Review: Pre-Historic African Traditions Are Mind-Blowing -- Directed by Neal Sendlak

This image was taken from the documentary.

Recently while browsing YouTube, I came across this documentary that was produced by Neal Sendlak, who loves exploring the religious traditions of the ancient world and their influences on the world still to this day. Immediately, Sedlak opens the door for us to understand that not only are we going to learn about the prehistoric traditions of Ancient Africans, but that we are going to see how their influence is still felt across the millennia. First we are introduced to the reality that anthropological and archaeological evidence does show that humans did originally come from Africa, based on the records of remains such as Lucy-- who was an early species of human who would later go on to support the evolution of modern homo sapien sapiens. We are then introduced to some of the earliest known traditions known in Africa-- including some of the early traditions of Ethiopia, which were notably animist and pagan.

What unfolds is a documentary that features footage of the topics at hand, including photographs and video clips. The narrator stays off camera and guides us through the images we are witnessing and how the story of Africa's most ancient traditions are connected to them. We are also led along on our discovery that Africa itself is a land that is rooted heavily in the world around them. The sacred was not just something that existed outside of humans but was also apparent in the world around them. Ancestral and animal veneration were normal; traditions and cultural practices were rooted in the every day experience and were seen as part of the cosmological order. Humans were often working in tandem with the divine as being a partner of Creation. There is also evidence of spiritual beings that are neither ancestor or god, but play roles in the world around them.

I found this documentary to be intriguing. Not only is the footage wonderful to watch but the narration definitely keeps you into the story. In fact, there were times where I was comfortable just listening to the documentary rather than watching it. Humans have been engaging in spiritual practices longer than anyone could have possibly imagined. We were also creating meaning for ourselves and the world around us since we were in our earliest days in the cradle of our civilization. While many of the beliefs and values that we had in those days are often lost to memory or shrouded in mystery, there is still hope for us. The evidence that is being excavated and the studies we are enduring are rendering further understanding of the world around us. The documentary also does a tremendous job transitioning between various religious traditions including the Khmet, the Kush, Vodun, and more!

I am very convinced that Africa still has much more knowledge and wisdom than any of us can possibly imagine. Human history itself has its origins in Africa and we are all a part of it. Our connection to the continent is timeless. Understanding the true legacy of various African traditions are monumental to understanding the human psyche, history, culture, and religion itself.

One of my favorite quotes from this is:

By understanding and appreciating Africa's pivotal role in our human story, we embrace the knowledge that we are all connected by our origins on this incredible continent.

You can watch the documentary here. This film was worth it in my opinion. If you are willing to brave the comments sections...there are also interesting topics of discussion that are taking place.