Baskets Quote by Richard Wright
“We had our own civilization in Africa before we were captured and carried off to this land. We smelted iron, danced, made music and folk poems; we sculpted, worked in glass, spun cotton and wool, wove baskets and cloth. We invented a medium of exchange, mined silver and gold, made pottery and cutlery, we fashioned tools and utensils of brass, bronze, ivory, quartz, and granite. We had our own literature, our own systems of law, religion, medicine, science, and education.”
About This Quote
Source Essay: "The Negro Speaks of Rivers", 1926
African societies possessed advanced technologies, arts, and institutions long before colonization, contradicting stereotypes of primitiveness.
In simple terms: Africa had rich, sophisticated cultures pre‑colonial.
Key Takeaway
Recognize and honor African historical achievements.
Themes
history
culture
pride
Mood
respectful
hopeful
Type
historical
inspirational
When to use this quote
- academic research
- curriculum development
- museum curation
- public speaking
Key Concepts
civilization
technology
art
law
medicine
science
education
Questions to Reflect On
- What aspects of pre‑colonial Africa fascinate you?
- How can we better teach this history?
A Different Perspective
Simplifying complex histories can overlook regional diversity.
