Concepts of time in Africa

[Guest guest]

Dear all,

 

This post deservedly reveals my ignorance (of topography and

distinctions in Africa).

 

I had been reading on Nuer, for their possible connection with Hinduism.

Bruce Lincoln in his fantastic book compares these two 'religions' as

a case study in ecology of religions, but he does not see any

connection between these two.

 

Now, coming to the point, I read that it is a popular conception that

Nuers did not know anything about " time " For e.g., refer to Paul James

quoting Evans-Pritchard : http://tinyurl.com/6895s6.

 

However, this does not really agree with the finds of Nabta Playa in

Egypt.

 

http://tinyurl.com/6buho6

 

It will become a very good comparison if you note that Indians too

were good in time calculations, as evinced in Rgveda. (Lagadha's

sermons) and pastoral, while Nabta playa does have some evidence of

cattle tumuli (for cattle sacrifice)

 

http://www.antiquityofman.com/brass_EEF2002.pdf

 

 

I hope I receive good (both advanced and tutoring) comments on this post.

 

thanks in advance,

 

Kishore patnaik

[Guest guest]

{Reply I have received on another group for this message - kishore patnaik}

Now, coming to the point, I read that it is a popular conception that

Nuers did not know anything about " time " For e.g., refer to Paul James

quoting Evans-Pritchard : http://tinyurl.com/6895s6.

However, this does not really agree with the finds of Nabta Playa in

Egypt. http://tinyurl.com/6buho6

It will become a very good comparison if you note that Indians too

were good in time calculations, as evinced in Rgveda. (Lagadha's

sermons) and pastoral, while Nabta playa does have some evidence of

cattle tumuli (for cattle sacrifice) http://www.antiquityofman.com/brass_EEF2002.pdf

I hope I receive good (both advanced and tutoring) comments on this post.

thanks in advance, Kishore patnaik

Dear KishoreLike physical space, social

space, social networks and most of the other things that define our

existence, the concept of time is culturally constructed. The Nuer, is

we are to go by Evans Pritchard's ethnographies, conceive of time

activity outward. This is very different from the time we keep by the

clock and calendar but I suppose just as valid as any other way of

looking at time. A certain (healthy) dose of cultural relativism gives

us the leverage to rise above absolute judgements on what is a good

notion of time (or space, or social network). With increasing

fragmentation and pluralism in this 'age of globalization' this is

probably even more essential as many local identities, voices and

worldviews assert themselves in ever expanding spaces across diverse

but convergent streams of information and communication.

Arnab Sen

 

 

~:~