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Periodical article Periodical article Leiden University catalogue Leiden University catalogue WorldCat catalogue WorldCat
Title:Misri Legends in East African History
Author:Ochieng, William R.
Year:1972
Periodical:East Africa Journal
Volume:9
Issue:10
Period:October
Pages:27-31
Language:English
Geographic term:East Africa
Subjects:legends (form)
Peoples of Africa (Ethnic Groups)
History and Exploration
Abstract:Closely connected with the diffusionist theories, which connect sub-Saharan African political and cultural traits with those of the Nile valley, are the 'Misri legends', prevalent among a number of East African peoples. These societies hold that they originally came from a land called 'Misri' before they migrated into East Africa. Professional historians tend to equate the 'Misri' of these traditions with present-day political and geographical Egypt, but the majority of the East African elders simply talk of 'Misri'. A small but articulate percentage of these informants unmistakenly link the Misri of their traditions with the Misri (Egypt) of the Bible. This paper attempts a deeper probe into the historical significance of these legends. Additionally a few pertinent questions are raised: Which African groups claim to have come from Misri? What exactly do elders mean when they talk of Misri? What are the reactions of African historians to these 'Misri legends'. If they reject the diffusionist theories of e.g. R. Oliver, J.D. Fage, J.D. Clark and C.G. Seligman, what is their reaction to these traditionalist assertions? Notes.
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