Evolutionary Theory and Traditions in Reconstruction of Africa Past - Essay Example

They try to relate the creation, as well as migration of a certain group of people. For instance, creation and migration stories relate to the mythical past and later periods respectively.

In evolutionary theory, Charles Darwin postulated the Africa continent as the center of human origin. In addition, some of the paleontological and archeological research in the past supported the evolutionary theory. More specifically, the earliest evidence of the evolved hominids is found in East Africa (Crawford & Benjamin, 27).

First, the origin of humanity in Africa reveals that primate evolution began 70 to 80 years ago. In existence, the evidence of the first bipedal hominids 4 million years ago was located in East Africa territory. Notably, the cranial volume of the earliest humans was about 400 to 550 cubic centimeters. As time progressed, Homo erectus started spreading to other world regions. At the same time, their increased brain size enabled them to start the production of stone tools. Secondly, the earlier Stone Age period saw the invention of stone tools. Although the first stone tools looked primitive, they proved to be useful (Crawford & Benjamin, 27). However, towards the end of the Stone Age period, the art, of making tools, became evident.

During the Middle Stone Age period, tools became more refined in Africa. Some of the developed tools include the spear shaft for construction and effective hunting practice. In addition, they learned the art of natural pigments as well as the controlled use of fire. In the Later Stone Age period, humans had developed microlithic technology such as the use of bows and arrows for hunting, herding, and gathering for agriculture. Nevertheless, they became naturalistic and stylized their rock art.

Most significant, food production in Africa originated during the Later Stone Period. People started domesticating animals and cultivating plants in specific regions. Some of the efficient tools, sickle blades, and grinding stones, were used to harvest grasses and process grain respectively. During the Iron Age Developments, iron technology set in Africa from the Middle East. It spread and flourished in specific areas of the continent. In the 4th century A.D, Christianity entered Africa through the Romans. In addition, the Islam mission superseded after Christianity in the 7th century A.D.

Most notable, the evolution of the Egyptian civilization is dated between 5000 and 2000 B.C. It offered significant domesticate as well as agricultural technologies for current models of agricultural origins (Wenke, 280). Many researchers argued that communities such as Fayyum and the Merida Beni Salama had the same ancestor with the cradle land of the Northwest African origin. Egyptian agriculture involved a productive mix of animals and crops that provided the basis for the evolution of Egyptian civilization (Wenke, 281).

In conclusion, the evolutionary theory presents significant milestones towards the reconstruction of Africa. In essence, the evolution of humans from the Stone Age period to the Iron Age developments in Africa made the continent flourish. Most significant, the evolution of the Egyptian civilization contributed to the production of quality animals and crops.