THE AFRICAN WAY

PHYSICAL TECHNOLOGY:
THE FIRST FORM OF TRANSPORT KNOWN TO MAN

African people are notorious for carrying things on their heads. Actually, this is an age-old skill that has been passed down from the beginning of time, throughout African society. Many have asked, “How are they able to maintain a steady stride, while turning, talking on the phone, stopping and proceeding with ease, all while balancing items of varying weight on their heads?

Some consider this cultural behavior to be primitive or underdeveloped; while others consider it to be the first transport technology known to the world, and still relevant today. Foreigners’ express surprise and sometimes awe, while insiders tell short tales of their own personal connection with the ancient ways of African culture.

AFRICAN CULTURE: A WORLD WONDER

In 1977, research studies of Kenyans who carry loads on their heads was lead by Dr. Heglund who was assisted by his Harvard’s team of physiologist. In the end, some results revealed that Kenyan women can carry up to 70 percent their weight, but how non-Africans lacked the capacity to carry loads on their heads, at the rate of an African; despite loads of equipment used, leaving hypothesizers perplexed of how this is done without burning a single calorie.

MILITARY STUDY REVEALS
In Otto Pohl’s published article: "Improving the Way Humans Walk the Walk", he wrote, “Dr. Heglund found an old Army study documenting the amount of energy that recruits needed to carry heavy packs and found that it rose significantly when they carried the same weight that the African women bore without extra strain.”

ANOTHER VIEW
Dr. Arnold P. Wendroff, a roving inventor, believes that Africans need better transport options. In the New York Times, Dr. Wendroff writes, “Although head-loading may seem romantic, it is unhealthy and anachronistic and Africans deserve better transport alternatives.” It is clear that his invention of the Livington Cart, bearing the 19th century colonial explorer’s name, is a part of his plan to revolutionize Africa from their perceived burden. The cart was created in hopes to introduce Africans to other carrying methods. Dr. Wendroff supports the claim that Dr. Heglund makes about many African women have suffered spinal injuries from extreme weight over the years. According to Wolf's Law the aforementioned is flawed.

http:// www.query.nytimes.com/gst/fullpage.html


A MATTER OF FACT

Dr. Kweli Tutashinda, owner of Imhotep Chiropractic & Wellness Center, in Berkeley California, explains "African's spines are very strong; they have good bone density and high calcium content; because the weight of anything on their head produces counter force with the bone itself to lay down calcium, to be able to support the weight. Wolf's Law endorses this explanation.
Wolf's Law, a theory that affirms the strengthening of bones when put under stress and the same being true in converse, weak bones as a consequence of less loading on the bone. For these reasons, experts believe Africans and African-American women are least to suffer from osteoporosis when compared to their counter parts.

INSIDERS LOOKING OUT “IT’S A VERY ADVANCE SKILL THAT IS VERY GRACEFUL AND BEAUTIFUL”. –IMANI D. WILLIAMS

Imani D. Williams is suspicious of Dr. A Wendroff’s motives, and believes that he’s seeking financial gain rather than to help a community of people. She suggests, “Larger issues such as oppression and pollution, should be considered.” Imani is a 2008 Candidate for the University of California Berkeley, Ph.D. Africana Studies Program.

FROM THE SOURCE

Last year Imani studied at The University of Ghana at Legon in Accra, the capital of Ghana, West Africa. During class lectures, she reflects “Students acknowledge how foreigners come in and point their finger, trying to tell Africans what Africans need, but they never go to the people and ask, "What do you need?", "And how can I help?" and "How can I put my money or my time into what you really need as a human being, with legitimate needs?"
imani continues "Foreigners project what they think is best for the people, as if the people don’t have brains or they don't have desires and wishes of their own".
Imani points out, “There’s art and skill to carrying objects on your head. “ It’s a very advanced skill that is graceful and beautiful.” She admits to not being able to carry heavy loads, yet will carry lighter loads, like laundry, on her head.

COMMUNITY HEALTH ACTIVIST, REHEMA BAH, SHARES HER PERSPECTIVE, AFTER MAKING THE JOURNEY BACK TO AFRICA SEVERAL TIMES

Rehema Bah, a Registered Nurse and Natural Health Care Consultant, asks, “Who is Dr. Wendroff, to try to envision Africans without carrying things on their head?" Rehema teaches that “it is much more difficult to carry stuff in one arm, on one side of the body and away from the body; objects become lighter as it is drawn closer to the body." Rehema adds further proof by sharing her experience in Africa.

Instantly falling into the grove of moving around in Ghana, with her 50-pound suitcase, came naturally for Rehema. She confirms with a smile, “The people told me to get off the Tro Tro at one bus stop and to go across to another street, but I didn’t know this other street was about four blocks away on unpaved road.” She asked me, “What am I gonna do with that big ole suitcase?” With the only sensible option readily available to remedy what could have been a struggle that could have been, Rehema courageously took it upon herself to adapt to her ancestral homeland, by carrying her load high atop her head. She narrates, “It was, just like, so hella cool.” Rehema expressed in closing, with laughter “I just put it on my head and I was done.”
*Tro Tro=local transport vehicle which carries people, livestock and goods.

DIVERSITY

While some titled experts believe that Africa is underdeveloped because of is perceived to be a primitive lifestyle, others feel that it is this same primitiveness that is responsible for great physical endurance, excellent body posture and strong bone density that Africans benefit most from.

GLOBAL VIEW
Noted scholars say that many external research studies on Africa continue to be flawed with bias. Indigenous Africans ask, “How is it that foreigners, based on their perception, come to Africa and determine what is best for the Africans?” Many Africans believe that it is impossible to take the mystery of Africa into Western laboratories and expect to come out with the answers. Blakofe, who is a Media Producer, from Ghana, West Africa, insists, “You have to be apart of the experience to truly understand the African way of life.”

Photographs and Article by Sultanah Corbett