sibly have
been due to such an influence. Furthermore, if additional evidence
were needed to disprove the theory, it might be cited that it is a
well-known fact that one of the fundamental tenets of the Islamic
faith is the proscription of the representation of the human form in
its art in any whatsoever. And since the height of the material side
of this culture was reached in this kind of art, it appears doubtful
that this culture could have arisen from such a source.

It would seem, therefore, that this culture at least antedates the
coming of the Portuguese and the Arab influence in this part of West
Africa. To state definitely its place of origin, or the exact date of
its origin, is at present, however, impossible, because of the
relatively small amount of scientific work and study carried out in
this part of the Continent. But in spite of this sufficient evidence
is already available to warrant the opinion on the part of all the
critics previously referred to that this culture is essentially
African in origin and very, very old. Frobenius is convinced that it
is at least pre-classical and pre-Christian in its beginning.

Such, then, and until now, is the character of the material culture of
this restricted spot of Black Africa. What the future will bring let
the future tell, but of this let the present be convinced: that at
least this part of Black Africa is _not_ "beyond the reach of interest
in the history of the world; always in a state of apathy asleep to
progress and dreaming its day away." And of this may the present be
ever sure that Black Africa is _not_ "a continent which has no
mystery, nor history!"

WILLIAM LEO HANSBERRY.

FOOTNOTES:

[1] Quoted by Leo Frobenius, _Voice of Africa_, Vol. 1, p. 1.

[2] H. Ling Roth, _Great Benin_, p. 217.

[3] _Jour. Anthrop. Inst._, February, 1898, p. 371.

[4] F. L. Lugard, _A Tropical Dependency_, p. 154.

[5] Lugard, _A Tropical Dependency_, p. 154.

[6] Translated into English by Rudolf Blind. Published by Hutchinson
and Company, London, 1913.

[7] Old Dutch and Portuguese manuscripts have been collected and
studied by Ling Roth and the findings appear in his _Great Benin_
quoted in this paper.

[8] Ling Roth, _Great Benin_, p. 157.

[9] Dr. Olfert Dapper, "Nauwkeurige. Beschrijvenge der Afrikansche
Geweslen." (As listed and quoted by Ling Roth, in _Great Benin_.)

[10] Ling Roth, _Great Benin_, p. 2.