The Historian and the Problem of Origins of Peoples in Nigerian Society

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Periodical article

Title:	The Historian and the Problem of Origins of Peoples in Nigerian Society
Author:	Atanda, J.A.
Year:	1980
Periodical:	Journal of the Historical Society of Nigeria
Volume:	10
Issue:	3
Period:	December
Pages:	63-77
Language:	English
Geographic term:	Nigeria
Subjects:	historiography History and Exploration Peoples of Africa (Ethnic Groups) Anthropology and Archaeology
Abstract:	The aim of this paper is to analyse the approach of both traditional and modern historians to the problem of origins of peoples (ethnic or language-culture groups) in Nigerian society. The traditional historian provides at best hints which, if carefully and properly explored, can help in the search for a solution. The modern historian lays high premium on written sources and materials deriving from archaeology, anthropology, and linguistics. They are divided into diffusionists, who trace the origins of the Nigerian peoples largely outside West Africa to places like Arabia, Egypt, the Maghrib, or Nubia, and the anti-diffusionists, who trace such origins within West Africa. The author makes suggestions for a new approach to the problem of origins. Notes.