information that Griffin pointed out.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cThe dinosaurs and the animals that existed mutually with them tend to be confined to a specific type of environment in the far south\u2014what we know today as India, southern Africa, and South America.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

The Triassic lineage<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
\"\"
Skeletal anatomy of the Mbiresaurus raathi holotype (NHMZ 2222) and paratype (NHMZ 2547) (Photo credit: Nature)<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Scientists are now having a better understanding of the Triassic lineage and how dinosaurs evolved from small creatures to the giant most of us know today. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

University of Cape Town paleontologist, Prof Anusuya Chinsamy-Turan told the BBC that Mbiresaurus raathi<\/em>\u2019s discovery is a vital part of the lineage that gave rise to the sauropod dinosaurs (encompassing brontosaurus and diplodocus).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cIt teaches us that during the evolution of dinosaurs, they existed in different continents but seem to trace a hot humid path instead of dry inhospitable environments. Hopefully, we would find more in that area.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

ALSO READ:<\/strong> Entrepreneur Spotlight: Microfuse Stick By Ugandan Engineers Is The Future Of Computer<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

With the discovery of the new fossils of the Mbiresaurus raathi<\/em>, Zimbabwe experts now have a new concern. Prof Chinsamy-Turan echoed this sentiment when she told BBC, \u201cI hope there is a strict policy to ensure the handing over of such fossils to the museum to avoid losing the material.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

At the moment, the Mbiresaurus raathi<\/em> fossil remains are kept in a room in a museum in Bulawayo, a southern city in the country. A University of Edinburgh paleontologist, Steve Brusatte who was not part of the study said,<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cPrior to now we almost know nothing about the foremost dinosaurs in Africa. The discovery of Mbiresaurus raathi change<\/em>s everything. It is one of the most important discoveries in recent times about the dinosaur anywhere on the globe.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n","post_title":"Scientists Unearth Africa\u2019s Oldest Dinosaur Mbiresaurus raathi In Zimbabwe","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"scientists-unearth-mbiresaurus-raathi","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-10-16 16:59:25","post_modified_gmt":"2024-10-16 16:59:25","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/africanvibes.com\/?p=340932","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":190293,"post_author":"7","post_date":"2020-01-07 18:14:51","post_date_gmt":"2020-01-07 18:14:51","post_content":"\n\nWhat would you do if you find a priceless 18th-century crown in a suitcase?\n\nIn 1998, Sirak Asfaw, a Dutch-Ethiopian hosted Ethiopian pilots, refugees, and diplomats who were passing through Rotterdam. In the suitcase of one of his visitors, he saw an 18th-century Ethiopian crown. \n\n\"I looked into the suitcase and saw something really amazing and I thought 'this is not right. This has been stolen. This should not be here. This belongs to Ethiopia'.\"<\/em>\n\nAsfaw confronted the owner of the suitcase and told him the crown will not leave his house. \n\n\n\n\u201c[I told him the crown] will not leave my house unless it goes back to Ethiopia.\" <\/em>The owner obliged and gave him the artifact. \n

ALSO READ: Ethiopia's Prime Minister Takes Home the 2019 Nobel Peace Prize<\/a><\/strong><\/div>\n

Why Sirak Asfaw became the custodian of the Ethiopia crown<\/h2>\nShortly after having the crown in his custody, he went to a message board to ask what people thought he should do to \u2018an Ethiopian artifact\u2019. Some suggested he should turn it over to the Dutch government. Fearing the Dutch government may claim it, he decided to keep it. \n\nFor 21 years, he hid the priceless Ethiopia crown in his apartment waiting for the right time to return it. However, Ethiopians who knew he had the treasure tried to pressure him into returning it.\n\nAsfaw, who became a refugee during the \u2018Red Terror\u2019 purge where as many as 500k Ethiopians were killed in a bloodbath, talked about his decision saying\n\n\"I did not want to return it to the same regime that had made it possible for the crown to get stolen. [I decided to be the custodian] until such time it could go back. I knew if I gave it back, it would just disappear again.\u201d<\/em>\n\nWith the coming into power of Abiy Ahmed, the atmosphere was ripe to return the crown. Consequently, he contacted Arthur Brand, a Dutch \u2018art detective\u2019 and told him about the crown. In an interview, Mr. Brand said,\n\n[caption id=\"attachment_190297\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"634\"]\"\" Sirak Asfew (left) and Arthur Brand (right) pose with the 18th-century Ethiopia crown<\/em>[\/caption]\n\n
 <\/div>\n
ALSO READ: Ethiopia Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed Disarms Armed Protesting Soldiers with Push-Ups<\/a><\/strong><\/div>\n\u201cIt turns out that Sirak Asfaw had been the custodian of a rare 18th-century Ethiopia crown for the past 21 years and wants to give it back. It was a story straight from a crime thriller.\u201d<\/em>\n\nAfter returning the artifact, Asfaw said, \u201cThis is Ethiopian cultural heritage, this is Ethiopia's identity and finally it feels good to give it back.\u201d<\/em>\n

Striking features of the artifact<\/h2>\nThe Ethiopia crown is made of gilded copper. The body of the crown, around the base, bears the image of the Holy Trinity and the 12 Apostles. The crown is one of the less than 20 that were made\u2014and the most valuable of them all. The artifact bears the date 1633-34 but a research associate at Oxford University, Jacopo Gnisci suggests it may have been made a century later. He believes a powerful warlord, \u2018ras\u2019 Welde Sellase gave the crown to the church in Cheleqot, a village near Mekelle in northern Ethiopia. After confirming the authenticity of the artifact, Gnisci said,\n
ALSO READ: Ethiopian Prime Minister's War On Corruption Results In Arrests Of 59 More Officials<\/a><\/strong><\/div>\n\u201cThese crowns are of great cultural and symbolic significance in Ethiopia, as they are usually donated by high-ranking officials to churches in a practice that reaches as far back as the Late Antiquity. These crowns are of priceless symbolic value and it is important that they be returned to Ethiopia,\u201d<\/em>\n\nThe last time the Ethiopia crown was seen in public was in 1993. At that time it was worn by a priest in a photograph. However, it disappeared afterward. Investigations were launched but the culprit was never found. The artifact is currently held in a secure facility in the Netherlands pending further actions.","post_title":"Here Is What Sirak Asfaw Did When He Found A Priceless 18th-Century Crown In A Suitcase","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"priceless-ethiopia-crown-to-return-home-after-21-years-in-dutch-apartment","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-08-16 16:10:29","post_modified_gmt":"2024-08-16 16:10:29","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.africanvibes.com\/?p=190293","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":212236,"post_author":"2777","post_date":"2020-01-03 10:18:22","post_date_gmt":"2020-01-03 10:18:22","post_content":"\n

There are 1121 properties on the United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) list. Out of these large numbers, only two Nigerian cultural sites are on the list. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

They are Sukur Cultural Landscape in Adamawa State and Osun-Oshogbo Sacred Grove in Osun State. However, the government of Nigeria has identified more sites in the country that are fit to be on the list of UNESCO world heritage sites.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The minister of Information and Culture, Mr. Lai Mohammed made this known after a visit to the Osun-Oshogbo Sacred Grove. According to the minister, they were other sites in the country that meet the requirements of being on the UNESCO world heritage sites list. These include Igbo Olodumare, Kano City Walls, and Ogbunike Cave. Explaining the reason why the sites should be on the list, the minister said,<\/p>\n\n\n\n

ALSO READ:<\/strong> 10 Must See Historic Sites In Ghana<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cThe ancient Kano City Walls witnessed the famous Trans- Sahara Trade of which Kano was the dominant force. This trade linked the great kingdoms and empires of West Africa with North America and even Europe. The forests in Oke-Igbo, Ile Oluji Axis of Ondo State, which was the inspiration for D. O. Fagunwa\u2019s book, \u2018Igbo Olodumare\u2019 should be considered for the reason of its scenic state. The Ogbunike Caves<\/a> in Anambra State for its natural significance\u201d.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Ogbunike
Ogbunike Cave in Anambra State<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Other landmarks the minister wants to be on the UNESCO world heritage sites list are The Brazilian Baracoon Museum\/Point of No Return in Badagry, Lagos State and the Gashaka-Gumti National Park, Nigeria\u2019s largest national park in the eastern province of Taraba and Adamawa states close to Cameroon border.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Why Being on UNESCO World Heritage Sites List is a Big Deal<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Properties listed on UNESCO world heritage sites list are those with cultural, historical, scientific or other forms of significance. Consequently, they are under legal protection by international treaties. Such sites are important to humanity\u2019s collective interest. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Therefore, it is a thing of pride to have a country\u2019s properties on the list. Also, properties on the list get greater government attention which can be crucial for their existence. According to Mr. Mohammed,<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cThe fact that the General Assembly, comprising the entire 193 states parties, in November elected Nigeria into the UNESCO World Heritage Committee is a positive development for our quest to have more sites designated as World Heritage Sites. We shall use our presence on this Committee to fight for the enlistment of many more sites from Nigeria into the World Heritage list. Nigeria is really blessed with a lot of potential sites.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

ALSO READ:<\/strong> 10 Must-Visit Luxury Hotels In Johannesburg South Africa<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Brazilian
Brazilian Baracoon Museum Point of No Return in Badagry, Lagos State<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Threats to the Heritage Sites in Nigeria<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

The two heritage sites in Nigeria are facing significant threats. In the South, land grabbers are encroaching into the Osun-Oshogbo Sacred Grove. In the north, the fate of Sukur Cultural Landscape lies in the hands of the military. According to the minister,<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cOur gallant men and women in uniform have succeeded in repelling the attempt by the Boko Haram terrorists to destroy the Sukur Cultural Landscape.\u2019\u2019<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

However, the minister said the government will do all within its powers to protect the sites. Also, he warned land grabbers to stay clear of the 45 hectares buffer zone around the Osun-Oshogbo Sacred Grove. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Citing the importance of UNESCO world heritage sites, do you think governments around the world are doing enough to protect them? What do you think can be done better? We would love to hear your views in the comment box below.<\/p>\n","post_title":"Nigeria Identifies Landmarks Fit For Declaration As UNESCO World Heritage Sites","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"nigeria-identifies-landmarks-fit-for-declaration-as-unesco-world-heritage-sites","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-10-06 06:40:44","post_modified_gmt":"2024-10-06 06:40:44","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.africanvibes.com\/?p=212236","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":195426,"post_author":"2777","post_date":"2019-11-16 10:18:21","post_date_gmt":"2019-11-16 10:18:21","post_content":"\n\n[caption id=\"attachment_195428\" align=\"aligncenter\" width=\"735\"]\"\" New Studies Suggest Africa Was The Home Of Modern Man<\/em>[\/caption]\n\nScientists are continually trying to trace the origin of humans. A new study<\/a> says Africa was homeland of modern man. According to the study, the area Makgadikgadi-Okavango in the southern part of Africa was the home to a large population of Homo sapiens<\/em> until the advent of climate change. The fingered region is around northern Botswana.\n\nAbout 200 thousand years ago, there was an enormous lake in the region. The lake was roughly twice the size of modern-day Lake Victoria. Thus, modern humans settled there for at least 70 thousand years. However, as a result of climate change, the area is now reduced to salt plains. Consequently, the human population began to migrate roughly 130 thousand years ago. The first set of migrants ventured northeast while the second wave went southwest. However, some remained in the homeland until today.  \n

ALSO READ: 10 Most spoken Languages in Africa<\/a><\/strong><\/div>\nAccording to the researchers, it was this migration that triggered the development of human\u2019s genetic, cultural and ethnic diversity in modern man. Speaking about the new study, Vanessa Hayes from the Garvan Institute of Medical Research and the University of Sydney, and Extraordinary Professor at the University of Pretoria said,\n\n\"We've known for a long time that modern man originated in Africa roughly 200,000 years ago. But what we hadn't known until the study was where exactly this homeland was.\"<\/em>\n\n\n

The role played by mitochondrial DNA in the research<\/h2>\nTo reach the conclusion, the researchers analyzed DNA samples for about 200 Khoisan people. The ethnic group lives in modern-day Namibia and South Africa. They are known to carry a high proportion of mitogenomes called \u2018L0\u2019 lineage which are the earliest genomes of modern man. Explaining the importance of mitogenomes, Hayes said,\n\n\"Mitochondrial DNA acts like a time capsule of our ancestral mothers, accumulating changes slowly over generations. Comparing the complete DNA code, or mitogenome, from different individuals provides information on how closely they are related. Our work would not have been possible without the generous contributions of local communities and study participants in Namibia and South Africa, which allowed us to uncover rare and new L0 sub-branches.\"<\/em>\n
ALSO READ: You Can Now Study Kinyarwanda And Other African Languages In Beijing Foreign Studies University<\/a><\/strong><\/div>\nSubsequently, the researchers linked the L0 lineage timeline with the cultural, linguistic, and geographic distribution of different sub-lineages. This led to the finding that the \u2018homeland\u2019 of modern man was south of the Greater Zambezi River Basin which covers entire northern Botswana and stretches into the west of Namibia and east of Zimbabwe. Lead phylogenetic analyst, Dr. Eva Chan from Garvan Institute of Medical Research said,\n\n\"We merged 198 new, rare mitogenomes to the current database of modern human's earliest known population, the L0 lineage. This allowed us to refine the evolutionary tree of our earliest ancestral branches better than ever before.\"<\/em>\n\n\n

The uniqueness of the new study on modern man<\/h2>\nUnlike previous studies, the uniqueness of the present study lies in the combination of disciplines namely climatic physics, geology, and genetics. Geologist, Dr. Andy Moore from Rhodes University investigated existing fossil, archeological, and geological evidence to establish the one-time existence of Lake Makgadikgadi, Africa\u2019s largest lake system. He said,\n\n\"Prior to modern man emergence, the lake had begun to drain due to shifts in underlying tectonic plates. This would have created, a vast wetland, which is known to be one of the most productive ecosystems for sustaining life.\"<\/em>\n
ALSO READ: 5 Ideas for Online Investing in Africa<\/a><\/strong><\/div>\nThe range of error of previous studies was 150,000 to 250,000. However, the new study has a range of error of 165,000 to 240,000.\n

Not everyone agrees with the study<\/h2>\nSome scientists have their doubts about the authenticity of the study. For example, Sarah Tishkoff of the University of Pennsylvania argues that mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) alone is a poor tool for tracing the history of ancient Africa\u2019s population. Others argue that the female ancestors of the Khosian speakers with the L0 lineage could have migrated from somewhere else.\n\n\n\nAnother researcher who expressed doubt about the findings of the study was Chris Stringer. Stringer is a researcher of human evolution at the Natural History Museum in the UK. He highlighted the complexity of human origins study. In a statement posted on Twitter<\/a>, Stringer said,\n\n\"I am very cautious about using modern genetic distributions to infer exactly where ancestral populations were living 200,000 years ago, particularly in a continent as large and complex as Africa. Moreover, like so many studies that concentrate on one small bit of the genome, or one region, or one stone tool industry, or one 'critical' fossil, it cannot capture the full complexity of our mosaic origins, once other data are considered.\u201d<\/em>\n\nNotwithstanding the divergence in the opinion of different researchers, one thing remains clear; Africa had an important role to play in the history and evolution of modern man. We will like to know what you think about this study in the comment box.","post_title":"New Studies Suggest Africa Is The Origin Of Modern Man","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"new-studies-suggest-africa-was-the-homeland-of-modern-man","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-10-06 06:39:42","post_modified_gmt":"2024-10-06 06:39:42","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.africanvibes.com\/?p=195426","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":9778,"post_author":"7","post_date":"2017-04-19 04:47:28","post_date_gmt":"2017-04-19 04:47:28","post_content":"\n\n[caption id=\"attachment_301462\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"219\"]\"Ghana's<\/a> Ghana's Aunty Ocloo Is No Ordinary Google Doodle Photo credit ghanaianmuseum<\/em>[\/caption]\n\nA dollar. That's all Esther Afua Ocloo needed to kickstart Ghana's first food processing factory in 1942. She was a college student. And she was broke. So she used the money, a gift from her aunt, to buy some oranges, sugar, firewood, and jam jars. She produced 12 pots of marmalade. And Nkulenu Industries was born. She sold the jam to her classmates, then the school, then the country, then the world.\n\nALSO READ:\u00a0Zimbabwean Woman Gets Life-Size Statue In New York. Here Is Why<\/a><\/strong>\n\nEsther Afua Ocloo, the star of today's Google Doodle<\/a>, was more than a jam star. She also became a pioneer in the field of microfinance \u2014 lending a small amount of money to women with a dream like she once had.\n\n[caption id=\"attachment_9779\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"1000\"]\"Ghana's Photo credit Youtube<\/a><\/em>[\/caption]\n\nRead More Here >><\/strong><\/span><\/a>","post_title":"Ghana's Aunty Ocloo Is No Ordinary Google Doodle","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"ghanas-aunty-ocloo-no-ordinary-google-doodle","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-10-04 05:58:30","post_modified_gmt":"2024-10-04 05:58:30","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.africanvibes.com\/?p=9778","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"}],"next":false,"prev":false,"total_page":1},"paged":1,"column_class":"jeg_col_2o3","class":"epic_block_3"};

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Mbiresaurus raathi<\/em> is believed to be one of the oldest dinosaur species that ever existed on earth. The study beams more light on the evolution of dinosaurs as well as answers one of the basic questions on Triassic paleontology which is, \u201cWhy is it that dinosaurs only inhabited certain parts of the ancient supercontinent Pangaea?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

ALSO READ:<\/strong> You Can Now Study Kinyarwanda And Other African Languages In Beijing Foreign Studies University<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

The Pangaea era<\/a> was a time in history when the earth\u2019s continent was one big landmass surrounded by water. However, as time went by, the landmass split up. Christopher Griffin who was part of the exploration expanded on how Pangaea explains the distribution of dinosaur fossils.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cIf you draw a line across Pangaea joining southern Brazil and northern Argentina, it will cross through northern Zimbabwe too,\u201d Griffin said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The close proximity of many regions during the Pangaea era explains why they share similar flora and fauna.  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Why it took so long to find<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
\"Christopher
Christopher Griffin in 2017 during the excavation of Mbiresaurus raathi (Photo credit: Stephen TolanVirginia Tech)<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Although scientists started working on the site in 2017, the excavation suffered setbacks from COVID-19. The nearly complete skeleton is believed to be about 230 million years old.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

This places the species at par with the oldest dinosaurs scientists have ever unearthed. The research findings were published in the Nature journal<\/a> on Wednesday, Aug. 31, 2022.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The name of the oldest dinosaur was derived from Mbire, the name of the Shona dynasty that dominated the region. Dr. Michael Raath is the scientist that helped in the discovery of the fossil.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The implications of the discovery of Mbiresaurus raathi<\/em><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
\"The
The new Zimbabwean assemblage is on the same palaeolatitudinal climatic belt as other Carnian dinosaur-bearing assemblages and has a similar taxonomic composition (Photo credit: Nature)<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

The discovery of Mbiresaurus raathi <\/em>which is one of the oldest dinosaurs has shed more light on the Triassic era which ended over 200 million years ago. Fossils from the era have been discovered in India, South America, and now Zimbabwe.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The finding beams more light on the migration and evolution of earlier dinosaurs. Speaking to BBC, the deputy director of National Museums and Monuments of Zimbabwe, Darlington Munyikwa, who took part in the discovery said, \u201cFossils from the Triassic age in the study of early dinosaurs is rare\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Mr. Munyikwa disclosed that the country was aware of the fossil site for decades. He also noted that there are many similar sites in the area that needed further exploration when funds become available. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Griffin hinted at what the discovery has helped to explain. According to him, the discovery \u201cshows that dinosaurs did not start as dominators of the world\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

ALSO READ: <\/strong>Tunisian Migrants Are Ditching Europe For Southern Africa. See Why<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Research curator of paleontology at the North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences, Christian Kammerer, stressed, \u201cThe foremost dinosaurs were tiny\u2014far from the giants that occupy our thoughts\u201d. Kammerer was not part of the study but shared the view with Live Science.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The discovery of Mbiresaurus raathi <\/em>fossils also reveals another important piece of information that Griffin pointed out.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cThe dinosaurs and the animals that existed mutually with them tend to be confined to a specific type of environment in the far south\u2014what we know today as India, southern Africa, and South America.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

The Triassic lineage<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
\"\"
Skeletal anatomy of the Mbiresaurus raathi holotype (NHMZ 2222) and paratype (NHMZ 2547) (Photo credit: Nature)<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Scientists are now having a better understanding of the Triassic lineage and how dinosaurs evolved from small creatures to the giant most of us know today. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

University of Cape Town paleontologist, Prof Anusuya Chinsamy-Turan told the BBC that Mbiresaurus raathi<\/em>\u2019s discovery is a vital part of the lineage that gave rise to the sauropod dinosaurs (encompassing brontosaurus and diplodocus).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cIt teaches us that during the evolution of dinosaurs, they existed in different continents but seem to trace a hot humid path instead of dry inhospitable environments. Hopefully, we would find more in that area.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

ALSO READ:<\/strong> Entrepreneur Spotlight: Microfuse Stick By Ugandan Engineers Is The Future Of Computer<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

With the discovery of the new fossils of the Mbiresaurus raathi<\/em>, Zimbabwe experts now have a new concern. Prof Chinsamy-Turan echoed this sentiment when she told BBC, \u201cI hope there is a strict policy to ensure the handing over of such fossils to the museum to avoid losing the material.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

At the moment, the Mbiresaurus raathi<\/em> fossil remains are kept in a room in a museum in Bulawayo, a southern city in the country. A University of Edinburgh paleontologist, Steve Brusatte who was not part of the study said,<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cPrior to now we almost know nothing about the foremost dinosaurs in Africa. The discovery of Mbiresaurus raathi change<\/em>s everything. It is one of the most important discoveries in recent times about the dinosaur anywhere on the globe.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n","post_title":"Scientists Unearth Africa\u2019s Oldest Dinosaur Mbiresaurus raathi In Zimbabwe","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"scientists-unearth-mbiresaurus-raathi","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-10-16 16:59:25","post_modified_gmt":"2024-10-16 16:59:25","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/africanvibes.com\/?p=340932","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":190293,"post_author":"7","post_date":"2020-01-07 18:14:51","post_date_gmt":"2020-01-07 18:14:51","post_content":"\n\nWhat would you do if you find a priceless 18th-century crown in a suitcase?\n\nIn 1998, Sirak Asfaw, a Dutch-Ethiopian hosted Ethiopian pilots, refugees, and diplomats who were passing through Rotterdam. In the suitcase of one of his visitors, he saw an 18th-century Ethiopian crown. \n\n\"I looked into the suitcase and saw something really amazing and I thought 'this is not right. This has been stolen. This should not be here. This belongs to Ethiopia'.\"<\/em>\n\nAsfaw confronted the owner of the suitcase and told him the crown will not leave his house. \n\n\n\n\u201c[I told him the crown] will not leave my house unless it goes back to Ethiopia.\" <\/em>The owner obliged and gave him the artifact. \n

ALSO READ: Ethiopia's Prime Minister Takes Home the 2019 Nobel Peace Prize<\/a><\/strong><\/div>\n

Why Sirak Asfaw became the custodian of the Ethiopia crown<\/h2>\nShortly after having the crown in his custody, he went to a message board to ask what people thought he should do to \u2018an Ethiopian artifact\u2019. Some suggested he should turn it over to the Dutch government. Fearing the Dutch government may claim it, he decided to keep it. \n\nFor 21 years, he hid the priceless Ethiopia crown in his apartment waiting for the right time to return it. However, Ethiopians who knew he had the treasure tried to pressure him into returning it.\n\nAsfaw, who became a refugee during the \u2018Red Terror\u2019 purge where as many as 500k Ethiopians were killed in a bloodbath, talked about his decision saying\n\n\"I did not want to return it to the same regime that had made it possible for the crown to get stolen. [I decided to be the custodian] until such time it could go back. I knew if I gave it back, it would just disappear again.\u201d<\/em>\n\nWith the coming into power of Abiy Ahmed, the atmosphere was ripe to return the crown. Consequently, he contacted Arthur Brand, a Dutch \u2018art detective\u2019 and told him about the crown. In an interview, Mr. Brand said,\n\n[caption id=\"attachment_190297\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"634\"]\"\" Sirak Asfew (left) and Arthur Brand (right) pose with the 18th-century Ethiopia crown<\/em>[\/caption]\n\n
 <\/div>\n
ALSO READ: Ethiopia Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed Disarms Armed Protesting Soldiers with Push-Ups<\/a><\/strong><\/div>\n\u201cIt turns out that Sirak Asfaw had been the custodian of a rare 18th-century Ethiopia crown for the past 21 years and wants to give it back. It was a story straight from a crime thriller.\u201d<\/em>\n\nAfter returning the artifact, Asfaw said, \u201cThis is Ethiopian cultural heritage, this is Ethiopia's identity and finally it feels good to give it back.\u201d<\/em>\n

Striking features of the artifact<\/h2>\nThe Ethiopia crown is made of gilded copper. The body of the crown, around the base, bears the image of the Holy Trinity and the 12 Apostles. The crown is one of the less than 20 that were made\u2014and the most valuable of them all. The artifact bears the date 1633-34 but a research associate at Oxford University, Jacopo Gnisci suggests it may have been made a century later. He believes a powerful warlord, \u2018ras\u2019 Welde Sellase gave the crown to the church in Cheleqot, a village near Mekelle in northern Ethiopia. After confirming the authenticity of the artifact, Gnisci said,\n
ALSO READ: Ethiopian Prime Minister's War On Corruption Results In Arrests Of 59 More Officials<\/a><\/strong><\/div>\n\u201cThese crowns are of great cultural and symbolic significance in Ethiopia, as they are usually donated by high-ranking officials to churches in a practice that reaches as far back as the Late Antiquity. These crowns are of priceless symbolic value and it is important that they be returned to Ethiopia,\u201d<\/em>\n\nThe last time the Ethiopia crown was seen in public was in 1993. At that time it was worn by a priest in a photograph. However, it disappeared afterward. Investigations were launched but the culprit was never found. The artifact is currently held in a secure facility in the Netherlands pending further actions.","post_title":"Here Is What Sirak Asfaw Did When He Found A Priceless 18th-Century Crown In A Suitcase","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"priceless-ethiopia-crown-to-return-home-after-21-years-in-dutch-apartment","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-08-16 16:10:29","post_modified_gmt":"2024-08-16 16:10:29","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.africanvibes.com\/?p=190293","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":212236,"post_author":"2777","post_date":"2020-01-03 10:18:22","post_date_gmt":"2020-01-03 10:18:22","post_content":"\n

There are 1121 properties on the United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) list. Out of these large numbers, only two Nigerian cultural sites are on the list. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

They are Sukur Cultural Landscape in Adamawa State and Osun-Oshogbo Sacred Grove in Osun State. However, the government of Nigeria has identified more sites in the country that are fit to be on the list of UNESCO world heritage sites.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The minister of Information and Culture, Mr. Lai Mohammed made this known after a visit to the Osun-Oshogbo Sacred Grove. According to the minister, they were other sites in the country that meet the requirements of being on the UNESCO world heritage sites list. These include Igbo Olodumare, Kano City Walls, and Ogbunike Cave. Explaining the reason why the sites should be on the list, the minister said,<\/p>\n\n\n\n

ALSO READ:<\/strong> 10 Must See Historic Sites In Ghana<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cThe ancient Kano City Walls witnessed the famous Trans- Sahara Trade of which Kano was the dominant force. This trade linked the great kingdoms and empires of West Africa with North America and even Europe. The forests in Oke-Igbo, Ile Oluji Axis of Ondo State, which was the inspiration for D. O. Fagunwa\u2019s book, \u2018Igbo Olodumare\u2019 should be considered for the reason of its scenic state. The Ogbunike Caves<\/a> in Anambra State for its natural significance\u201d.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Ogbunike
Ogbunike Cave in Anambra State<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Other landmarks the minister wants to be on the UNESCO world heritage sites list are The Brazilian Baracoon Museum\/Point of No Return in Badagry, Lagos State and the Gashaka-Gumti National Park, Nigeria\u2019s largest national park in the eastern province of Taraba and Adamawa states close to Cameroon border.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Why Being on UNESCO World Heritage Sites List is a Big Deal<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Properties listed on UNESCO world heritage sites list are those with cultural, historical, scientific or other forms of significance. Consequently, they are under legal protection by international treaties. Such sites are important to humanity\u2019s collective interest. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Therefore, it is a thing of pride to have a country\u2019s properties on the list. Also, properties on the list get greater government attention which can be crucial for their existence. According to Mr. Mohammed,<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cThe fact that the General Assembly, comprising the entire 193 states parties, in November elected Nigeria into the UNESCO World Heritage Committee is a positive development for our quest to have more sites designated as World Heritage Sites. We shall use our presence on this Committee to fight for the enlistment of many more sites from Nigeria into the World Heritage list. Nigeria is really blessed with a lot of potential sites.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

ALSO READ:<\/strong> 10 Must-Visit Luxury Hotels In Johannesburg South Africa<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Brazilian
Brazilian Baracoon Museum Point of No Return in Badagry, Lagos State<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Threats to the Heritage Sites in Nigeria<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

The two heritage sites in Nigeria are facing significant threats. In the South, land grabbers are encroaching into the Osun-Oshogbo Sacred Grove. In the north, the fate of Sukur Cultural Landscape lies in the hands of the military. According to the minister,<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cOur gallant men and women in uniform have succeeded in repelling the attempt by the Boko Haram terrorists to destroy the Sukur Cultural Landscape.\u2019\u2019<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

However, the minister said the government will do all within its powers to protect the sites. Also, he warned land grabbers to stay clear of the 45 hectares buffer zone around the Osun-Oshogbo Sacred Grove. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Citing the importance of UNESCO world heritage sites, do you think governments around the world are doing enough to protect them? What do you think can be done better? We would love to hear your views in the comment box below.<\/p>\n","post_title":"Nigeria Identifies Landmarks Fit For Declaration As UNESCO World Heritage Sites","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"nigeria-identifies-landmarks-fit-for-declaration-as-unesco-world-heritage-sites","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-10-06 06:40:44","post_modified_gmt":"2024-10-06 06:40:44","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.africanvibes.com\/?p=212236","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":195426,"post_author":"2777","post_date":"2019-11-16 10:18:21","post_date_gmt":"2019-11-16 10:18:21","post_content":"\n\n[caption id=\"attachment_195428\" align=\"aligncenter\" width=\"735\"]\"\" New Studies Suggest Africa Was The Home Of Modern Man<\/em>[\/caption]\n\nScientists are continually trying to trace the origin of humans. A new study<\/a> says Africa was homeland of modern man. According to the study, the area Makgadikgadi-Okavango in the southern part of Africa was the home to a large population of Homo sapiens<\/em> until the advent of climate change. The fingered region is around northern Botswana.\n\nAbout 200 thousand years ago, there was an enormous lake in the region. The lake was roughly twice the size of modern-day Lake Victoria. Thus, modern humans settled there for at least 70 thousand years. However, as a result of climate change, the area is now reduced to salt plains. Consequently, the human population began to migrate roughly 130 thousand years ago. The first set of migrants ventured northeast while the second wave went southwest. However, some remained in the homeland until today.  \n

ALSO READ: 10 Most spoken Languages in Africa<\/a><\/strong><\/div>\nAccording to the researchers, it was this migration that triggered the development of human\u2019s genetic, cultural and ethnic diversity in modern man. Speaking about the new study, Vanessa Hayes from the Garvan Institute of Medical Research and the University of Sydney, and Extraordinary Professor at the University of Pretoria said,\n\n\"We've known for a long time that modern man originated in Africa roughly 200,000 years ago. But what we hadn't known until the study was where exactly this homeland was.\"<\/em>\n\n\n

The role played by mitochondrial DNA in the research<\/h2>\nTo reach the conclusion, the researchers analyzed DNA samples for about 200 Khoisan people. The ethnic group lives in modern-day Namibia and South Africa. They are known to carry a high proportion of mitogenomes called \u2018L0\u2019 lineage which are the earliest genomes of modern man. Explaining the importance of mitogenomes, Hayes said,\n\n\"Mitochondrial DNA acts like a time capsule of our ancestral mothers, accumulating changes slowly over generations. Comparing the complete DNA code, or mitogenome, from different individuals provides information on how closely they are related. Our work would not have been possible without the generous contributions of local communities and study participants in Namibia and South Africa, which allowed us to uncover rare and new L0 sub-branches.\"<\/em>\n
ALSO READ: You Can Now Study Kinyarwanda And Other African Languages In Beijing Foreign Studies University<\/a><\/strong><\/div>\nSubsequently, the researchers linked the L0 lineage timeline with the cultural, linguistic, and geographic distribution of different sub-lineages. This led to the finding that the \u2018homeland\u2019 of modern man was south of the Greater Zambezi River Basin which covers entire northern Botswana and stretches into the west of Namibia and east of Zimbabwe. Lead phylogenetic analyst, Dr. Eva Chan from Garvan Institute of Medical Research said,\n\n\"We merged 198 new, rare mitogenomes to the current database of modern human's earliest known population, the L0 lineage. This allowed us to refine the evolutionary tree of our earliest ancestral branches better than ever before.\"<\/em>\n\n\n

The uniqueness of the new study on modern man<\/h2>\nUnlike previous studies, the uniqueness of the present study lies in the combination of disciplines namely climatic physics, geology, and genetics. Geologist, Dr. Andy Moore from Rhodes University investigated existing fossil, archeological, and geological evidence to establish the one-time existence of Lake Makgadikgadi, Africa\u2019s largest lake system. He said,\n\n\"Prior to modern man emergence, the lake had begun to drain due to shifts in underlying tectonic plates. This would have created, a vast wetland, which is known to be one of the most productive ecosystems for sustaining life.\"<\/em>\n
ALSO READ: 5 Ideas for Online Investing in Africa<\/a><\/strong><\/div>\nThe range of error of previous studies was 150,000 to 250,000. However, the new study has a range of error of 165,000 to 240,000.\n

Not everyone agrees with the study<\/h2>\nSome scientists have their doubts about the authenticity of the study. For example, Sarah Tishkoff of the University of Pennsylvania argues that mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) alone is a poor tool for tracing the history of ancient Africa\u2019s population. Others argue that the female ancestors of the Khosian speakers with the L0 lineage could have migrated from somewhere else.\n\n\n\nAnother researcher who expressed doubt about the findings of the study was Chris Stringer. Stringer is a researcher of human evolution at the Natural History Museum in the UK. He highlighted the complexity of human origins study. In a statement posted on Twitter<\/a>, Stringer said,\n\n\"I am very cautious about using modern genetic distributions to infer exactly where ancestral populations were living 200,000 years ago, particularly in a continent as large and complex as Africa. Moreover, like so many studies that concentrate on one small bit of the genome, or one region, or one stone tool industry, or one 'critical' fossil, it cannot capture the full complexity of our mosaic origins, once other data are considered.\u201d<\/em>\n\nNotwithstanding the divergence in the opinion of different researchers, one thing remains clear; Africa had an important role to play in the history and evolution of modern man. We will like to know what you think about this study in the comment box.","post_title":"New Studies Suggest Africa Is The Origin Of Modern Man","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"new-studies-suggest-africa-was-the-homeland-of-modern-man","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-10-06 06:39:42","post_modified_gmt":"2024-10-06 06:39:42","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.africanvibes.com\/?p=195426","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":9778,"post_author":"7","post_date":"2017-04-19 04:47:28","post_date_gmt":"2017-04-19 04:47:28","post_content":"\n\n[caption id=\"attachment_301462\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"219\"]\"Ghana's<\/a> Ghana's Aunty Ocloo Is No Ordinary Google Doodle Photo credit ghanaianmuseum<\/em>[\/caption]\n\nA dollar. That's all Esther Afua Ocloo needed to kickstart Ghana's first food processing factory in 1942. She was a college student. And she was broke. So she used the money, a gift from her aunt, to buy some oranges, sugar, firewood, and jam jars. She produced 12 pots of marmalade. And Nkulenu Industries was born. She sold the jam to her classmates, then the school, then the country, then the world.\n\nALSO READ:\u00a0Zimbabwean Woman Gets Life-Size Statue In New York. Here Is Why<\/a><\/strong>\n\nEsther Afua Ocloo, the star of today's Google Doodle<\/a>, was more than a jam star. She also became a pioneer in the field of microfinance \u2014 lending a small amount of money to women with a dream like she once had.\n\n[caption id=\"attachment_9779\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"1000\"]\"Ghana's Photo credit Youtube<\/a><\/em>[\/caption]\n\nRead More Here >><\/strong><\/span><\/a>","post_title":"Ghana's Aunty Ocloo Is No Ordinary Google Doodle","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"ghanas-aunty-ocloo-no-ordinary-google-doodle","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-10-04 05:58:30","post_modified_gmt":"2024-10-04 05:58:30","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.africanvibes.com\/?p=9778","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"}],"next":false,"prev":false,"total_page":1},"paged":1,"column_class":"jeg_col_2o3","class":"epic_block_3"};

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The dinosaur named Mbiresaurus raathi<\/em> measures one meter tall, had jiggered teeth, a long neck, and ran on two legs. The scientists believe the new discovery was a species of sauropodomorph and a close relative of the sauropod which ran on four legs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Mbiresaurus raathi<\/em> is believed to be one of the oldest dinosaur species that ever existed on earth. The study beams more light on the evolution of dinosaurs as well as answers one of the basic questions on Triassic paleontology which is, \u201cWhy is it that dinosaurs only inhabited certain parts of the ancient supercontinent Pangaea?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

ALSO READ:<\/strong> You Can Now Study Kinyarwanda And Other African Languages In Beijing Foreign Studies University<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

The Pangaea era<\/a> was a time in history when the earth\u2019s continent was one big landmass surrounded by water. However, as time went by, the landmass split up. Christopher Griffin who was part of the exploration expanded on how Pangaea explains the distribution of dinosaur fossils.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cIf you draw a line across Pangaea joining southern Brazil and northern Argentina, it will cross through northern Zimbabwe too,\u201d Griffin said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The close proximity of many regions during the Pangaea era explains why they share similar flora and fauna.  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Why it took so long to find<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
\"Christopher
Christopher Griffin in 2017 during the excavation of Mbiresaurus raathi (Photo credit: Stephen TolanVirginia Tech)<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Although scientists started working on the site in 2017, the excavation suffered setbacks from COVID-19. The nearly complete skeleton is believed to be about 230 million years old.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

This places the species at par with the oldest dinosaurs scientists have ever unearthed. The research findings were published in the Nature journal<\/a> on Wednesday, Aug. 31, 2022.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The name of the oldest dinosaur was derived from Mbire, the name of the Shona dynasty that dominated the region. Dr. Michael Raath is the scientist that helped in the discovery of the fossil.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The implications of the discovery of Mbiresaurus raathi<\/em><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
\"The
The new Zimbabwean assemblage is on the same palaeolatitudinal climatic belt as other Carnian dinosaur-bearing assemblages and has a similar taxonomic composition (Photo credit: Nature)<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

The discovery of Mbiresaurus raathi <\/em>which is one of the oldest dinosaurs has shed more light on the Triassic era which ended over 200 million years ago. Fossils from the era have been discovered in India, South America, and now Zimbabwe.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The finding beams more light on the migration and evolution of earlier dinosaurs. Speaking to BBC, the deputy director of National Museums and Monuments of Zimbabwe, Darlington Munyikwa, who took part in the discovery said, \u201cFossils from the Triassic age in the study of early dinosaurs is rare\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Mr. Munyikwa disclosed that the country was aware of the fossil site for decades. He also noted that there are many similar sites in the area that needed further exploration when funds become available. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Griffin hinted at what the discovery has helped to explain. According to him, the discovery \u201cshows that dinosaurs did not start as dominators of the world\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

ALSO READ: <\/strong>Tunisian Migrants Are Ditching Europe For Southern Africa. See Why<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Research curator of paleontology at the North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences, Christian Kammerer, stressed, \u201cThe foremost dinosaurs were tiny\u2014far from the giants that occupy our thoughts\u201d. Kammerer was not part of the study but shared the view with Live Science.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The discovery of Mbiresaurus raathi <\/em>fossils also reveals another important piece of information that Griffin pointed out.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cThe dinosaurs and the animals that existed mutually with them tend to be confined to a specific type of environment in the far south\u2014what we know today as India, southern Africa, and South America.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

The Triassic lineage<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
\"\"
Skeletal anatomy of the Mbiresaurus raathi holotype (NHMZ 2222) and paratype (NHMZ 2547) (Photo credit: Nature)<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Scientists are now having a better understanding of the Triassic lineage and how dinosaurs evolved from small creatures to the giant most of us know today. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

University of Cape Town paleontologist, Prof Anusuya Chinsamy-Turan told the BBC that Mbiresaurus raathi<\/em>\u2019s discovery is a vital part of the lineage that gave rise to the sauropod dinosaurs (encompassing brontosaurus and diplodocus).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cIt teaches us that during the evolution of dinosaurs, they existed in different continents but seem to trace a hot humid path instead of dry inhospitable environments. Hopefully, we would find more in that area.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

ALSO READ:<\/strong> Entrepreneur Spotlight: Microfuse Stick By Ugandan Engineers Is The Future Of Computer<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

With the discovery of the new fossils of the Mbiresaurus raathi<\/em>, Zimbabwe experts now have a new concern. Prof Chinsamy-Turan echoed this sentiment when she told BBC, \u201cI hope there is a strict policy to ensure the handing over of such fossils to the museum to avoid losing the material.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

At the moment, the Mbiresaurus raathi<\/em> fossil remains are kept in a room in a museum in Bulawayo, a southern city in the country. A University of Edinburgh paleontologist, Steve Brusatte who was not part of the study said,<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cPrior to now we almost know nothing about the foremost dinosaurs in Africa. The discovery of Mbiresaurus raathi change<\/em>s everything. It is one of the most important discoveries in recent times about the dinosaur anywhere on the globe.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n","post_title":"Scientists Unearth Africa\u2019s Oldest Dinosaur Mbiresaurus raathi In Zimbabwe","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"scientists-unearth-mbiresaurus-raathi","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-10-16 16:59:25","post_modified_gmt":"2024-10-16 16:59:25","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/africanvibes.com\/?p=340932","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":190293,"post_author":"7","post_date":"2020-01-07 18:14:51","post_date_gmt":"2020-01-07 18:14:51","post_content":"\n\nWhat would you do if you find a priceless 18th-century crown in a suitcase?\n\nIn 1998, Sirak Asfaw, a Dutch-Ethiopian hosted Ethiopian pilots, refugees, and diplomats who were passing through Rotterdam. In the suitcase of one of his visitors, he saw an 18th-century Ethiopian crown. \n\n\"I looked into the suitcase and saw something really amazing and I thought 'this is not right. This has been stolen. This should not be here. This belongs to Ethiopia'.\"<\/em>\n\nAsfaw confronted the owner of the suitcase and told him the crown will not leave his house. \n\n\n\n\u201c[I told him the crown] will not leave my house unless it goes back to Ethiopia.\" <\/em>The owner obliged and gave him the artifact. \n

ALSO READ: Ethiopia's Prime Minister Takes Home the 2019 Nobel Peace Prize<\/a><\/strong><\/div>\n

Why Sirak Asfaw became the custodian of the Ethiopia crown<\/h2>\nShortly after having the crown in his custody, he went to a message board to ask what people thought he should do to \u2018an Ethiopian artifact\u2019. Some suggested he should turn it over to the Dutch government. Fearing the Dutch government may claim it, he decided to keep it. \n\nFor 21 years, he hid the priceless Ethiopia crown in his apartment waiting for the right time to return it. However, Ethiopians who knew he had the treasure tried to pressure him into returning it.\n\nAsfaw, who became a refugee during the \u2018Red Terror\u2019 purge where as many as 500k Ethiopians were killed in a bloodbath, talked about his decision saying\n\n\"I did not want to return it to the same regime that had made it possible for the crown to get stolen. [I decided to be the custodian] until such time it could go back. I knew if I gave it back, it would just disappear again.\u201d<\/em>\n\nWith the coming into power of Abiy Ahmed, the atmosphere was ripe to return the crown. Consequently, he contacted Arthur Brand, a Dutch \u2018art detective\u2019 and told him about the crown. In an interview, Mr. Brand said,\n\n[caption id=\"attachment_190297\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"634\"]\"\" Sirak Asfew (left) and Arthur Brand (right) pose with the 18th-century Ethiopia crown<\/em>[\/caption]\n\n
 <\/div>\n
ALSO READ: Ethiopia Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed Disarms Armed Protesting Soldiers with Push-Ups<\/a><\/strong><\/div>\n\u201cIt turns out that Sirak Asfaw had been the custodian of a rare 18th-century Ethiopia crown for the past 21 years and wants to give it back. It was a story straight from a crime thriller.\u201d<\/em>\n\nAfter returning the artifact, Asfaw said, \u201cThis is Ethiopian cultural heritage, this is Ethiopia's identity and finally it feels good to give it back.\u201d<\/em>\n

Striking features of the artifact<\/h2>\nThe Ethiopia crown is made of gilded copper. The body of the crown, around the base, bears the image of the Holy Trinity and the 12 Apostles. The crown is one of the less than 20 that were made\u2014and the most valuable of them all. The artifact bears the date 1633-34 but a research associate at Oxford University, Jacopo Gnisci suggests it may have been made a century later. He believes a powerful warlord, \u2018ras\u2019 Welde Sellase gave the crown to the church in Cheleqot, a village near Mekelle in northern Ethiopia. After confirming the authenticity of the artifact, Gnisci said,\n
ALSO READ: Ethiopian Prime Minister's War On Corruption Results In Arrests Of 59 More Officials<\/a><\/strong><\/div>\n\u201cThese crowns are of great cultural and symbolic significance in Ethiopia, as they are usually donated by high-ranking officials to churches in a practice that reaches as far back as the Late Antiquity. These crowns are of priceless symbolic value and it is important that they be returned to Ethiopia,\u201d<\/em>\n\nThe last time the Ethiopia crown was seen in public was in 1993. At that time it was worn by a priest in a photograph. However, it disappeared afterward. Investigations were launched but the culprit was never found. The artifact is currently held in a secure facility in the Netherlands pending further actions.","post_title":"Here Is What Sirak Asfaw Did When He Found A Priceless 18th-Century Crown In A Suitcase","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"priceless-ethiopia-crown-to-return-home-after-21-years-in-dutch-apartment","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-08-16 16:10:29","post_modified_gmt":"2024-08-16 16:10:29","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.africanvibes.com\/?p=190293","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":212236,"post_author":"2777","post_date":"2020-01-03 10:18:22","post_date_gmt":"2020-01-03 10:18:22","post_content":"\n

There are 1121 properties on the United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) list. Out of these large numbers, only two Nigerian cultural sites are on the list. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

They are Sukur Cultural Landscape in Adamawa State and Osun-Oshogbo Sacred Grove in Osun State. However, the government of Nigeria has identified more sites in the country that are fit to be on the list of UNESCO world heritage sites.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The minister of Information and Culture, Mr. Lai Mohammed made this known after a visit to the Osun-Oshogbo Sacred Grove. According to the minister, they were other sites in the country that meet the requirements of being on the UNESCO world heritage sites list. These include Igbo Olodumare, Kano City Walls, and Ogbunike Cave. Explaining the reason why the sites should be on the list, the minister said,<\/p>\n\n\n\n

ALSO READ:<\/strong> 10 Must See Historic Sites In Ghana<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cThe ancient Kano City Walls witnessed the famous Trans- Sahara Trade of which Kano was the dominant force. This trade linked the great kingdoms and empires of West Africa with North America and even Europe. The forests in Oke-Igbo, Ile Oluji Axis of Ondo State, which was the inspiration for D. O. Fagunwa\u2019s book, \u2018Igbo Olodumare\u2019 should be considered for the reason of its scenic state. The Ogbunike Caves<\/a> in Anambra State for its natural significance\u201d.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Ogbunike
Ogbunike Cave in Anambra State<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Other landmarks the minister wants to be on the UNESCO world heritage sites list are The Brazilian Baracoon Museum\/Point of No Return in Badagry, Lagos State and the Gashaka-Gumti National Park, Nigeria\u2019s largest national park in the eastern province of Taraba and Adamawa states close to Cameroon border.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Why Being on UNESCO World Heritage Sites List is a Big Deal<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Properties listed on UNESCO world heritage sites list are those with cultural, historical, scientific or other forms of significance. Consequently, they are under legal protection by international treaties. Such sites are important to humanity\u2019s collective interest. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Therefore, it is a thing of pride to have a country\u2019s properties on the list. Also, properties on the list get greater government attention which can be crucial for their existence. According to Mr. Mohammed,<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cThe fact that the General Assembly, comprising the entire 193 states parties, in November elected Nigeria into the UNESCO World Heritage Committee is a positive development for our quest to have more sites designated as World Heritage Sites. We shall use our presence on this Committee to fight for the enlistment of many more sites from Nigeria into the World Heritage list. Nigeria is really blessed with a lot of potential sites.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

ALSO READ:<\/strong> 10 Must-Visit Luxury Hotels In Johannesburg South Africa<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Brazilian
Brazilian Baracoon Museum Point of No Return in Badagry, Lagos State<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Threats to the Heritage Sites in Nigeria<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

The two heritage sites in Nigeria are facing significant threats. In the South, land grabbers are encroaching into the Osun-Oshogbo Sacred Grove. In the north, the fate of Sukur Cultural Landscape lies in the hands of the military. According to the minister,<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cOur gallant men and women in uniform have succeeded in repelling the attempt by the Boko Haram terrorists to destroy the Sukur Cultural Landscape.\u2019\u2019<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

However, the minister said the government will do all within its powers to protect the sites. Also, he warned land grabbers to stay clear of the 45 hectares buffer zone around the Osun-Oshogbo Sacred Grove. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Citing the importance of UNESCO world heritage sites, do you think governments around the world are doing enough to protect them? What do you think can be done better? We would love to hear your views in the comment box below.<\/p>\n","post_title":"Nigeria Identifies Landmarks Fit For Declaration As UNESCO World Heritage Sites","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"nigeria-identifies-landmarks-fit-for-declaration-as-unesco-world-heritage-sites","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-10-06 06:40:44","post_modified_gmt":"2024-10-06 06:40:44","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.africanvibes.com\/?p=212236","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":195426,"post_author":"2777","post_date":"2019-11-16 10:18:21","post_date_gmt":"2019-11-16 10:18:21","post_content":"\n\n[caption id=\"attachment_195428\" align=\"aligncenter\" width=\"735\"]\"\" New Studies Suggest Africa Was The Home Of Modern Man<\/em>[\/caption]\n\nScientists are continually trying to trace the origin of humans. A new study<\/a> says Africa was homeland of modern man. According to the study, the area Makgadikgadi-Okavango in the southern part of Africa was the home to a large population of Homo sapiens<\/em> until the advent of climate change. The fingered region is around northern Botswana.\n\nAbout 200 thousand years ago, there was an enormous lake in the region. The lake was roughly twice the size of modern-day Lake Victoria. Thus, modern humans settled there for at least 70 thousand years. However, as a result of climate change, the area is now reduced to salt plains. Consequently, the human population began to migrate roughly 130 thousand years ago. The first set of migrants ventured northeast while the second wave went southwest. However, some remained in the homeland until today.  \n

ALSO READ: 10 Most spoken Languages in Africa<\/a><\/strong><\/div>\nAccording to the researchers, it was this migration that triggered the development of human\u2019s genetic, cultural and ethnic diversity in modern man. Speaking about the new study, Vanessa Hayes from the Garvan Institute of Medical Research and the University of Sydney, and Extraordinary Professor at the University of Pretoria said,\n\n\"We've known for a long time that modern man originated in Africa roughly 200,000 years ago. But what we hadn't known until the study was where exactly this homeland was.\"<\/em>\n\n\n

The role played by mitochondrial DNA in the research<\/h2>\nTo reach the conclusion, the researchers analyzed DNA samples for about 200 Khoisan people. The ethnic group lives in modern-day Namibia and South Africa. They are known to carry a high proportion of mitogenomes called \u2018L0\u2019 lineage which are the earliest genomes of modern man. Explaining the importance of mitogenomes, Hayes said,\n\n\"Mitochondrial DNA acts like a time capsule of our ancestral mothers, accumulating changes slowly over generations. Comparing the complete DNA code, or mitogenome, from different individuals provides information on how closely they are related. Our work would not have been possible without the generous contributions of local communities and study participants in Namibia and South Africa, which allowed us to uncover rare and new L0 sub-branches.\"<\/em>\n
ALSO READ: You Can Now Study Kinyarwanda And Other African Languages In Beijing Foreign Studies University<\/a><\/strong><\/div>\nSubsequently, the researchers linked the L0 lineage timeline with the cultural, linguistic, and geographic distribution of different sub-lineages. This led to the finding that the \u2018homeland\u2019 of modern man was south of the Greater Zambezi River Basin which covers entire northern Botswana and stretches into the west of Namibia and east of Zimbabwe. Lead phylogenetic analyst, Dr. Eva Chan from Garvan Institute of Medical Research said,\n\n\"We merged 198 new, rare mitogenomes to the current database of modern human's earliest known population, the L0 lineage. This allowed us to refine the evolutionary tree of our earliest ancestral branches better than ever before.\"<\/em>\n\n\n

The uniqueness of the new study on modern man<\/h2>\nUnlike previous studies, the uniqueness of the present study lies in the combination of disciplines namely climatic physics, geology, and genetics. Geologist, Dr. Andy Moore from Rhodes University investigated existing fossil, archeological, and geological evidence to establish the one-time existence of Lake Makgadikgadi, Africa\u2019s largest lake system. He said,\n\n\"Prior to modern man emergence, the lake had begun to drain due to shifts in underlying tectonic plates. This would have created, a vast wetland, which is known to be one of the most productive ecosystems for sustaining life.\"<\/em>\n
ALSO READ: 5 Ideas for Online Investing in Africa<\/a><\/strong><\/div>\nThe range of error of previous studies was 150,000 to 250,000. However, the new study has a range of error of 165,000 to 240,000.\n

Not everyone agrees with the study<\/h2>\nSome scientists have their doubts about the authenticity of the study. For example, Sarah Tishkoff of the University of Pennsylvania argues that mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) alone is a poor tool for tracing the history of ancient Africa\u2019s population. Others argue that the female ancestors of the Khosian speakers with the L0 lineage could have migrated from somewhere else.\n\n\n\nAnother researcher who expressed doubt about the findings of the study was Chris Stringer. Stringer is a researcher of human evolution at the Natural History Museum in the UK. He highlighted the complexity of human origins study. In a statement posted on Twitter<\/a>, Stringer said,\n\n\"I am very cautious about using modern genetic distributions to infer exactly where ancestral populations were living 200,000 years ago, particularly in a continent as large and complex as Africa. Moreover, like so many studies that concentrate on one small bit of the genome, or one region, or one stone tool industry, or one 'critical' fossil, it cannot capture the full complexity of our mosaic origins, once other data are considered.\u201d<\/em>\n\nNotwithstanding the divergence in the opinion of different researchers, one thing remains clear; Africa had an important role to play in the history and evolution of modern man. We will like to know what you think about this study in the comment box.","post_title":"New Studies Suggest Africa Is The Origin Of Modern Man","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"new-studies-suggest-africa-was-the-homeland-of-modern-man","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-10-06 06:39:42","post_modified_gmt":"2024-10-06 06:39:42","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.africanvibes.com\/?p=195426","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":9778,"post_author":"7","post_date":"2017-04-19 04:47:28","post_date_gmt":"2017-04-19 04:47:28","post_content":"\n\n[caption id=\"attachment_301462\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"219\"]\"Ghana's<\/a> Ghana's Aunty Ocloo Is No Ordinary Google Doodle Photo credit ghanaianmuseum<\/em>[\/caption]\n\nA dollar. That's all Esther Afua Ocloo needed to kickstart Ghana's first food processing factory in 1942. She was a college student. And she was broke. So she used the money, a gift from her aunt, to buy some oranges, sugar, firewood, and jam jars. She produced 12 pots of marmalade. And Nkulenu Industries was born. She sold the jam to her classmates, then the school, then the country, then the world.\n\nALSO READ:\u00a0Zimbabwean Woman Gets Life-Size Statue In New York. Here Is Why<\/a><\/strong>\n\nEsther Afua Ocloo, the star of today's Google Doodle<\/a>, was more than a jam star. She also became a pioneer in the field of microfinance \u2014 lending a small amount of money to women with a dream like she once had.\n\n[caption id=\"attachment_9779\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"1000\"]\"Ghana's Photo credit Youtube<\/a><\/em>[\/caption]\n\nRead More Here >><\/strong><\/span><\/a>","post_title":"Ghana's Aunty Ocloo Is No Ordinary Google Doodle","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"ghanas-aunty-ocloo-no-ordinary-google-doodle","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-10-04 05:58:30","post_modified_gmt":"2024-10-04 05:58:30","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.africanvibes.com\/?p=9778","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"}],"next":false,"prev":false,"total_page":1},"paged":1,"column_class":"jeg_col_2o3","class":"epic_block_3"};

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A team of scientists has found what they described as the oldest dinosaur species in Africa. The finding was at the Pebbly Arkose Formation in northern Zimbabwe. The team has been working on the location since 2017 and finally hit their goal after five years.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The dinosaur named Mbiresaurus raathi<\/em> measures one meter tall, had jiggered teeth, a long neck, and ran on two legs. The scientists believe the new discovery was a species of sauropodomorph and a close relative of the sauropod which ran on four legs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Mbiresaurus raathi<\/em> is believed to be one of the oldest dinosaur species that ever existed on earth. The study beams more light on the evolution of dinosaurs as well as answers one of the basic questions on Triassic paleontology which is, \u201cWhy is it that dinosaurs only inhabited certain parts of the ancient supercontinent Pangaea?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

ALSO READ:<\/strong> You Can Now Study Kinyarwanda And Other African Languages In Beijing Foreign Studies University<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

The Pangaea era<\/a> was a time in history when the earth\u2019s continent was one big landmass surrounded by water. However, as time went by, the landmass split up. Christopher Griffin who was part of the exploration expanded on how Pangaea explains the distribution of dinosaur fossils.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cIf you draw a line across Pangaea joining southern Brazil and northern Argentina, it will cross through northern Zimbabwe too,\u201d Griffin said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The close proximity of many regions during the Pangaea era explains why they share similar flora and fauna.  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Why it took so long to find<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
\"Christopher
Christopher Griffin in 2017 during the excavation of Mbiresaurus raathi (Photo credit: Stephen TolanVirginia Tech)<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Although scientists started working on the site in 2017, the excavation suffered setbacks from COVID-19. The nearly complete skeleton is believed to be about 230 million years old.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

This places the species at par with the oldest dinosaurs scientists have ever unearthed. The research findings were published in the Nature journal<\/a> on Wednesday, Aug. 31, 2022.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The name of the oldest dinosaur was derived from Mbire, the name of the Shona dynasty that dominated the region. Dr. Michael Raath is the scientist that helped in the discovery of the fossil.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The implications of the discovery of Mbiresaurus raathi<\/em><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
\"The
The new Zimbabwean assemblage is on the same palaeolatitudinal climatic belt as other Carnian dinosaur-bearing assemblages and has a similar taxonomic composition (Photo credit: Nature)<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

The discovery of Mbiresaurus raathi <\/em>which is one of the oldest dinosaurs has shed more light on the Triassic era which ended over 200 million years ago. Fossils from the era have been discovered in India, South America, and now Zimbabwe.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The finding beams more light on the migration and evolution of earlier dinosaurs. Speaking to BBC, the deputy director of National Museums and Monuments of Zimbabwe, Darlington Munyikwa, who took part in the discovery said, \u201cFossils from the Triassic age in the study of early dinosaurs is rare\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Mr. Munyikwa disclosed that the country was aware of the fossil site for decades. He also noted that there are many similar sites in the area that needed further exploration when funds become available. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Griffin hinted at what the discovery has helped to explain. According to him, the discovery \u201cshows that dinosaurs did not start as dominators of the world\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

ALSO READ: <\/strong>Tunisian Migrants Are Ditching Europe For Southern Africa. See Why<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Research curator of paleontology at the North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences, Christian Kammerer, stressed, \u201cThe foremost dinosaurs were tiny\u2014far from the giants that occupy our thoughts\u201d. Kammerer was not part of the study but shared the view with Live Science.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The discovery of Mbiresaurus raathi <\/em>fossils also reveals another important piece of information that Griffin pointed out.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cThe dinosaurs and the animals that existed mutually with them tend to be confined to a specific type of environment in the far south\u2014what we know today as India, southern Africa, and South America.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

The Triassic lineage<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
\"\"
Skeletal anatomy of the Mbiresaurus raathi holotype (NHMZ 2222) and paratype (NHMZ 2547) (Photo credit: Nature)<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Scientists are now having a better understanding of the Triassic lineage and how dinosaurs evolved from small creatures to the giant most of us know today. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

University of Cape Town paleontologist, Prof Anusuya Chinsamy-Turan told the BBC that Mbiresaurus raathi<\/em>\u2019s discovery is a vital part of the lineage that gave rise to the sauropod dinosaurs (encompassing brontosaurus and diplodocus).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cIt teaches us that during the evolution of dinosaurs, they existed in different continents but seem to trace a hot humid path instead of dry inhospitable environments. Hopefully, we would find more in that area.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

ALSO READ:<\/strong> Entrepreneur Spotlight: Microfuse Stick By Ugandan Engineers Is The Future Of Computer<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

With the discovery of the new fossils of the Mbiresaurus raathi<\/em>, Zimbabwe experts now have a new concern. Prof Chinsamy-Turan echoed this sentiment when she told BBC, \u201cI hope there is a strict policy to ensure the handing over of such fossils to the museum to avoid losing the material.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

At the moment, the Mbiresaurus raathi<\/em> fossil remains are kept in a room in a museum in Bulawayo, a southern city in the country. A University of Edinburgh paleontologist, Steve Brusatte who was not part of the study said,<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cPrior to now we almost know nothing about the foremost dinosaurs in Africa. The discovery of Mbiresaurus raathi change<\/em>s everything. It is one of the most important discoveries in recent times about the dinosaur anywhere on the globe.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n","post_title":"Scientists Unearth Africa\u2019s Oldest Dinosaur Mbiresaurus raathi In Zimbabwe","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"scientists-unearth-mbiresaurus-raathi","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-10-16 16:59:25","post_modified_gmt":"2024-10-16 16:59:25","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/africanvibes.com\/?p=340932","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":190293,"post_author":"7","post_date":"2020-01-07 18:14:51","post_date_gmt":"2020-01-07 18:14:51","post_content":"\n\nWhat would you do if you find a priceless 18th-century crown in a suitcase?\n\nIn 1998, Sirak Asfaw, a Dutch-Ethiopian hosted Ethiopian pilots, refugees, and diplomats who were passing through Rotterdam. In the suitcase of one of his visitors, he saw an 18th-century Ethiopian crown. \n\n\"I looked into the suitcase and saw something really amazing and I thought 'this is not right. This has been stolen. This should not be here. This belongs to Ethiopia'.\"<\/em>\n\nAsfaw confronted the owner of the suitcase and told him the crown will not leave his house. \n\n\n\n\u201c[I told him the crown] will not leave my house unless it goes back to Ethiopia.\" <\/em>The owner obliged and gave him the artifact. \n

ALSO READ: Ethiopia's Prime Minister Takes Home the 2019 Nobel Peace Prize<\/a><\/strong><\/div>\n

Why Sirak Asfaw became the custodian of the Ethiopia crown<\/h2>\nShortly after having the crown in his custody, he went to a message board to ask what people thought he should do to \u2018an Ethiopian artifact\u2019. Some suggested he should turn it over to the Dutch government. Fearing the Dutch government may claim it, he decided to keep it. \n\nFor 21 years, he hid the priceless Ethiopia crown in his apartment waiting for the right time to return it. However, Ethiopians who knew he had the treasure tried to pressure him into returning it.\n\nAsfaw, who became a refugee during the \u2018Red Terror\u2019 purge where as many as 500k Ethiopians were killed in a bloodbath, talked about his decision saying\n\n\"I did not want to return it to the same regime that had made it possible for the crown to get stolen. [I decided to be the custodian] until such time it could go back. I knew if I gave it back, it would just disappear again.\u201d<\/em>\n\nWith the coming into power of Abiy Ahmed, the atmosphere was ripe to return the crown. Consequently, he contacted Arthur Brand, a Dutch \u2018art detective\u2019 and told him about the crown. In an interview, Mr. Brand said,\n\n[caption id=\"attachment_190297\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"634\"]\"\" Sirak Asfew (left) and Arthur Brand (right) pose with the 18th-century Ethiopia crown<\/em>[\/caption]\n\n
 <\/div>\n
ALSO READ: Ethiopia Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed Disarms Armed Protesting Soldiers with Push-Ups<\/a><\/strong><\/div>\n\u201cIt turns out that Sirak Asfaw had been the custodian of a rare 18th-century Ethiopia crown for the past 21 years and wants to give it back. It was a story straight from a crime thriller.\u201d<\/em>\n\nAfter returning the artifact, Asfaw said, \u201cThis is Ethiopian cultural heritage, this is Ethiopia's identity and finally it feels good to give it back.\u201d<\/em>\n

Striking features of the artifact<\/h2>\nThe Ethiopia crown is made of gilded copper. The body of the crown, around the base, bears the image of the Holy Trinity and the 12 Apostles. The crown is one of the less than 20 that were made\u2014and the most valuable of them all. The artifact bears the date 1633-34 but a research associate at Oxford University, Jacopo Gnisci suggests it may have been made a century later. He believes a powerful warlord, \u2018ras\u2019 Welde Sellase gave the crown to the church in Cheleqot, a village near Mekelle in northern Ethiopia. After confirming the authenticity of the artifact, Gnisci said,\n
ALSO READ: Ethiopian Prime Minister's War On Corruption Results In Arrests Of 59 More Officials<\/a><\/strong><\/div>\n\u201cThese crowns are of great cultural and symbolic significance in Ethiopia, as they are usually donated by high-ranking officials to churches in a practice that reaches as far back as the Late Antiquity. These crowns are of priceless symbolic value and it is important that they be returned to Ethiopia,\u201d<\/em>\n\nThe last time the Ethiopia crown was seen in public was in 1993. At that time it was worn by a priest in a photograph. However, it disappeared afterward. Investigations were launched but the culprit was never found. The artifact is currently held in a secure facility in the Netherlands pending further actions.","post_title":"Here Is What Sirak Asfaw Did When He Found A Priceless 18th-Century Crown In A Suitcase","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"priceless-ethiopia-crown-to-return-home-after-21-years-in-dutch-apartment","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-08-16 16:10:29","post_modified_gmt":"2024-08-16 16:10:29","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.africanvibes.com\/?p=190293","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":212236,"post_author":"2777","post_date":"2020-01-03 10:18:22","post_date_gmt":"2020-01-03 10:18:22","post_content":"\n

There are 1121 properties on the United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) list. Out of these large numbers, only two Nigerian cultural sites are on the list. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

They are Sukur Cultural Landscape in Adamawa State and Osun-Oshogbo Sacred Grove in Osun State. However, the government of Nigeria has identified more sites in the country that are fit to be on the list of UNESCO world heritage sites.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The minister of Information and Culture, Mr. Lai Mohammed made this known after a visit to the Osun-Oshogbo Sacred Grove. According to the minister, they were other sites in the country that meet the requirements of being on the UNESCO world heritage sites list. These include Igbo Olodumare, Kano City Walls, and Ogbunike Cave. Explaining the reason why the sites should be on the list, the minister said,<\/p>\n\n\n\n

ALSO READ:<\/strong> 10 Must See Historic Sites In Ghana<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cThe ancient Kano City Walls witnessed the famous Trans- Sahara Trade of which Kano was the dominant force. This trade linked the great kingdoms and empires of West Africa with North America and even Europe. The forests in Oke-Igbo, Ile Oluji Axis of Ondo State, which was the inspiration for D. O. Fagunwa\u2019s book, \u2018Igbo Olodumare\u2019 should be considered for the reason of its scenic state. The Ogbunike Caves<\/a> in Anambra State for its natural significance\u201d.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Ogbunike
Ogbunike Cave in Anambra State<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Other landmarks the minister wants to be on the UNESCO world heritage sites list are The Brazilian Baracoon Museum\/Point of No Return in Badagry, Lagos State and the Gashaka-Gumti National Park, Nigeria\u2019s largest national park in the eastern province of Taraba and Adamawa states close to Cameroon border.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Why Being on UNESCO World Heritage Sites List is a Big Deal<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Properties listed on UNESCO world heritage sites list are those with cultural, historical, scientific or other forms of significance. Consequently, they are under legal protection by international treaties. Such sites are important to humanity\u2019s collective interest. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Therefore, it is a thing of pride to have a country\u2019s properties on the list. Also, properties on the list get greater government attention which can be crucial for their existence. According to Mr. Mohammed,<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cThe fact that the General Assembly, comprising the entire 193 states parties, in November elected Nigeria into the UNESCO World Heritage Committee is a positive development for our quest to have more sites designated as World Heritage Sites. We shall use our presence on this Committee to fight for the enlistment of many more sites from Nigeria into the World Heritage list. Nigeria is really blessed with a lot of potential sites.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

ALSO READ:<\/strong> 10 Must-Visit Luxury Hotels In Johannesburg South Africa<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Brazilian
Brazilian Baracoon Museum Point of No Return in Badagry, Lagos State<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Threats to the Heritage Sites in Nigeria<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

The two heritage sites in Nigeria are facing significant threats. In the South, land grabbers are encroaching into the Osun-Oshogbo Sacred Grove. In the north, the fate of Sukur Cultural Landscape lies in the hands of the military. According to the minister,<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cOur gallant men and women in uniform have succeeded in repelling the attempt by the Boko Haram terrorists to destroy the Sukur Cultural Landscape.\u2019\u2019<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

However, the minister said the government will do all within its powers to protect the sites. Also, he warned land grabbers to stay clear of the 45 hectares buffer zone around the Osun-Oshogbo Sacred Grove. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Citing the importance of UNESCO world heritage sites, do you think governments around the world are doing enough to protect them? What do you think can be done better? We would love to hear your views in the comment box below.<\/p>\n","post_title":"Nigeria Identifies Landmarks Fit For Declaration As UNESCO World Heritage Sites","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"nigeria-identifies-landmarks-fit-for-declaration-as-unesco-world-heritage-sites","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-10-06 06:40:44","post_modified_gmt":"2024-10-06 06:40:44","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.africanvibes.com\/?p=212236","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":195426,"post_author":"2777","post_date":"2019-11-16 10:18:21","post_date_gmt":"2019-11-16 10:18:21","post_content":"\n\n[caption id=\"attachment_195428\" align=\"aligncenter\" width=\"735\"]\"\" New Studies Suggest Africa Was The Home Of Modern Man<\/em>[\/caption]\n\nScientists are continually trying to trace the origin of humans. A new study<\/a> says Africa was homeland of modern man. According to the study, the area Makgadikgadi-Okavango in the southern part of Africa was the home to a large population of Homo sapiens<\/em> until the advent of climate change. The fingered region is around northern Botswana.\n\nAbout 200 thousand years ago, there was an enormous lake in the region. The lake was roughly twice the size of modern-day Lake Victoria. Thus, modern humans settled there for at least 70 thousand years. However, as a result of climate change, the area is now reduced to salt plains. Consequently, the human population began to migrate roughly 130 thousand years ago. The first set of migrants ventured northeast while the second wave went southwest. However, some remained in the homeland until today.  \n

ALSO READ: 10 Most spoken Languages in Africa<\/a><\/strong><\/div>\nAccording to the researchers, it was this migration that triggered the development of human\u2019s genetic, cultural and ethnic diversity in modern man. Speaking about the new study, Vanessa Hayes from the Garvan Institute of Medical Research and the University of Sydney, and Extraordinary Professor at the University of Pretoria said,\n\n\"We've known for a long time that modern man originated in Africa roughly 200,000 years ago. But what we hadn't known until the study was where exactly this homeland was.\"<\/em>\n\n\n

The role played by mitochondrial DNA in the research<\/h2>\nTo reach the conclusion, the researchers analyzed DNA samples for about 200 Khoisan people. The ethnic group lives in modern-day Namibia and South Africa. They are known to carry a high proportion of mitogenomes called \u2018L0\u2019 lineage which are the earliest genomes of modern man. Explaining the importance of mitogenomes, Hayes said,\n\n\"Mitochondrial DNA acts like a time capsule of our ancestral mothers, accumulating changes slowly over generations. Comparing the complete DNA code, or mitogenome, from different individuals provides information on how closely they are related. Our work would not have been possible without the generous contributions of local communities and study participants in Namibia and South Africa, which allowed us to uncover rare and new L0 sub-branches.\"<\/em>\n
ALSO READ: You Can Now Study Kinyarwanda And Other African Languages In Beijing Foreign Studies University<\/a><\/strong><\/div>\nSubsequently, the researchers linked the L0 lineage timeline with the cultural, linguistic, and geographic distribution of different sub-lineages. This led to the finding that the \u2018homeland\u2019 of modern man was south of the Greater Zambezi River Basin which covers entire northern Botswana and stretches into the west of Namibia and east of Zimbabwe. Lead phylogenetic analyst, Dr. Eva Chan from Garvan Institute of Medical Research said,\n\n\"We merged 198 new, rare mitogenomes to the current database of modern human's earliest known population, the L0 lineage. This allowed us to refine the evolutionary tree of our earliest ancestral branches better than ever before.\"<\/em>\n\n\n

The uniqueness of the new study on modern man<\/h2>\nUnlike previous studies, the uniqueness of the present study lies in the combination of disciplines namely climatic physics, geology, and genetics. Geologist, Dr. Andy Moore from Rhodes University investigated existing fossil, archeological, and geological evidence to establish the one-time existence of Lake Makgadikgadi, Africa\u2019s largest lake system. He said,\n\n\"Prior to modern man emergence, the lake had begun to drain due to shifts in underlying tectonic plates. This would have created, a vast wetland, which is known to be one of the most productive ecosystems for sustaining life.\"<\/em>\n
ALSO READ: 5 Ideas for Online Investing in Africa<\/a><\/strong><\/div>\nThe range of error of previous studies was 150,000 to 250,000. However, the new study has a range of error of 165,000 to 240,000.\n

Not everyone agrees with the study<\/h2>\nSome scientists have their doubts about the authenticity of the study. For example, Sarah Tishkoff of the University of Pennsylvania argues that mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) alone is a poor tool for tracing the history of ancient Africa\u2019s population. Others argue that the female ancestors of the Khosian speakers with the L0 lineage could have migrated from somewhere else.\n\n\n\nAnother researcher who expressed doubt about the findings of the study was Chris Stringer. Stringer is a researcher of human evolution at the Natural History Museum in the UK. He highlighted the complexity of human origins study. In a statement posted on Twitter<\/a>, Stringer said,\n\n\"I am very cautious about using modern genetic distributions to infer exactly where ancestral populations were living 200,000 years ago, particularly in a continent as large and complex as Africa. Moreover, like so many studies that concentrate on one small bit of the genome, or one region, or one stone tool industry, or one 'critical' fossil, it cannot capture the full complexity of our mosaic origins, once other data are considered.\u201d<\/em>\n\nNotwithstanding the divergence in the opinion of different researchers, one thing remains clear; Africa had an important role to play in the history and evolution of modern man. We will like to know what you think about this study in the comment box.","post_title":"New Studies Suggest Africa Is The Origin Of Modern Man","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"new-studies-suggest-africa-was-the-homeland-of-modern-man","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-10-06 06:39:42","post_modified_gmt":"2024-10-06 06:39:42","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.africanvibes.com\/?p=195426","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":9778,"post_author":"7","post_date":"2017-04-19 04:47:28","post_date_gmt":"2017-04-19 04:47:28","post_content":"\n\n[caption id=\"attachment_301462\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"219\"]\"Ghana's<\/a> Ghana's Aunty Ocloo Is No Ordinary Google Doodle Photo credit ghanaianmuseum<\/em>[\/caption]\n\nA dollar. That's all Esther Afua Ocloo needed to kickstart Ghana's first food processing factory in 1942. She was a college student. And she was broke. So she used the money, a gift from her aunt, to buy some oranges, sugar, firewood, and jam jars. She produced 12 pots of marmalade. And Nkulenu Industries was born. She sold the jam to her classmates, then the school, then the country, then the world.\n\nALSO READ:\u00a0Zimbabwean Woman Gets Life-Size Statue In New York. Here Is Why<\/a><\/strong>\n\nEsther Afua Ocloo, the star of today's Google Doodle<\/a>, was more than a jam star. She also became a pioneer in the field of microfinance \u2014 lending a small amount of money to women with a dream like she once had.\n\n[caption id=\"attachment_9779\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"1000\"]\"Ghana's Photo credit Youtube<\/a><\/em>[\/caption]\n\nRead More Here >><\/strong><\/span><\/a>","post_title":"Ghana's Aunty Ocloo Is No Ordinary Google Doodle","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"ghanas-aunty-ocloo-no-ordinary-google-doodle","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-10-04 05:58:30","post_modified_gmt":"2024-10-04 05:58:30","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.africanvibes.com\/?p=9778","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"}],"next":false,"prev":false,"total_page":1},"paged":1,"column_class":"jeg_col_2o3","class":"epic_block_3"};

Recent Posts
See all

\n
\"A
A reconstruction of Mbiresaurus raathi using graphic tools (Photo credit: Andrey AtuchinVirginia Tech)<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

A team of scientists has found what they described as the oldest dinosaur species in Africa. The finding was at the Pebbly Arkose Formation in northern Zimbabwe. The team has been working on the location since 2017 and finally hit their goal after five years.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The dinosaur named Mbiresaurus raathi<\/em> measures one meter tall, had jiggered teeth, a long neck, and ran on two legs. The scientists believe the new discovery was a species of sauropodomorph and a close relative of the sauropod which ran on four legs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Mbiresaurus raathi<\/em> is believed to be one of the oldest dinosaur species that ever existed on earth. The study beams more light on the evolution of dinosaurs as well as answers one of the basic questions on Triassic paleontology which is, \u201cWhy is it that dinosaurs only inhabited certain parts of the ancient supercontinent Pangaea?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

ALSO READ:<\/strong> You Can Now Study Kinyarwanda And Other African Languages In Beijing Foreign Studies University<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

The Pangaea era<\/a> was a time in history when the earth\u2019s continent was one big landmass surrounded by water. However, as time went by, the landmass split up. Christopher Griffin who was part of the exploration expanded on how Pangaea explains the distribution of dinosaur fossils.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cIf you draw a line across Pangaea joining southern Brazil and northern Argentina, it will cross through northern Zimbabwe too,\u201d Griffin said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The close proximity of many regions during the Pangaea era explains why they share similar flora and fauna.  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Why it took so long to find<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
\"Christopher
Christopher Griffin in 2017 during the excavation of Mbiresaurus raathi (Photo credit: Stephen TolanVirginia Tech)<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Although scientists started working on the site in 2017, the excavation suffered setbacks from COVID-19. The nearly complete skeleton is believed to be about 230 million years old.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

This places the species at par with the oldest dinosaurs scientists have ever unearthed. The research findings were published in the Nature journal<\/a> on Wednesday, Aug. 31, 2022.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The name of the oldest dinosaur was derived from Mbire, the name of the Shona dynasty that dominated the region. Dr. Michael Raath is the scientist that helped in the discovery of the fossil.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The implications of the discovery of Mbiresaurus raathi<\/em><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
\"The
The new Zimbabwean assemblage is on the same palaeolatitudinal climatic belt as other Carnian dinosaur-bearing assemblages and has a similar taxonomic composition (Photo credit: Nature)<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

The discovery of Mbiresaurus raathi <\/em>which is one of the oldest dinosaurs has shed more light on the Triassic era which ended over 200 million years ago. Fossils from the era have been discovered in India, South America, and now Zimbabwe.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The finding beams more light on the migration and evolution of earlier dinosaurs. Speaking to BBC, the deputy director of National Museums and Monuments of Zimbabwe, Darlington Munyikwa, who took part in the discovery said, \u201cFossils from the Triassic age in the study of early dinosaurs is rare\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Mr. Munyikwa disclosed that the country was aware of the fossil site for decades. He also noted that there are many similar sites in the area that needed further exploration when funds become available. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Griffin hinted at what the discovery has helped to explain. According to him, the discovery \u201cshows that dinosaurs did not start as dominators of the world\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

ALSO READ: <\/strong>Tunisian Migrants Are Ditching Europe For Southern Africa. See Why<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Research curator of paleontology at the North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences, Christian Kammerer, stressed, \u201cThe foremost dinosaurs were tiny\u2014far from the giants that occupy our thoughts\u201d. Kammerer was not part of the study but shared the view with Live Science.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The discovery of Mbiresaurus raathi <\/em>fossils also reveals another important piece of information that Griffin pointed out.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cThe dinosaurs and the animals that existed mutually with them tend to be confined to a specific type of environment in the far south\u2014what we know today as India, southern Africa, and South America.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

The Triassic lineage<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
\"\"
Skeletal anatomy of the Mbiresaurus raathi holotype (NHMZ 2222) and paratype (NHMZ 2547) (Photo credit: Nature)<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Scientists are now having a better understanding of the Triassic lineage and how dinosaurs evolved from small creatures to the giant most of us know today. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

University of Cape Town paleontologist, Prof Anusuya Chinsamy-Turan told the BBC that Mbiresaurus raathi<\/em>\u2019s discovery is a vital part of the lineage that gave rise to the sauropod dinosaurs (encompassing brontosaurus and diplodocus).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cIt teaches us that during the evolution of dinosaurs, they existed in different continents but seem to trace a hot humid path instead of dry inhospitable environments. Hopefully, we would find more in that area.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

ALSO READ:<\/strong> Entrepreneur Spotlight: Microfuse Stick By Ugandan Engineers Is The Future Of Computer<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

With the discovery of the new fossils of the Mbiresaurus raathi<\/em>, Zimbabwe experts now have a new concern. Prof Chinsamy-Turan echoed this sentiment when she told BBC, \u201cI hope there is a strict policy to ensure the handing over of such fossils to the museum to avoid losing the material.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

At the moment, the Mbiresaurus raathi<\/em> fossil remains are kept in a room in a museum in Bulawayo, a southern city in the country. A University of Edinburgh paleontologist, Steve Brusatte who was not part of the study said,<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cPrior to now we almost know nothing about the foremost dinosaurs in Africa. The discovery of Mbiresaurus raathi change<\/em>s everything. It is one of the most important discoveries in recent times about the dinosaur anywhere on the globe.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n","post_title":"Scientists Unearth Africa\u2019s Oldest Dinosaur Mbiresaurus raathi In Zimbabwe","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"scientists-unearth-mbiresaurus-raathi","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-10-16 16:59:25","post_modified_gmt":"2024-10-16 16:59:25","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/africanvibes.com\/?p=340932","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":190293,"post_author":"7","post_date":"2020-01-07 18:14:51","post_date_gmt":"2020-01-07 18:14:51","post_content":"\n\nWhat would you do if you find a priceless 18th-century crown in a suitcase?\n\nIn 1998, Sirak Asfaw, a Dutch-Ethiopian hosted Ethiopian pilots, refugees, and diplomats who were passing through Rotterdam. In the suitcase of one of his visitors, he saw an 18th-century Ethiopian crown. \n\n\"I looked into the suitcase and saw something really amazing and I thought 'this is not right. This has been stolen. This should not be here. This belongs to Ethiopia'.\"<\/em>\n\nAsfaw confronted the owner of the suitcase and told him the crown will not leave his house. \n\n\n\n\u201c[I told him the crown] will not leave my house unless it goes back to Ethiopia.\" <\/em>The owner obliged and gave him the artifact. \n

ALSO READ: Ethiopia's Prime Minister Takes Home the 2019 Nobel Peace Prize<\/a><\/strong><\/div>\n

Why Sirak Asfaw became the custodian of the Ethiopia crown<\/h2>\nShortly after having the crown in his custody, he went to a message board to ask what people thought he should do to \u2018an Ethiopian artifact\u2019. Some suggested he should turn it over to the Dutch government. Fearing the Dutch government may claim it, he decided to keep it. \n\nFor 21 years, he hid the priceless Ethiopia crown in his apartment waiting for the right time to return it. However, Ethiopians who knew he had the treasure tried to pressure him into returning it.\n\nAsfaw, who became a refugee during the \u2018Red Terror\u2019 purge where as many as 500k Ethiopians were killed in a bloodbath, talked about his decision saying\n\n\"I did not want to return it to the same regime that had made it possible for the crown to get stolen. [I decided to be the custodian] until such time it could go back. I knew if I gave it back, it would just disappear again.\u201d<\/em>\n\nWith the coming into power of Abiy Ahmed, the atmosphere was ripe to return the crown. Consequently, he contacted Arthur Brand, a Dutch \u2018art detective\u2019 and told him about the crown. In an interview, Mr. Brand said,\n\n[caption id=\"attachment_190297\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"634\"]\"\" Sirak Asfew (left) and Arthur Brand (right) pose with the 18th-century Ethiopia crown<\/em>[\/caption]\n\n
 <\/div>\n
ALSO READ: Ethiopia Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed Disarms Armed Protesting Soldiers with Push-Ups<\/a><\/strong><\/div>\n\u201cIt turns out that Sirak Asfaw had been the custodian of a rare 18th-century Ethiopia crown for the past 21 years and wants to give it back. It was a story straight from a crime thriller.\u201d<\/em>\n\nAfter returning the artifact, Asfaw said, \u201cThis is Ethiopian cultural heritage, this is Ethiopia's identity and finally it feels good to give it back.\u201d<\/em>\n

Striking features of the artifact<\/h2>\nThe Ethiopia crown is made of gilded copper. The body of the crown, around the base, bears the image of the Holy Trinity and the 12 Apostles. The crown is one of the less than 20 that were made\u2014and the most valuable of them all. The artifact bears the date 1633-34 but a research associate at Oxford University, Jacopo Gnisci suggests it may have been made a century later. He believes a powerful warlord, \u2018ras\u2019 Welde Sellase gave the crown to the church in Cheleqot, a village near Mekelle in northern Ethiopia. After confirming the authenticity of the artifact, Gnisci said,\n
ALSO READ: Ethiopian Prime Minister's War On Corruption Results In Arrests Of 59 More Officials<\/a><\/strong><\/div>\n\u201cThese crowns are of great cultural and symbolic significance in Ethiopia, as they are usually donated by high-ranking officials to churches in a practice that reaches as far back as the Late Antiquity. These crowns are of priceless symbolic value and it is important that they be returned to Ethiopia,\u201d<\/em>\n\nThe last time the Ethiopia crown was seen in public was in 1993. At that time it was worn by a priest in a photograph. However, it disappeared afterward. Investigations were launched but the culprit was never found. The artifact is currently held in a secure facility in the Netherlands pending further actions.","post_title":"Here Is What Sirak Asfaw Did When He Found A Priceless 18th-Century Crown In A Suitcase","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"priceless-ethiopia-crown-to-return-home-after-21-years-in-dutch-apartment","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-08-16 16:10:29","post_modified_gmt":"2024-08-16 16:10:29","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.africanvibes.com\/?p=190293","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":212236,"post_author":"2777","post_date":"2020-01-03 10:18:22","post_date_gmt":"2020-01-03 10:18:22","post_content":"\n

There are 1121 properties on the United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) list. Out of these large numbers, only two Nigerian cultural sites are on the list. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

They are Sukur Cultural Landscape in Adamawa State and Osun-Oshogbo Sacred Grove in Osun State. However, the government of Nigeria has identified more sites in the country that are fit to be on the list of UNESCO world heritage sites.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The minister of Information and Culture, Mr. Lai Mohammed made this known after a visit to the Osun-Oshogbo Sacred Grove. According to the minister, they were other sites in the country that meet the requirements of being on the UNESCO world heritage sites list. These include Igbo Olodumare, Kano City Walls, and Ogbunike Cave. Explaining the reason why the sites should be on the list, the minister said,<\/p>\n\n\n\n

ALSO READ:<\/strong> 10 Must See Historic Sites In Ghana<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cThe ancient Kano City Walls witnessed the famous Trans- Sahara Trade of which Kano was the dominant force. This trade linked the great kingdoms and empires of West Africa with North America and even Europe. The forests in Oke-Igbo, Ile Oluji Axis of Ondo State, which was the inspiration for D. O. Fagunwa\u2019s book, \u2018Igbo Olodumare\u2019 should be considered for the reason of its scenic state. The Ogbunike Caves<\/a> in Anambra State for its natural significance\u201d.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Ogbunike
Ogbunike Cave in Anambra State<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Other landmarks the minister wants to be on the UNESCO world heritage sites list are The Brazilian Baracoon Museum\/Point of No Return in Badagry, Lagos State and the Gashaka-Gumti National Park, Nigeria\u2019s largest national park in the eastern province of Taraba and Adamawa states close to Cameroon border.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Why Being on UNESCO World Heritage Sites List is a Big Deal<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Properties listed on UNESCO world heritage sites list are those with cultural, historical, scientific or other forms of significance. Consequently, they are under legal protection by international treaties. Such sites are important to humanity\u2019s collective interest. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Therefore, it is a thing of pride to have a country\u2019s properties on the list. Also, properties on the list get greater government attention which can be crucial for their existence. According to Mr. Mohammed,<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cThe fact that the General Assembly, comprising the entire 193 states parties, in November elected Nigeria into the UNESCO World Heritage Committee is a positive development for our quest to have more sites designated as World Heritage Sites. We shall use our presence on this Committee to fight for the enlistment of many more sites from Nigeria into the World Heritage list. Nigeria is really blessed with a lot of potential sites.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

ALSO READ:<\/strong> 10 Must-Visit Luxury Hotels In Johannesburg South Africa<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Brazilian
Brazilian Baracoon Museum Point of No Return in Badagry, Lagos State<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Threats to the Heritage Sites in Nigeria<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

The two heritage sites in Nigeria are facing significant threats. In the South, land grabbers are encroaching into the Osun-Oshogbo Sacred Grove. In the north, the fate of Sukur Cultural Landscape lies in the hands of the military. According to the minister,<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cOur gallant men and women in uniform have succeeded in repelling the attempt by the Boko Haram terrorists to destroy the Sukur Cultural Landscape.\u2019\u2019<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

However, the minister said the government will do all within its powers to protect the sites. Also, he warned land grabbers to stay clear of the 45 hectares buffer zone around the Osun-Oshogbo Sacred Grove. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Citing the importance of UNESCO world heritage sites, do you think governments around the world are doing enough to protect them? What do you think can be done better? We would love to hear your views in the comment box below.<\/p>\n","post_title":"Nigeria Identifies Landmarks Fit For Declaration As UNESCO World Heritage Sites","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"nigeria-identifies-landmarks-fit-for-declaration-as-unesco-world-heritage-sites","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-10-06 06:40:44","post_modified_gmt":"2024-10-06 06:40:44","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.africanvibes.com\/?p=212236","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":195426,"post_author":"2777","post_date":"2019-11-16 10:18:21","post_date_gmt":"2019-11-16 10:18:21","post_content":"\n\n[caption id=\"attachment_195428\" align=\"aligncenter\" width=\"735\"]\"\" New Studies Suggest Africa Was The Home Of Modern Man<\/em>[\/caption]\n\nScientists are continually trying to trace the origin of humans. A new study<\/a> says Africa was homeland of modern man. According to the study, the area Makgadikgadi-Okavango in the southern part of Africa was the home to a large population of Homo sapiens<\/em> until the advent of climate change. The fingered region is around northern Botswana.\n\nAbout 200 thousand years ago, there was an enormous lake in the region. The lake was roughly twice the size of modern-day Lake Victoria. Thus, modern humans settled there for at least 70 thousand years. However, as a result of climate change, the area is now reduced to salt plains. Consequently, the human population began to migrate roughly 130 thousand years ago. The first set of migrants ventured northeast while the second wave went southwest. However, some remained in the homeland until today.  \n

ALSO READ: 10 Most spoken Languages in Africa<\/a><\/strong><\/div>\nAccording to the researchers, it was this migration that triggered the development of human\u2019s genetic, cultural and ethnic diversity in modern man. Speaking about the new study, Vanessa Hayes from the Garvan Institute of Medical Research and the University of Sydney, and Extraordinary Professor at the University of Pretoria said,\n\n\"We've known for a long time that modern man originated in Africa roughly 200,000 years ago. But what we hadn't known until the study was where exactly this homeland was.\"<\/em>\n\n\n

The role played by mitochondrial DNA in the research<\/h2>\nTo reach the conclusion, the researchers analyzed DNA samples for about 200 Khoisan people. The ethnic group lives in modern-day Namibia and South Africa. They are known to carry a high proportion of mitogenomes called \u2018L0\u2019 lineage which are the earliest genomes of modern man. Explaining the importance of mitogenomes, Hayes said,\n\n\"Mitochondrial DNA acts like a time capsule of our ancestral mothers, accumulating changes slowly over generations. Comparing the complete DNA code, or mitogenome, from different individuals provides information on how closely they are related. Our work would not have been possible without the generous contributions of local communities and study participants in Namibia and South Africa, which allowed us to uncover rare and new L0 sub-branches.\"<\/em>\n
ALSO READ: You Can Now Study Kinyarwanda And Other African Languages In Beijing Foreign Studies University<\/a><\/strong><\/div>\nSubsequently, the researchers linked the L0 lineage timeline with the cultural, linguistic, and geographic distribution of different sub-lineages. This led to the finding that the \u2018homeland\u2019 of modern man was south of the Greater Zambezi River Basin which covers entire northern Botswana and stretches into the west of Namibia and east of Zimbabwe. Lead phylogenetic analyst, Dr. Eva Chan from Garvan Institute of Medical Research said,\n\n\"We merged 198 new, rare mitogenomes to the current database of modern human's earliest known population, the L0 lineage. This allowed us to refine the evolutionary tree of our earliest ancestral branches better than ever before.\"<\/em>\n\n\n

The uniqueness of the new study on modern man<\/h2>\nUnlike previous studies, the uniqueness of the present study lies in the combination of disciplines namely climatic physics, geology, and genetics. Geologist, Dr. Andy Moore from Rhodes University investigated existing fossil, archeological, and geological evidence to establish the one-time existence of Lake Makgadikgadi, Africa\u2019s largest lake system. He said,\n\n\"Prior to modern man emergence, the lake had begun to drain due to shifts in underlying tectonic plates. This would have created, a vast wetland, which is known to be one of the most productive ecosystems for sustaining life.\"<\/em>\n
ALSO READ: 5 Ideas for Online Investing in Africa<\/a><\/strong><\/div>\nThe range of error of previous studies was 150,000 to 250,000. However, the new study has a range of error of 165,000 to 240,000.\n

Not everyone agrees with the study<\/h2>\nSome scientists have their doubts about the authenticity of the study. For example, Sarah Tishkoff of the University of Pennsylvania argues that mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) alone is a poor tool for tracing the history of ancient Africa\u2019s population. Others argue that the female ancestors of the Khosian speakers with the L0 lineage could have migrated from somewhere else.\n\n\n\nAnother researcher who expressed doubt about the findings of the study was Chris Stringer. Stringer is a researcher of human evolution at the Natural History Museum in the UK. He highlighted the complexity of human origins study. In a statement posted on Twitter<\/a>, Stringer said,\n\n\"I am very cautious about using modern genetic distributions to infer exactly where ancestral populations were living 200,000 years ago, particularly in a continent as large and complex as Africa. Moreover, like so many studies that concentrate on one small bit of the genome, or one region, or one stone tool industry, or one 'critical' fossil, it cannot capture the full complexity of our mosaic origins, once other data are considered.\u201d<\/em>\n\nNotwithstanding the divergence in the opinion of different researchers, one thing remains clear; Africa had an important role to play in the history and evolution of modern man. We will like to know what you think about this study in the comment box.","post_title":"New Studies Suggest Africa Is The Origin Of Modern Man","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"new-studies-suggest-africa-was-the-homeland-of-modern-man","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-10-06 06:39:42","post_modified_gmt":"2024-10-06 06:39:42","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.africanvibes.com\/?p=195426","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":9778,"post_author":"7","post_date":"2017-04-19 04:47:28","post_date_gmt":"2017-04-19 04:47:28","post_content":"\n\n[caption id=\"attachment_301462\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"219\"]\"Ghana's<\/a> Ghana's Aunty Ocloo Is No Ordinary Google Doodle Photo credit ghanaianmuseum<\/em>[\/caption]\n\nA dollar. That's all Esther Afua Ocloo needed to kickstart Ghana's first food processing factory in 1942. She was a college student. And she was broke. So she used the money, a gift from her aunt, to buy some oranges, sugar, firewood, and jam jars. She produced 12 pots of marmalade. And Nkulenu Industries was born. She sold the jam to her classmates, then the school, then the country, then the world.\n\nALSO READ:\u00a0Zimbabwean Woman Gets Life-Size Statue In New York. Here Is Why<\/a><\/strong>\n\nEsther Afua Ocloo, the star of today's Google Doodle<\/a>, was more than a jam star. She also became a pioneer in the field of microfinance \u2014 lending a small amount of money to women with a dream like she once had.\n\n[caption id=\"attachment_9779\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"1000\"]\"Ghana's Photo credit Youtube<\/a><\/em>[\/caption]\n\nRead More Here >><\/strong><\/span><\/a>","post_title":"Ghana's Aunty Ocloo Is No Ordinary Google Doodle","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"ghanas-aunty-ocloo-no-ordinary-google-doodle","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-10-04 05:58:30","post_modified_gmt":"2024-10-04 05:58:30","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.africanvibes.com\/?p=9778","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"}],"next":false,"prev":false,"total_page":1},"paged":1,"column_class":"jeg_col_2o3","class":"epic_block_3"};

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