Muntu: African Culture and the Western World

by Janheinz Jahn, Marjorie Grene (Translator)

Over a quarter of a century has passed since Muntu was first published in English, but this landmark examination still provides one of the most in-depth looks at African and neo-African culture. In his insightful study, Janheinz Jahn surveys the whole range of traditional and modern African thought expressed in religion, language, philosophy, literature, art, music and dance. He demonstrates that African culture, far from being doomed to destruction or homogenization under the onslaught of the West, is evolving into a rich and independent civilization that is capable of incorporating those elements of the West that do not threaten its basic values. Muntu (the Bantu word for “human”) presents an invaluable insight into the foundations of the unique and vital tapestry of cultures that compromise Africa today.

Genres: Africa, Nonfiction, History, Race, Philosophy, Anthropology

304 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1958

Reviews

[Brooklyn Sr · Rating 5 out of 5]

5 stars
One of the best books I’ve ever read. A lot of knowledge and many references to other great African writers and poets

[Gabriel Morgan · Rating 5 out of 5]

I had this in the Grove Evergreen edition and it seems to have been reissued. Of course it will be pelted as neo colonial and "why ask a German abut Africans", but the fact is that Jahn wrote beautifully about West African philosophy/ethos/ poetry/history, and German scholarship has been valuable to Pan Africanism. Jahn's Neo African Literature was also thrilling. I took both books to Mali with me.

[Meaghan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another great read if you would like to understand traditional West African culture.

[Balogun · Rating 5 out of 5]

An essential read to understanding the fundamental concepts that make up what it means to be african