The history of prosthetic devices in Africa reveals a deep-rooted tradition of innovation, blending medical necessity with cultural expression. In ancient Kemet (Egypt), as Zahi Hawass (2010) points out, prosthetics were employed during mummification to restore the physical integrity of the deceased. The notable example of Hetepheres' wooden toe (circa 1000 B.C.E.) underscores both the era's medical understanding and the profound cultural value placed on bodily wholeness in the afterlife (Hawass, 2010). The Berbers demonstrated a practical approach to prosthetics, crafting wooden and metal limbs tailored to individual needs, indicating an evolving grasp of functional design (Buchanan, 2017).
Among the Yoruba people of Nigeria, traditional healers fashioned wooden prosthetics adorned with culturally significant carvings. These devices transcended mere functionality, embodying the wearer's connection to their ancestry, beliefs, and social standing (Adetunji, 2018). The Akan people of Ghana also exhibited ingenuity, utilizing local materials like bamboo and metal to create prosthetics that integrated practicality with aesthetic appeal, often embedding personal and communal narratives in their designs (Tagoe, 2020). While direct evidence of ancient prosthetics among the Dogon people of Mali is scarce, ethnoarchaeological research hints at the potential historical use of carved wooden supports for mobility, suggesting an early awareness of addressing physical impairments (Coulibaly, 2025).
In East Africa, the Kamba people of Kenya crafted prosthetic legs from local wood and leather, often embellishing them with symbolic carvings that reflected the wearer's status or achievements (Muteti, 2019). Similarly, the Maasai people utilized readily available materials like leather and animal bones to create prosthetic aids for warriors, showcasing their resourcefulness in adapting to injuries (Kibera, 2021). Historical accounts from Zimbabwe suggest that Shona artisans had a long-standing tradition of crafting wooden arms and legs for individuals with disabilities (Chigwada, 2023). Among the Zulu people, leather and wood were employed to create makeshift prosthetic limbs for injured warriors, highlighting the cultural significance of these devices in maintaining a warrior's honor and identity (Ngubane, 1996).
References
Coulibaly, S. (2025). Mobility Aids and Material Culture of the Dogon People. Journal of Ethnoarchaeological Studies, 10(2), 145-162
Kibera, A. (2021). Warrior Culture and Adaptation: Prosthetic Use Among the Maasai. East African Journal of Historical Studies, 15(3), 201-215.
Tagoe, E. (2020). Innovation and Aesthetics: Prosthetic Devices of the Akan. Ghana Historical Review, 12(1), 78-93.
Muteti, K. (2019). Crafting Functionality: Prosthetic Limbs of the Kamba People. Journal of African Material Culture, 7(1), 45-60.
Adetunji, B. (2018). Traditional Healing Practices in Southwestern Nigeria. Ibadan University Press.
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