Motherland Afrika

For centuries before our own supposedly enlightened one, Africa was known as "The Dark Continent." Not so much for its racial implications, but because so little was known about it. B. Maduabuchi A. Igbani's magazine-size book, "Motherland-Afrika, The Footprint of a Generation," is not only a fine source of information about and insight into Africa, it is anything but dark. This physically lovely, colorful book is an aesthetic delight to hold in one's hands.

Igbani, a U.S. citizen, was born in Nigeria and is associated with the University of Virginia's health system, in the department of pathology. He brings to "Motherland" a love for his native country and its heritage, along with a wish to share its customs and history. In so doing, he is forthright in transmitting the inescapable fact that Africa was looked upon as a country to be mined for its natural treasures.

"Riches of nature drew the wealthy, the powerful and the treacherous, including the adventurers from all over the European countries into the continent of Africa ? Men came armed with bible, guns and legal papers to conquer and claim ownership of thousands of acres of African soil." So begins the book's Preface, and the Introductory chapter explores the "myth, legend and history" of this culturally rich land; one many studies have designated as being "The cradle of mankind and civilization."

It is amazing that, within so few pages - substantial portions of which contain colorful pictures of Africa's people - so much can be learned about the author's homeland. Igbani goes into the meaning of community in Africa, and sets the stage for insights into family living: the way marriages are conducted, life and death, youth and age issues.

The importance of marriage, and the revelation that, for the elders, it is not merely two individuals being joined, but "two families decided to unite in matrimony." And to marvel that something entered into in "good faith should not carry a price tag." In the town of Abiriba, a Cross-River Igbo Nigerian community, the price of a bride is $3.50. The author points out that should the marriage break down, said dowry is often refundable.

Feminists might bridle at the news that in Africa, the man is the traditional head of the household, while wives and in-laws function as extended family. Also, wives are expected to have a child during the first year of marriage. However, there's a comforting practice: the "fattening" custom when, for three months prior to the wedding, prospective brides enter a fattening home, to emerge with "a respectable gain in weight." Take that, you fashion designers who specialize in scrawny models, with splinter-sized bones on which to display their haute couture.

There is also information on African food and its preparation, systems of government, schools and burial rites of passage. An entire chapter is concerned with aesthetic values and the important place music and dance, as well as traditional festivals, have in Africa. Various dances are described - it is clear that African roots in the beauty of expressing oneself through the arts go deep, and are extremely meaningful.

"Motherland-Afrika, The Footprint of a Generation" is literary and visual proof that enchantment, information and surprises can co-exist in a wonderful way. The section on "Proverbs and Idioms" was an eye-opening experience for me, confirming - in a totally unexpected way - the realization that similarities are infinitely more common than differences. Just read the following African proverbs, and continue to believe that the continent of Africa has nothing to do with our own way of dealing with life's complexities:

"One cannot count one's chickens before they hatch. One does not assume the best outcome until the deed is done." Or:

"Put your money where your mouth is." Or:

"You cut your nose to spite your face. Neglecting the reality or the apparent contribution of the other person in order to despise them." Or:

"A word is enough for the wise." And the ultimate truth, slightly altered: "Live and let's live."

This is just a taste; there are three pages of these proverbs to live by.

"Motherland's" final chapter has to do with cultural diversity and misconceptions, and these closing sentences are worthy of being quoted:

"?Let there be increased awareness to the contribution of all people of color in the nations building around the world. When we take steps forward to undo the things that we have done wrong, there will be peace on earth and mankind would have lived happily everywhere."

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