In 1997, Afro-Guyanese scholar Ivan Van Sertima presented a compelling argument that challenges the traditional narrative of Christopher Columbus as the first non-indigenous person to reach the Americas. Van Sertima’s research, which sparked curiosity and debate, suggests that Black Africans may have sailed to the Americas long before Columbus’s 1498 voyage.

The Evidence: Columbus’s Encounter with Guanin

One of the most intriguing pieces of evidence comes from Columbus himself. According to Bartolome de Las Casas, a Spanish clergyman and writer, Columbus encountered a group of Black people in Hispaniola who had arrived from the south and southeast. These people possessed spears with metal tips made of an alloy called guanin. Columbus sent samples of this metal to the Spanish Sovereigns, who found it to be composed of 18 parts gold, 6 parts silver, and 8 parts copper. This discovery raises questions about the origins of these African visitors and their advanced metallurgical skills.

Historical Context: African Seafaring and Exploration

The idea that Black Africans could have sailed to the Americas is not as far-fetched as it might seem. Historical records and archaeological evidence suggest that Black African civilizations, particularly those in West Africa, had advanced seafaring capabilities. For instance, the Mali Empire, under the rule of Mansa Abubakari II, is known to have launched expeditions across the Atlantic in the early 14th century. These voyages, which involved hundreds of ships, demonstrate the possibility of transatlantic travel long before Columbus.

Linguistic and Cultural Connections

Further supporting this theory are linguistic and cultural connections between Black African and Native American societies. Some researchers have identified similarities in language, art, and religious practices that hint at pre-Columbian contact. For example, certain words in Native American languages bear a striking resemblance to African terms, suggesting a possible exchange of knowledge and culture.

The Controversy: Mainstream Rejection and Afrocentric Perspectives

Despite the compelling evidence, Van Sertima’s theories have faced significant criticism from mainstream scholars. Many dismiss his work as Afrocentric pseudoarchaeology, arguing that it lacks rigorous scientific validation. However, within the African American community and among some independent researchers, his ideas have gained traction and continue to inspire further investigation.

During the times of Van Sertima’s theories, and likely even now still, the scientific and archaeological communities were not easily welcoming of the possibilities of an advanced pre-colonial Africa. This skepticism can be traced back to the deliberate white-washing and censorship of African history by early colonial settlers. A prime example is the history of the Kingdom of Zimbabwe, which was often dismissed or misrepresented by colonial historians who argued against the possibility of an advanced pre-colonial African society.

Rewriting History

The possibility that Africans sailed to the Americas before Columbus invites us to reconsider the established historical narrative. While the evidence is still debated, it opens up exciting avenues for research and challenges us to acknowledge the complexity and interconnectedness of human history. As we continue to uncover new information, we may find that the story of the Americas is far richer and more diverse than we ever imagined.