HiddenHistorian
@hiddenhistory.bsky.social
African History buff & sometimes Youtuber:
https://www.youtube.com/@hiddenhist
I post: African history related images ▪ updates on video progress ▪ updates on other projects ▪ thoughts on books I'm reading ▪ anything else on my mind!
https://www.youtube.com/@hiddenhist
I post: African history related images ▪ updates on video progress ▪ updates on other projects ▪ thoughts on books I'm reading ▪ anything else on my mind!
Two men in what looks to be a much calmer market, Liberia.
This much more intimate portrait captures some of the intricacies of West African style.
Note the laced scabbard to the right; the reddish leather sandals; and, of course, the so-called "Kufi" caps.
#AfricanHistoryInPictures
This much more intimate portrait captures some of the intricacies of West African style.
Note the laced scabbard to the right; the reddish leather sandals; and, of course, the so-called "Kufi" caps.
#AfricanHistoryInPictures
August 7, 2025 at 6:33 PM
Two men in what looks to be a much calmer market, Liberia.
This much more intimate portrait captures some of the intricacies of West African style.
Note the laced scabbard to the right; the reddish leather sandals; and, of course, the so-called "Kufi" caps.
#AfricanHistoryInPictures
This much more intimate portrait captures some of the intricacies of West African style.
Note the laced scabbard to the right; the reddish leather sandals; and, of course, the so-called "Kufi" caps.
#AfricanHistoryInPictures
A lively night market in Bida, capital of Nupe, Nigeria.
The crowded bustle of this impressionistic scene is at first overwhelming, but close inspection reveals tons of character.
My favorite is the smiling lady to the left, balancing a stack of bowls on her head.
#AfricanHistoryInPictures
The crowded bustle of this impressionistic scene is at first overwhelming, but close inspection reveals tons of character.
My favorite is the smiling lady to the left, balancing a stack of bowls on her head.
#AfricanHistoryInPictures
July 28, 2025 at 12:46 PM
A lively night market in Bida, capital of Nupe, Nigeria.
The crowded bustle of this impressionistic scene is at first overwhelming, but close inspection reveals tons of character.
My favorite is the smiling lady to the left, balancing a stack of bowls on her head.
#AfricanHistoryInPictures
The crowded bustle of this impressionistic scene is at first overwhelming, but close inspection reveals tons of character.
My favorite is the smiling lady to the left, balancing a stack of bowls on her head.
#AfricanHistoryInPictures
"Village scene" in Biskra, Algeria.
Located at the Northern edge of the Sahara, Biskra is an ancient oasis town boasting a mixture of architectural heritages.
Buildings like those in this picture draw on old mudbrick traditions with parallels on either end of the Sahara.
#AfricanHistoryInPictures
Located at the Northern edge of the Sahara, Biskra is an ancient oasis town boasting a mixture of architectural heritages.
Buildings like those in this picture draw on old mudbrick traditions with parallels on either end of the Sahara.
#AfricanHistoryInPictures
July 20, 2025 at 4:56 AM
"Village scene" in Biskra, Algeria.
Located at the Northern edge of the Sahara, Biskra is an ancient oasis town boasting a mixture of architectural heritages.
Buildings like those in this picture draw on old mudbrick traditions with parallels on either end of the Sahara.
#AfricanHistoryInPictures
Located at the Northern edge of the Sahara, Biskra is an ancient oasis town boasting a mixture of architectural heritages.
Buildings like those in this picture draw on old mudbrick traditions with parallels on either end of the Sahara.
#AfricanHistoryInPictures
Things have stabilized since those days, and many Indians have returned to their African homes. For them, and for those who never left, status as Ugandan, Kenyan, and especially South African are important markers of identity.
!["[Unknown Title]". By unknown photographer. c.2025. Uploaded to TheBookMarket.co.za by Unknown.
Graduates of the University of Pretoria. Note the lady on the right in South Asian-inspired garb.](https://cdn.bsky.app/img/feed_thumbnail/plain/did:plc:yto3qomwfku5bk4kcyhcduam/bafkreihssfcf3eszp7talctirq6cyk3j5wpiyx3jhuw24d2obt7o2nno7i@jpeg)
!["[Unknown Title]". By unknown photographer. 2025. Uploaded to Twitter by University of Pretoria. https://x.com/UPTuks/status/1882096891728478582.
Newly inaugurated members of the University of Pretoria's Student Representative Council (SRC). Congratulations, you are the future!](https://cdn.bsky.app/img/feed_thumbnail/plain/did:plc:yto3qomwfku5bk4kcyhcduam/bafkreidrgi4rjhkcooqz2xz75jai6n6vcxdax72jm4htzm5ilzkva6zjmm@jpeg)
July 9, 2025 at 9:50 PM
Things have stabilized since those days, and many Indians have returned to their African homes. For them, and for those who never left, status as Ugandan, Kenyan, and especially South African are important markers of identity.
Most infamously, Idi Amin all but expelled the 80,000 Indians of Uganda–leaving behind only around 1,000 in 1972. Constant pressure and open government hostility also caused Indian populations in Kenya and Tanzania to drop by about half, to 78,000 and 40,000, respectively.
July 9, 2025 at 9:50 PM
Most infamously, Idi Amin all but expelled the 80,000 Indians of Uganda–leaving behind only around 1,000 in 1972. Constant pressure and open government hostility also caused Indian populations in Kenya and Tanzania to drop by about half, to 78,000 and 40,000, respectively.
While some Indians embraced their status as second or third-class residents in Africa, above most Black Africans but below their European overlords, others did not.
Indians like Priscilla Jana used their education to fight alongside Black compatriots, whether in the courts or on the streets.
Indians like Priscilla Jana used their education to fight alongside Black compatriots, whether in the courts or on the streets.
!["[Unknown Title]". By unknown photographer. c.1943-2020. Uploaded to Wikimedia Commons by Innisfree987.
Priscilla Jana (née Sewpal), born on December 5th, 1943, was the second of three children. She became politically active as a High School student, organizing a school walkout as part of the 1959 Potato Boycott.
Though her parents wanted her to become a physician, Jana studied law at university. She joined Ismail Mahomed Ayob's law firm, and represented a number of the political prisoners held by the Apartheid government.
Nelson Mandela aside, Jana represented Solomon Mahlungu, who was condemned to death; Benjamin Moloise, also executed; Govan Mbeki, whom she got released from jail; and Steve Biko, whom she represented posthumously after his death in Apartheid government custody under suspicious circumstances. His death was later ruled a result of improper medical conduct. He hadn't received appropriate care after a beating by guards.
Jana's efforts got her a Banning Order from the government, severely restricting her mobility. Nevertheless, she used her unique access to Mandela while he was at Robben Island to relay his messages to and from the prison.
After apartheid, Jana represented Krugersdorp as an ANC party parliamentarian from 1994 to 1999. She supported using African resources for continental development goals. Jana served as an ambassador to the Netherlands and Ireland, before joining the South African Human Rights Commission (SAHRC) in 2017. She passed in 2020, and is survived by her adopted children: Albertina Jana Molefe and Shivesh Sewpal.
Image originally taken from http://www.dirco.gov.za/dircoenewsletter/newsflash449-15-10-2020.html.](https://cdn.bsky.app/img/feed_thumbnail/plain/did:plc:yto3qomwfku5bk4kcyhcduam/bafkreicjcmweuexj2dk7j44cs2az64lop57w22qfp6to3de6rdruhfvavq@jpeg)
July 9, 2025 at 9:50 PM
While some Indians embraced their status as second or third-class residents in Africa, above most Black Africans but below their European overlords, others did not.
Indians like Priscilla Jana used their education to fight alongside Black compatriots, whether in the courts or on the streets.
Indians like Priscilla Jana used their education to fight alongside Black compatriots, whether in the courts or on the streets.
From 1860 to 1911, around 152,000 Indians were brought to the South African province of kwaZulu Natal, and thousands more to Kenya/Uganda.
Though some were “passengers” seeking business, most were effectively trafficked to work sugar plantations, rail lines, and coal mines on 5-10 year contracts.
Though some were “passengers” seeking business, most were effectively trafficked to work sugar plantations, rail lines, and coal mines on 5-10 year contracts.
July 9, 2025 at 9:50 PM
From 1860 to 1911, around 152,000 Indians were brought to the South African province of kwaZulu Natal, and thousands more to Kenya/Uganda.
Though some were “passengers” seeking business, most were effectively trafficked to work sugar plantations, rail lines, and coal mines on 5-10 year contracts.
Though some were “passengers” seeking business, most were effectively trafficked to work sugar plantations, rail lines, and coal mines on 5-10 year contracts.
From 1652 to 1808, Cape Colony (South Africa) imported some 31,600 slaves from South and South-East Asia for manual and domestic work. Over half were from South Asia.
Descendants of some of these slaves famously became the Cape-Coloureds; others formed a different hybrid culture: the Cape Malays.
Descendants of some of these slaves famously became the Cape-Coloureds; others formed a different hybrid culture: the Cape Malays.
July 9, 2025 at 9:50 PM
From 1652 to 1808, Cape Colony (South Africa) imported some 31,600 slaves from South and South-East Asia for manual and domestic work. Over half were from South Asia.
Descendants of some of these slaves famously became the Cape-Coloureds; others formed a different hybrid culture: the Cape Malays.
Descendants of some of these slaves famously became the Cape-Coloureds; others formed a different hybrid culture: the Cape Malays.
More recently, during the 19th century, thousands of Indians immigrated to Ethiopian cities like Harar and Addis Ababa, the national capital.
Gujarati-style houses, like that of French merchant-poet Arthur Rimbaud, still decorate the landscapes of both cities.
Gujarati-style houses, like that of French merchant-poet Arthur Rimbaud, still decorate the landscapes of both cities.
July 9, 2025 at 9:50 PM
More recently, during the 19th century, thousands of Indians immigrated to Ethiopian cities like Harar and Addis Ababa, the national capital.
Gujarati-style houses, like that of French merchant-poet Arthur Rimbaud, still decorate the landscapes of both cities.
Gujarati-style houses, like that of French merchant-poet Arthur Rimbaud, still decorate the landscapes of both cities.
During Ethiopia's "Jesuit interlude" (1557-1635), Gujarati and Goan craftsmen, arriving on Portuguese ships, found royal employ.
Architects like Abdul Kerim adapted Indian lime-working techniques to Ethiopian materials, helping lay foundations for Ethiopia’s famous Gondarine architecture.
Architects like Abdul Kerim adapted Indian lime-working techniques to Ethiopian materials, helping lay foundations for Ethiopia’s famous Gondarine architecture.
July 9, 2025 at 9:50 PM
During Ethiopia's "Jesuit interlude" (1557-1635), Gujarati and Goan craftsmen, arriving on Portuguese ships, found royal employ.
Architects like Abdul Kerim adapted Indian lime-working techniques to Ethiopian materials, helping lay foundations for Ethiopia’s famous Gondarine architecture.
Architects like Abdul Kerim adapted Indian lime-working techniques to Ethiopian materials, helping lay foundations for Ethiopia’s famous Gondarine architecture.
Though elusive artifacts like the Kenyan “Shanga Lions” have long hinted at early coastal contacts, more recent genetic surveys all but confirm human ties between India and the medieval Swahili coast, which were amplified during the rule of the Zanzibari sultans.
July 9, 2025 at 9:50 PM
Though elusive artifacts like the Kenyan “Shanga Lions” have long hinted at early coastal contacts, more recent genetic surveys all but confirm human ties between India and the medieval Swahili coast, which were amplified during the rule of the Zanzibari sultans.
An Indian girl of Zanzibar, Tanzania, as painted by Irma Sterne.
Though separated by thousands of miles, the monsoon currents of the Indian Ocean have long facilitated contacts, connections, and migrations between Africa and South Asia...
#AfricanHistoryInPictures
Though separated by thousands of miles, the monsoon currents of the Indian Ocean have long facilitated contacts, connections, and migrations between Africa and South Asia...
#AfricanHistoryInPictures
July 9, 2025 at 9:50 PM
An Indian girl of Zanzibar, Tanzania, as painted by Irma Sterne.
Though separated by thousands of miles, the monsoon currents of the Indian Ocean have long facilitated contacts, connections, and migrations between Africa and South Asia...
#AfricanHistoryInPictures
Though separated by thousands of miles, the monsoon currents of the Indian Ocean have long facilitated contacts, connections, and migrations between Africa and South Asia...
#AfricanHistoryInPictures
A view of New Oyo (Ọ̀yọ́ Àtìbà), Nigeria, from a postcard.
Like Abeokuta and Ibadan, New Oyo is a relatively young city of Yorubaland, having only been "founded" c. 1835 following Alaafin Oluewu's disastrous defeat at the battle of Ilorin...
#AfricanHistoryInPictures
Like Abeokuta and Ibadan, New Oyo is a relatively young city of Yorubaland, having only been "founded" c. 1835 following Alaafin Oluewu's disastrous defeat at the battle of Ilorin...
#AfricanHistoryInPictures
June 29, 2025 at 7:34 AM
A view of New Oyo (Ọ̀yọ́ Àtìbà), Nigeria, from a postcard.
Like Abeokuta and Ibadan, New Oyo is a relatively young city of Yorubaland, having only been "founded" c. 1835 following Alaafin Oluewu's disastrous defeat at the battle of Ilorin...
#AfricanHistoryInPictures
Like Abeokuta and Ibadan, New Oyo is a relatively young city of Yorubaland, having only been "founded" c. 1835 following Alaafin Oluewu's disastrous defeat at the battle of Ilorin...
#AfricanHistoryInPictures
mfw post I worked on for hours gets neutered because it is a relatively accurate illustration of how people in pre-colonial Africa dressed and apparently that's sexual to moderation.
June 22, 2025 at 3:15 AM
mfw post I worked on for hours gets neutered because it is a relatively accurate illustration of how people in pre-colonial Africa dressed and apparently that's sexual to moderation.
The exterior of another homestead is visible in the background; peaking above its top is a finished granary, with thatched roofing properly installed.
In front of and around the homestead are the outlines of various figures - one of them riding a cow. A proper cowboy (or girl?)!
In front of and around the homestead are the outlines of various figures - one of them riding a cow. A proper cowboy (or girl?)!
June 22, 2025 at 3:00 AM
The exterior of another homestead is visible in the background; peaking above its top is a finished granary, with thatched roofing properly installed.
In front of and around the homestead are the outlines of various figures - one of them riding a cow. A proper cowboy (or girl?)!
In front of and around the homestead are the outlines of various figures - one of them riding a cow. A proper cowboy (or girl?)!
Behind, a child climbs a perhaps precarious ladder of sticks, apparently inserted during the construction process, to put finishing touches on another granary.
Here's a photo of what some of these might have looked like when complete; according to Daniell, they could be 6-7ft. tall!
Here's a photo of what some of these might have looked like when complete; according to Daniell, they could be 6-7ft. tall!
June 22, 2025 at 3:00 AM
Behind, a child climbs a perhaps precarious ladder of sticks, apparently inserted during the construction process, to put finishing touches on another granary.
Here's a photo of what some of these might have looked like when complete; according to Daniell, they could be 6-7ft. tall!
Here's a photo of what some of these might have looked like when complete; according to Daniell, they could be 6-7ft. tall!
Women and children at work in Tswana country, Southern Africa.
To the left, a woman sporting short braids and a porcupine-quill earpiece builds a large granary; to the right, another makes pottery while seated under a parasol of ostrich feathers...
#AfricanHistoryInPictures
To the left, a woman sporting short braids and a porcupine-quill earpiece builds a large granary; to the right, another makes pottery while seated under a parasol of ostrich feathers...
#AfricanHistoryInPictures
June 22, 2025 at 3:00 AM
Women and children at work in Tswana country, Southern Africa.
To the left, a woman sporting short braids and a porcupine-quill earpiece builds a large granary; to the right, another makes pottery while seated under a parasol of ostrich feathers...
#AfricanHistoryInPictures
To the left, a woman sporting short braids and a porcupine-quill earpiece builds a large granary; to the right, another makes pottery while seated under a parasol of ostrich feathers...
#AfricanHistoryInPictures
June 13, 2025 at 10:45 PM
I love how this scene captures Tadjoura's domestic architecture - those rounded, sloping roofs. Similar architecture, barrel roofs and all, can be found at least as far as Berbera, Somalia.
June 8, 2025 at 4:51 AM
I love how this scene captures Tadjoura's domestic architecture - those rounded, sloping roofs. Similar architecture, barrel roofs and all, can be found at least as far as Berbera, Somalia.
Council meeting before the sultan of Tadjoura, Djibouti.
During the 19th century, Tadjoura was a relatively sleepy port-town on the East African coast...
#AfricanHistoryInPictures
During the 19th century, Tadjoura was a relatively sleepy port-town on the East African coast...
#AfricanHistoryInPictures
June 8, 2025 at 3:59 AM
Council meeting before the sultan of Tadjoura, Djibouti.
During the 19th century, Tadjoura was a relatively sleepy port-town on the East African coast...
#AfricanHistoryInPictures
During the 19th century, Tadjoura was a relatively sleepy port-town on the East African coast...
#AfricanHistoryInPictures
As a bonus, the castle in the background of this week's image is still standing today! It may have been constructed under Muhammad al-Fasi, founder of the Awlad Muhammad dynasty which ruled over Fezzan from the 16th century, when Kanemi rule was overthrown, until the 19th century.
June 1, 2025 at 4:05 AM
As a bonus, the castle in the background of this week's image is still standing today! It may have been constructed under Muhammad al-Fasi, founder of the Awlad Muhammad dynasty which ruled over Fezzan from the 16th century, when Kanemi rule was overthrown, until the 19th century.
Murzuk, an oasis town of the Sahara. Fezzan region, Libya.
In spite of its reputation as a nigh-inhospitable desert, the Sahara is dotted with oases and mountains which have facilitated settled life for millennia...
#AfricanHistoryInPictures
In spite of its reputation as a nigh-inhospitable desert, the Sahara is dotted with oases and mountains which have facilitated settled life for millennia...
#AfricanHistoryInPictures
June 1, 2025 at 4:00 AM
Murzuk, an oasis town of the Sahara. Fezzan region, Libya.
In spite of its reputation as a nigh-inhospitable desert, the Sahara is dotted with oases and mountains which have facilitated settled life for millennia...
#AfricanHistoryInPictures
In spite of its reputation as a nigh-inhospitable desert, the Sahara is dotted with oases and mountains which have facilitated settled life for millennia...
#AfricanHistoryInPictures
May 25, 2025 at 3:58 AM
One of the oldest continuous capitals in Africa, Cairo was established around 973 as a successor to the nearby city (now suburb) of Fustat.
Its urban fabric represents Egypt's truly layered history, containing Muslim universities, Coptic churches, and Roman forts.
#AfricanHistoryInPictures
Its urban fabric represents Egypt's truly layered history, containing Muslim universities, Coptic churches, and Roman forts.
#AfricanHistoryInPictures
May 18, 2025 at 3:59 AM
One of the oldest continuous capitals in Africa, Cairo was established around 973 as a successor to the nearby city (now suburb) of Fustat.
Its urban fabric represents Egypt's truly layered history, containing Muslim universities, Coptic churches, and Roman forts.
#AfricanHistoryInPictures
Its urban fabric represents Egypt's truly layered history, containing Muslim universities, Coptic churches, and Roman forts.
#AfricanHistoryInPictures
May 10, 2025 at 9:49 PM