THE AFRICAN ORIGIN OF DENTISTRY

The origins of dentistry can be traced back to the rich and diverse practices found within ancient African civilizations based on archaeological evidence that  reveals that African societies possessed an understanding of oral health that was both advanced and integrated into their cultural norms (Mugisha & Mwebaze, 2018). In Southern Africa, the indigenous San people employed a range of natural remedies for dental care, as well as practical dental practices encapsulated in oral traditions. The use of certain plants for their medicinal properties is documented, pointing to a long-standing relationship with natural dental care techniques (Lichtenstein, 2014). Evidence from the Blombos Cave shows that approximately 75,000 years ago, individuals were using ochre and other materials for oral hygiene, suggesting an awareness of dental care's importance (Henshilwood et al., 2002).

Moving to East Africa, significant discoveries in Tanzania at the Olduvai Gorge provide evidence of ancient dental practices. Archaeologists have uncovered fossils dating back to around 1.8 million years, where hominins displayed wear patterns on their teeth suggestive of dietary practices that involved tough and abrasive foods. This wear illustrates an early understanding of the implications of diet on dental health (Leakey, 2015). Additionally, the discovery of skulls from the archaeological site of Engare Sero in northern Tanzania has shown intentional modifications of teeth, such as drilling and filing, which signal the practice of aesthetic dental modification as early as 2000 BC (Mugisha & Mwebaze, 2018).Lastly, around the area now known as Kenya, traditional practices of tooth sharpening have been documented within indigenous communities. Archaeologists have found skeletal evidence of individuals who practiced dental modification for status and aesthetic appeal, which demonstrates cultural significance placed on dental practices (Muthiani, 2021).

In West Africa, the ancient city of Jenne-Jeno has yielded fascinating findings concerning dental practices as well. Archaeologists unearthed human remains dating back over 1,000 years that displayed evidence of dental conditions and treatments. The presence of cavities and the subsequent wearing down of teeth suggest that early Africans were aware of dental diseases and implemented techniques to mitigate these issues. In some cases, osteological analysis points to the intentional removal of decayed teeth, indicating a proactive approach to oral health (Wright, 2020). In North Africa, particularly within ancient Kemetic funeral practices, skeletal analyses of remains from burial sites, such as those at Giza, have revealed evidence of advanced dental care. Dental tools made from natural materials like flint, coupled with remains showing signs of dental drilling, indicate an understanding of both health and aesthetics among ancient Kemetic people (Nour, 2019). Additionally, they utilized various herbal concoctions for therapeutic purposes, indicating a holistic approach to oral health, reflecting both medical knowledge and a cultural appreciation for dental aesthetics (Abdel-Motaleb, 2017).

References

Muthiani, M. (2021). Cultural Significance of Dental Modifications in Coastal Kenya. Journal of Ethnobiology, 42(2), 101-116.

Wright, R. (2020). Dental Practices in the Ancient City of Jenne-Jeno: Evidence from Excavations. Journal of West African Studies, 28(4), 15-34.

Nour, S. (2019). The Origins of Ancient Egyptian Dentistry. Journal of Ancient Civilizations, 32(1), 12-28.

Mugisha, A., & Mwebaze, P. (2018). Dental Modifications in Prehistoric East Africa: A Study from Engare Sero. African Archaeological Review, 35(3), 241–259.

Lichtenstein, A. (2014). Traditional medicinal practices among the San communities of Southern Africa: Implications for oral health. Journal of Ethnobiology and Ethnomedicine, 10, 15.