origins of fang - ddl der veen/van der veen_2007...1 linguistics colloquium , center for language...

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LinguisticsLinguistics colloquiumcolloquium, Center for , Center for LanguageLanguage and Cognition Groningen, and Cognition Groningen, NovemberNovember 30th 200730th 2007

The The originsorigins of the Fang: of the Fang: languagelanguage, culture and , culture and genesgenes

MythMyth and realityand reality

L. J. van der L. J. van der VeenVeen (DDL, UMR 5596, Lyon)(DDL, UMR 5596, Lyon)ResearchResearch withwith J.J.--M. M. HombertHombert (Lyon), P. Mou(Lyon), P. Mou--guiamaguiama--DaoudaDaouda (Lyon(Lyon--Libreville), D. Comas Libreville), D. Comas

(Barcelone), L. Quintana(Barcelone), L. Quintana--MurciMurci (Paris), L. (Paris), L. SicaSica(Franceville, Gabon) et al.(Franceville, Gabon) et al.


ObjectiveObjective

�� PresentationPresentation of of somesome expectedexpected and and unexpectedunexpectedresultsresults of the "of the "LanguageLanguage, Culture and , Culture and GenesGenes in Bantu" in Bantu" projectproject (OHLL, OMLL programmes) (OHLL, OMLL programmes)

�� FindingsFindings relatedrelated to to –– FairlyFairly wellwell--knownknown Black Black AfricanAfrican populationpopulation–– Population Population movementmovement and migrationand migration

�� LinguisticsLinguistics and and otherother disciplinesdisciplines–– Population Population geneticsgenetics–– ArchaeologyArchaeology and and historyhistory–– Cultural Cultural anthropologyanthropology

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OutlineOutline

�� The FangThe Fang–– WhereWhere theythey livelive–– WhoWho theythey areare–– WhereWhere theythey come come fromfrom

�� Evidence Evidence fromfrom LinguisticsLinguistics�� Evidence Evidence fromfrom Population Population GeneticsGenetics

–– MtDNAMtDNA–– YY--chromosomechromosome

�� Possible scenario(s)Possible scenario(s)�� FurtherFurther investigationinvestigation

Fang reliquary


Fang: Fang: wherewhere theythey livelive

�� SouthernSouthern part of part of CameroonCameroon ((withwith the the BuluBulu and and BetiBetipops as pops as theirtheir northernnorthern neighboursneighbours))

�� Most of the Most of the northernnorthern halfhalf of Gabonof Gabon�� Small Small regionregion in in northwestnorthwest of Congoof Congo--BrazzavilleBrazzaville

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Geographical distributionof Fang, Beti and Bulu

With recent expansion pat-terns for Fang dialects: Ntu-mu, Mvaï, Okak, Mekè, Nza-man, Betsi

(Modified from Perrois 1972:102)G A B O N

C A M E R O U N

Fang Bulu & Beti


Fang: Fang: whowho theythey are 1/4are 1/4

�� Most Most recentlyrecently installedinstalled BantuBantu--speakingspeaking population in population in GabonGabon

�� DemographicallyDemographically and and linguisticallylinguistically, dominant group , dominant group (Gabon)(Gabon)

�� ±±700,000 700,000 individualsindividuals distributeddistributed over 3 countriesover 3 countries�� PatrilinearPatrilinear descentdescent systemsystem�� MarriageMarriage strategystrategy: : exogamyexogamy (!)(!)�� FarmingFarming villagersvillagers

Fang women coming home from plantation - Cureau (1912)

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�� Oral traditionOral tradition–– MvettMvett ((storytellingstorytelling/music): /music): performingperforming ancestral ancestral mythmyth

�� More or More or lessless important important differencesdifferences betweenbetween lineageslineages!!

�� Initiation Initiation ritualsrituals–– BwitiBwiti: : adoptedadopted fromfrom TsogoTsogo ((southernsouthern Gabon) Gabon) atat beginningbeginning of of

20th 20th centurycentury ADAD–– MelanMelan, as part of , as part of ByeriByeri: : ancestorancestor worshipworship

�� ArtArt–– MasksMasks (e.g. (e.g. NgilNgil), ), funeralfuneral statuettes (statuettes («« ByeriByeri »»), ), ironworkironwork, , ……



Fang Ntumu reliquary

Ngil mask

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�� EthnicEthnic group group thatthat has has nevernever failedfailed to to fascinatefascinate the the EuropeanEuropean traders, traders, explorersexplorers, , missionariesmissionaries, , anthropoanthropo--logistslogists, , everever sincesince the first the first encounterencounter

�� ReputationReputation largelylargely basedbased on Western (on Western (mis)perceptionsmis)perceptions(outsiders(outsiders’’ viewview, , ideologyideology, etc.), etc.)–– ‘‘FerociousFerocious’’, , ‘‘superiorsuperior’’, , ‘‘nomadicnomadic’’ ‘‘conquerorsconquerors’’–– ‘‘IntelligentIntelligent’’, , ‘‘industriousindustrious’’, , ‘‘honesthonest’’, , ‘‘handsomehandsome’’–– SuspectedSuspected of of havinghaving practisedpractised cannibalismcannibalism

�� RumoursRumours spreadspread by by MpongweMpongwe and and alliedallied brokers? (The brokers? (The latterlatter’’sspriviledgedpriviledged position position beingbeing threatenedthreatened!)!)

�� RumoursRumours (?) (?) cunninglycunningly usedused by Fang to by Fang to strengthenstrengthen theirtheir positionposition


’Ndiayai, roi des Fans’ (Du Chaillu, 1863)

Fang hunters (Griffon, 1865:311)

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�� UsuallyUsually consideredconsidered to to belongbelong to to largerlarger cultural unit, cultural unit, withwithBetiBeti and and BuluBulu (the (the soso--calledcalled ‘‘PahouinPahouin’’ group)group)–– ?? ?? ‘‘MpangweMpangwe’’, , ‘‘PamouayPamouay’’ or or ‘‘PamuePamue’’ < (mi< (mi--))pawpaw̃̃yeye ‘‘I I dondon’’tt knowknow’’

((MpongweMpongwe languagelanguage, B11a), B11a)–– Name Name mostmost certainlycertainly attributedattributed by by othersothers, , probablyprobably the the

MpongweMpongwe brokers (brokers (externalexternal namingnaming or or exoglossyexoglossy))

�� PossiblyPossibly, a , a confederationconfederation of of variousvarious lineageslineages–– RelatedRelated? ? UnrelatedUnrelated? ? SomeSome relatedrelated, , othersothers not?not?


Fang: Fang: wherewhere theythey come come fromfrom 1/71/7

�� Most Most consensualconsensual and and mostmost likelylikely scenario (scenario (thoughthough limitedlimitedtime time depthdepth!)!)

–– FairlyFairly wellwell--documenteddocumented demicdemic movementmovement withinwithin the the CameroonCameroon--Gabon area, Gabon area, thoughthough the the preciseprecise ((ancientancient) ) geographicalgeographical originorigin isisstillstill a a mattermatter of of debatedebate

–– Real intensification Real intensification duringduring 18th 18th centurycentury AD and come to an end AD and come to an end duringduring first first halfhalf of 20th of 20th centurycentury AD in GabonAD in Gabon

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–– Not Not justjust one population one population involvedinvolved!!�� ProtoProto--Fang: part of a Fang: part of a muchmuch more more generalgeneral, , southwardsouthward movemove--

mentment

–– TurmoilTurmoil and slave and slave tradetrade in more in more northernnorthern regionsregions�� Cameroun, NigeriaCameroun, Nigeria�� Raids by Raids by IslamicIslamic groupsgroups



–– FangFang’’ss arrivalarrival in Gabon (in Gabon (chronologychronology))�� Prior to Prior to arrivalarrival, the , the MpongweMpongwe ((MyeneMyene--speakersspeakers) are the exclusive ) are the exclusive

tradetrade partnerspartners of the of the EuropeansEuropeans�� First First referencereference to Fang in Gabon: to Fang in Gabon: BowdichBowdich, 1819 (, 1819 (inlandinland location, location,

but but wherewhere??). First contacts ). First contacts betweenbetween Fang and Fang and EuropeansEuropeans: Wilson, : Wilson, 1842 (1842 (first description!first description!))

�� Progressive Progressive entringentring of the of the EstuaryEstuary: : fromfrom 1844 on1844 on�� SouthwardSouthward movementmovement to Ogoouto Ogoouéé river: river: fromfrom 1866 on1866 on�� DescentDescent encouragedencouraged by the French: by the French: developmentdevelopment of of tradetrade activitiesactivities

–– DestinyDestiny of Fang of Fang tiedtied to to destinydestiny of the of the ColonyColony!!

�� SomeSome accountsaccounts suggestsuggest presencepresence of Fang in Gabon (of Fang in Gabon (KomoKomo regionregion) ) isis olderolder

–– Couple of Couple of isolatedisolated villages! (Avantvillages! (Avant--garde?? garde?? IronIron workersworkers? Salt traders?)? Salt traders?)�� N.B. N.B. RevisionRevision of of bordersborders (Berlin (Berlin ConferenceConference, 1884, 1884--5) 5) introducedintroduced

part of Fang part of Fang intointo Gabon Gabon withoutwithout movementmovement!!

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–– ArrivalArrival profoundlyprofoundly reshuffledreshuffled the the populationalpopulational and and linguisticlinguistic landland--scape (scape (theirtheir numbernumber, , skillsskills, , economiceconomic statusstatus, etc.), etc.)�� PreviouslyPreviously installedinstalled groups groups leftleft theirtheir territoryterritory beingbeing pushedpushed awayaway by by

the Fang (the Fang (e.g. Kele (B22), Kota (B25)e.g. Kele (B22), Kota (B25)))�� ThoseThose whowho stayedstayed underwentunderwent processprocess of of gradualgradual cultural and cultural and

linguisticlinguistic assimilation (assimilation (e.g. e.g. MakinaMakina==OsyebaOsyeba ((shiwashiwa, A83), A83)))–– OsyebaOsyeba occupiedoccupied muchmuch largerlarger area area beforebefore arrivalarrival of Fang!of Fang!

–– Main sources: oral traditions and Main sources: oral traditions and testimoniestestimonies, , somesome writtenwrittendocuments (documents (accountsaccounts,, reportsreports, , registersregisters); ); carefullycarefully builtbuilt infereninferen--cesces�� AlthoughAlthough divergent in divergent in manymany respects, respects, thesethese sources sources corroboratecorroborate the the

Fang Fang movementmovement and/or migrationand/or migration


Fang migrationsfrom 1800 AD on

Bulu migrationsfrom 1840 AD on

For Cameroon:after Geschiere(1981) based onAlexandre (1965)

Sanaga river

?

?

?

Adamawa highlands

Upper-Sangha

Gabon

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Expeditions of Compiègne and Marche (Marche, 1878:405)

Marquis deCompiègne (1874)



�� A more A more picturesquepicturesque, , RomanticRomantic theorytheory: : nomadicnomadic warriorswarriorscome down come down fromfrom the the UpperUpper--Nile Nile regionregion in in orderorder to to conquerconquer GabonGabon

–– TheoryTheory elaboratedelaborated by the French (!) by the French (!) RevRev. Trilles. Trilles (1912, 1931) (1912, 1931) and and severalseveral otherother ‘‘specialistsspecialists’’: : ‘‘EgyptianEgyptian’’ originorigin ((plateaux of plateaux of BahrBahr--elel--GhazalGhazal) ) for the Fang population, language and culturefor the Fang population, language and culture

�� BuiltBuilt on a series of speculative and often random parallels drawn by on a series of speculative and often random parallels drawn by 19th century administrators, explorers and missionaries (19th century administrators, explorers and missionaries (natural natural fascination with the Unknown, the presumably fascination with the Unknown, the presumably ‘‘UnspoiltUnspoilt’’, the , the SavageSavage))

�� BuiltBuilt on on debatabledebatable interpretationinterpretation of of MvettMvett, and , and arguments referring arguments referring to linguistic, cultural and to linguistic, cultural and phenotypicalphenotypical traitstraits ((skinskin colourcolour, , overalloverallsize, etcsize, etc.).)

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Bahr-el-Ghazal,Sudan



–– Theory has become Theory has become very popularvery popular, especially among Black , especially among Black African scholars, but also among nonAfrican scholars, but also among non--scholarsscholars

–– In Gabon, In Gabon, common beliefcommon belief that the Fang, as well as their that the Fang, as well as their language, are not Bantulanguage, are not Bantu�� BirthBirth of a new, of a new, glorifyingglorifying mythmyth, , cunninglycunningly exploitedexploited by the French by the French

coloniserscolonisers, and , and subsequentlysubsequently adoptedadopted by the Fang!by the Fang!

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–– SometimesSometimes, , strongstrong ideologicalideological dimensiondimension: : CheikhCheikh Anta Anta DiopDiop(1979, 1981, 1993) and (1979, 1981, 1993) and ThThééophileophile ObengaObenga (1985, 1993)(1985, 1993)�� SchoolSchool of of thoughtthought�� ““White Egyptologists falsify ancient History!White Egyptologists falsify ancient History!””

–– SimilarSimilar claims for claims for BasaBasaáá (A43a)(A43a) and and MboshiMboshi (C25) (C25) languageslanguages

–– Theory in its strongest version claims that Theory in its strongest version claims that all Black African all Black African languages and cultureslanguages and cultures descend from the ancient Egyptian descend from the ancient Egyptian civilisationcivilisation


Evidence Evidence fromfrom linguisticslinguistics 1/51/5

�� Fang: Bantu A75 (A70: FANGFang: Bantu A75 (A70: FANG--BULU cluster)BULU cluster)

�� Gabon: Gabon: NorthernNorthern, , southernsouthern and and intermediateintermediate dialectsdialects((MedjoMedjo MvMvéé, 1997), 1997)–– AdmixtureAdmixture to to somesome extentextent

�� Impact on Impact on surroundingsurrounding languageslanguages–– Dominant Dominant languagelanguage assimilatingassimilating severalseveral otherother, , relatedrelated and and lessless

relatedrelated, , languageslanguages (cf. (cf. ShiwaShiwa, A83 , A83 dialectdialect spokenspoken by by MakinaMakina))–– CurrentlyCurrently spokenspoken by by nearlynearly 30% of the 30% of the GaboneseGabonese population!population!

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�� Fang looks Fang looks veryvery differentdifferent fromfrom the the neighbouringneighbouring Bantu Bantu languageslanguages in Gabonin Gabon–– SomeSome peculiarpeculiar phonologicalphonological featuresfeatures

�� 8V + 3 8V + 3 diphtongsdiphtongs (vs. 7V/5V (vs. 7V/5V elsewhereelsewhere))�� PhonemicPhonemic nasalisednasalised vowelsvowels�� LabiovelarsLabiovelars ([([kpkp], [], [gbgb])])�� PredominantlyPredominantly closedclosed syllablessyllables (open (open syllablessyllables elsewhereelsewhere))�� Palatal nasals in Palatal nasals in wordword--final positionfinal position

Fang of Bitam (northern Gabon)

Proverb (P. Medjo Mvé): Kábân dàdzí évóm étsìní.‘A sheep ruminates where it is tied up.’



–– HomburgerHomburger (1941, 1951): semi(1941, 1951): semi--BantuBantu…… ((betweenbetween Bantu and Bantu and SudanicSudanic))

–– ButBut…… accordingaccording to to GuthrieGuthrie (1948, 1967(1948, 1967--71), 71), HombertHombert et al. et al. (1989), (1989), MedjoMedjo MvMvéé (1997) and (1997) and MbaMba--NkogheNkoghe (2001)(2001)::

�� AbsolutelyAbsolutely no no evidenceevidence of a nonof a non--Bantu substratumBantu substratum�� All the traits of a All the traits of a regularregular Bantu Bantu languagelanguage

–– Lexicon can be directly and straightforwardly related to ProtoLexicon can be directly and straightforwardly related to Proto--Bantu Bantu reconstructions, through regular sound correspondences (reconstructions, through regular sound correspondences (vowels, vowels, consonants, tonesconsonants, tones))

–– RegularRegular Bantu Bantu nounnoun class systemclass system–– RegularRegular Bantu Bantu verbverb systemsystem

–– Fang Fang isis a a foolprooffoolproof Bantu Bantu languagelanguage, , undoubtedlyundoubtedly

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Map (TC Schadeberg) showingthe current distribution of the some 500 Bantu languages


Consensus dendrogramfor languages of Gabon.Alewijnse et al. (2007)

Fang (A75)

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Network of 95 Bantu and Bantoid languages (R. Gray, p.c.; Neighbor-Net Me-thod). NW: north-western Bantu; CW: central-western within western Bantu

CW

NW

CW

NW



�� How How somesome of the of the unusualunusual phonologicalphonological featuresfeatures origiorigi--natednated: : –– LossLoss of final of final vowelvowel in in manymany wordswords–– UmlautUmlaut of Vof V11 precedingpreceding lossloss of final of final vowelvowel–– Emergence of Emergence of midmid and and complexcomplex tonetone on on remainingremaining syllablessyllables by by

leftleft--spreadingspreading, , precedingpreceding lossloss of final of final vowelvowel–– PhonemicPhonemic nasalisednasalised vowelsvowels: : lossloss of of intervocalicintervocalic or final (or final (velarvelar) )

nasal consonantsnasal consonants

�� ArealAreal phenomenonphenomenon: : GrassfieldsGrassfields Bantu, Bantu, otherother zone A zone A languageslanguages

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�� Alleged structural parallels (essentially, sound Alleged structural parallels (essentially, sound correscorres--pondencespondences) between ancient Egyptian and Black African ) between ancient Egyptian and Black African languages such as Fang and languages such as Fang and BasaBasaáá have no scientific have no scientific basis at allbasis at all–– Non Non systematicsystematic, , randomlyrandomly chosenchosen, chance , chance similaritiessimilarities–– Typological similarities do not prove affiliationTypological similarities do not prove affiliation–– Nowadays languages are being compared with ancient Nowadays languages are being compared with ancient lanlan--

guagesguages, e.g. , e.g. MboshiMboshi (Bantu, C25) with ancient Egyptian(Bantu, C25) with ancient Egyptian–– Core lexicon is poorly representedCore lexicon is poorly represented–– Examples of Examples of ‘‘comparative seriescomparative series’’ ((hereafterhereafter))


Mboshi (C25) Copt Ancient Egyptian‘snake’ ndzô adjo d.t

But Proto-Bantu: *-yókà

Mboshi (C25) Copt Ancient Egyptian‘name’ dina ran rn

But Proto-Bantu: *-yínà (di- : noun prefix classe 5)

Mboshi (C25) Copt‘palm tree’ i-bia ba, bai

But Proto-Bantu: *-bídà

No regular correspondences! Chance similarities…

Mouguiama-Daouda (2005)

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Evidence Evidence fromfrom geneticsgenetics ((mtDNAmtDNA) 1/3) 1/3

�� MtDNAMtDNA variationvariation–– AnalysisAnalysis team team coordinatedcoordinated by L. Quintanaby L. Quintana--MurciMurci (Institut (Institut PasPas--

teurteur, Paris), Paris)

–– MtDNAMtDNA: : maternallymaternally--inheritedinherited, non, non--recombiningrecombining

–– 1404 1404 samplessamples (i.e. (i.e. individualsindividuals) ) fromfrom Gabon and Gabon and CameroonCameroon–– 9 hunter9 hunter--gatheringgathering ‘‘PygmyPygmy’’ pops (pops (421 421 individualsindividuals), 20 Bantu), 20 Bantu--

speakingspeaking farmingfarming pops (pops (983 983 individualsindividuals))

–– Fang: DNA Fang: DNA fromfrom 66 66 individualsindividuals

(Data, (Data, analysisanalysis and and slideslide by by LluisLluis QM)QM)


Evidence Evidence fromfrom geneticsgenetics ((mtDNAmtDNA) 2/3) 2/3

–– No No evidenceevidence atat allall of a of a SemiticSemitic or or EgyptianEgyptian originorigin!!

�� If Fang If Fang reallyreally descendeddescended fromfrom the the ancientancient EgyptiansEgyptians, all Bantu, all Bantu--speakingspeaking groups of the area groups of the area wouldwould bebe relatedrelated to to themthem!!!!!!

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Evidence Evidence fromfrom geneticsgenetics ((mtDNAmtDNA) 3/3) 3/3Principal Coordinates

BEN

DUM

EWD

FAN-GB

GAL

GIS

KEL

KOT

MAK

NDU

NGU

NZE

OBA

ORU

PUN

SHA

TEK

TSO

Coord. 1

Coord. 2

35%

25%


Evidence Evidence fromfrom geneticsgenetics (Y) 1/4(Y) 1/4

�� YY--chromosome variationchromosome variation–– AnalysisAnalysis coordinatedcoordinated by J. by J. BertranpetitBertranpetit and D. Comas (and D. Comas (BarceBarce--

lonalona))

–– YY--chromosome: chromosome: paternallypaternally--inheritedinherited, non, non--recombiningrecombining

–– 900 900 samplessamples fromfrom Gabon and Gabon and CameroonCameroon–– 3 hunter3 hunter--gatheringgathering ((‘‘PygmyPygmy’’) populations, 20 Bantu) populations, 20 Bantu--speakingspeaking

farmingfarming populationspopulations

–– 18 STR markers (3 18 STR markers (3 reactionsreactions) and ) and ~~40 SNP markers40 SNP markers

(Data, (Data, analysisanalysis, , slidesslides by David Comas)by David Comas)

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–– First (First (ratherrather expectedexpected) ) resultresult: :

�� Fang are Fang are basicallybasically ‘‘BantuBantu’’!!


Y-chromosome in Central Africa: haplogroups

Y-chromosome haplogroup

Bantu

Pygmy-2.50

-2.00

-1.50

-1.00

-0.50

0.00

0.50

1.00

1.50

2.00

2.50

-0.50 0.00 0.50 1.00 1.50 2.00 2.50 3.00 3.50 4.00

A

B

B2b

E

E1

E2

E3aE3b1

G

R1bBakaG

BakaC

Bakola

Bekwil

Eviya

Orungu

MakinaBenga

Eshira

NdumuShake

Punu

Galoa

FangDuma

Tsogo

Okande

Kota

NzebiKele

ObambaTeke

Y-chromosome haplogroup

Bantu

PygmyY-chromosome haplogroup

Bantu

Pygmy-2.50

-2.00

-1.50

-1.00

-0.50

0.00

0.50

1.00

1.50

2.00

2.50

-0.50 0.00 0.50 1.00 1.50 2.00 2.50 3.00 3.50 4.00

A

B

B2b

E

E1

E2

E3aE3b1

G

R1bBakaG

BakaC

Bakola

Bekwil

Eviya

Orungu

MakinaBenga

Eshira

NdumuShake

Punu

Galoa

FangDuma

Tsogo

Okande

Kota

NzebiKele

ObambaTeke

-2.50

-2.00

-1.50

-1.00

-0.50

0.00

0.50

1.00

1.50

2.00

2.50

-0.50 0.00 0.50 1.00 1.50 2.00 2.50 3.00 3.50 4.00

A

B

B2b

E

E1

E2

E3aE3b1

G

R1bBakaG

BakaC

Bakola

Bekwil

Eviya

Orungu

MakinaBenga

Eshira

NdumuShake

Punu

Galoa

FangDuma

Tsogo

Okande

Kota

NzebiKele

ObambaTeke

Correspondence analysis: haplogroup compositionFirst two dimension plot (75.6% genetic variance)

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Evidence Evidence fromfrom geneticsgenetics (Y) 3/4(Y) 3/4–– ButBut…… Fang Fang attestattest a a nonnon--AfricanAfrican haplogrouphaplogroup (R1b*)!!(R1b*)!!

�� HaplogroupHaplogroup = = particularparticular lineagelineage

–– HoweverHowever…… theythey are are not the not the onlyonly onesones!!!!!!

�� PunuPunu, Teke, , Teke, NdumuNdumu, , ObambaObamba! (In ! (In particularparticular!)!)

–– All BantuAll Bantu--speakingspeaking pops of pops of farmingfarming villagersvillagers–– Pops Pops thatthat have have differentdifferent oral traditionsoral traditions

�� EspeciallyEspecially Fang vs. Fang vs. othersothers–– Pops Pops thatthat are are not not directlydirectly relatedrelated, , linguisticallylinguistically

�� EspeciallyEspecially Fang vs. Fang vs. othersothers–– Pops Pops thatthat are are geographicallygeographically quitequite remoteremote

�� Fang vs. Fang vs. othersothers


GABON

Majo

r Wester

n E

xp

an

sion

Rou

te (costa

l,

inla

nd

, both

?)

Punu

Ndumu-Obamba-

Teke

Fang

Peopling of Gabon by Punu, Ndumu, Teke and Fang acc. to oral traditions

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–– Distribution, Distribution, originorigin and and ageage of of thisthis haplogrouphaplogroup??


Y-chromosome in Central Africa: haplogroups

2424

6363

44

3333

Ngum

baNgum

ba

5533332222884747424260604848434358582020474757573636434353536464242458584848555050TotalTotal

3355101022121211114411116619192222R1bR1b

22GG

22E3b1E3b1

202012125555100100898971718585818172727474808075758484757584848585808058588181888880808484E3aE3a

4412125588993310101111226622221717101022E2E2

5522E1E1

2020121255222255332220201212EE

60606464272777225522443322B2bB2b

99221717889977447733141444222121224422BB

9922443322AA

BakaCBakaCBakaGBakaGBakolaBakolaOkande

OkandeGaloa

Galoa

EshiraEshiraTsogoTsogoTekeTekeShakeShakePunuPunu

Orungu

Orungu

Obam

baObam

baNzebi

Nzebi

Ndum

uNdum

uM

akinaM

akinaKotaKotaFangFangEviyaEviyaDum

aDum

aBengaBenga

Bekwil

Bekwil

KeleKele%%

21


Y-chromosome in Central Africa: haplogroup R1

••

••

•

•Haplogroup R1b* (40 %)

Modified from Cruciani et al. 2002

Haplogroup R1b*(Zalloua, personal communication)

Chad: 20-35 %

North Africa: 7 %

Middle East: 10 %


Y-chromosome in Central Africa: haplogroup R1b*

Haplogroup R1b*

Bantu

Bantu with 13.2 repeatAge: ~13,000 ± 3,000 years

Haplogroup R1b*

Bantu


Bantu

Bantu with 13.2 repeat

Bantu


22



Haplogroup R1b including Chad samples

(only 12 STRs)


Bantu

ChadAge: ~12,700 ± 2,200 years

Haplogroup R1b including Chad samples

(only 12 STRs)


Bantu

Chad


BantuBantu

ChadAge: ~12,700 ± 2,200 years



~16,000 years ago

Haplogroup R1

Partial back migration and subsequent contacts

23


Possible scenario(s) 1/12Possible scenario(s) 1/12

�� Scenario(s)Scenario(s)�� Type(s) of Type(s) of movementmovement

–– Population on the movePopulation on the move–– Expansion, migrationExpansion, migration

�� Impact on perception of social Impact on perception of social statusstatus

�� Impact on perception of Impact on perception of lanlan--guageguage

Fang warrior(19th centurydrawing)



�� Contacts Contacts betweenbetween BantuBantu--speakingspeaking farmersfarmers and and otherothergroups (Nilogroups (Nilo--SaharansSaharans?) ?) beforebefore and and duringduring southwardsouthward--boundbound migrations of the firstmigrations of the first–– Initial contacts: Initial contacts: northernnorthern CameroonCameroon?, ?, ChadChad?, Central?, Central--AfricanAfrican

RepublicRepublic (CAR)? (CAR)? FartherFarther southsouth??–– More More thanthan one one regionregion, , possiblypossibly–– Over a Over a considerableconsiderable stretch of time (2stretch of time (2--3 centuries for Fang; 3 centuries for Fang;

olderolder for the for the otherother BantuBantu--speakingspeaking groups)groups)

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Possible scenario(s) 3/12Possible scenario(s) 3/12�� Incorporation: partial Incorporation: partial integrationintegration throughthrough contact contact withwith

pops pops alreadyalready in place (in place (substratumsubstratum) and/or ) and/or encountersencounters of of variousvarious types (!)types (!)

–– ArchaeologicalArchaeological evidenceevidence: hunter: hunter--collectingcollecting settlementssettlements priorprior to to arrivalarrival of Bantu of Bantu villagersvillagers (the (the ‘‘BasquesBasques’’ of of subsub--SaharanSaharan AfricaAfrica!)!)�� Carriers of R1(b)?? Possible, Carriers of R1(b)?? Possible, thoughthough not not veryvery likelylikely……

–– Motivation and modes of incorporation?Motivation and modes of incorporation?�� Evidence (YEvidence (Y--chromosome) chromosome) onlyonly concernsconcerns male male individualsindividuals

–– WhatWhat about about femalesfemales??�� VoluntaryVoluntary basis? basis? ForcedForced integrationintegration??�� Time Time depthsdepths??

–– Not all Fang Not all Fang werewere originallyoriginally FangFang--speakers: traces??speakers: traces??


Current distributionof Nilo-Saharanlanguages

25


The limited extension of the equatorial forest between 20,000 and 11,000 14C years BP, making a Nilo-Saharan expansion possible



�� SeveralSeveral BantuBantu--speakingspeaking pops have pops have thusthus becomebecome, , withwithothersothers, the , the ‘‘carrierscarriers’’ of a of a muchmuch olderolder ‘‘backback--intointo--AfricaAfrica’’migratedmigrated geneticgenetic marker, Fang in marker, Fang in particularparticular

–– Migration Migration withinwithin migration (migration (throughthrough admixtureadmixture))–– ComplexComplex eventevent

26


Possible Possible scenario(sscenario(s) 5/12) 5/12�� LinguisticLinguistic evidenceevidence: Fang migration : Fang migration clearlyclearly waswas part of part of

western Bantu expansionwestern Bantu expansion–– Fang Fang becamebecame the the mostmost southernsouthern zone A zone A languagelanguage

�� LinguisticLinguistic and cultural and cultural evidenceevidence for Fang homeland for Fang homeland beforebefore movementmovement: : forestforest environmentenvironment or or atat fringefringe of of forestforest–– ThoroughThorough knowledgeknowledge of the of the forestforest’’ss ecosystemecosystem

�� Flora, Flora, faunafauna�� HuntingHunting the the elephantelephant (i.a.)(i.a.)

�� Possible homeland(s) (Possible homeland(s) (MvogMvog EtangaEtanga):):–– Adamawa Adamawa highlandshighlands ((northnorth--central central CameroonCameroon)?)?–– UpperUpper--Sangha (western CentralSangha (western Central--AfricanAfrican RepublicRepublic)?)?–– BothBoth??



�� Not a rush!Not a rush!–– LargeLarge--scalescale movementmovement, , withwith variousvarious rates of rates of velocityvelocity over time over time

((somesome accelerationsaccelerations))–– On the On the wholewhole, a slow progression, a slow progression

�� MovingMoving up, up, withwith partial expansion by partial expansion by rapidrapid migration (groups)migration (groups)

�� No direct No direct descentdescent fromfrom the the UpperUpper--Nile Nile regionregion! "Out! "Out--ofof--EgyptEgypt theorytheory" " isis untenableuntenable!!–– SeriousSerious problemproblem of time of time depthdepth! Much ! Much olderolder geneticgenetic substratumsubstratum

�� Not a Not a carefullycarefully plannedplanned, , aggressiveaggressive conquestconquest!!–– On the On the wholewhole, a non, a non--orientedoriented, non, non--plannedplanned, non, non--linearlinear processprocess

27



�� No hordes of No hordes of nomadsnomads: : authenticauthentic villagersvillagers–– MisperceptionMisperception basedbased on final stage of expansion (on final stage of expansion (whichwhich

concernedconcerned onlyonly a part of Fang population!!!)a part of Fang population!!!)–– ProbablyProbably experiencedexperienced tradesmentradesmen alreadyalready in in prepre--colonialcolonial times times

((ivoryivory, , ironworkironwork, etc.)!, etc.)!

�� WaveWave--likelike in in spacespace, in time (, in time (sometimessometimes ‘‘as the as the fleafleajumpsjumps’’))–– SouthernSouthern linguisticlinguistic featuresfeatures in in somesome northernnorthern dialectsdialects (Gabon) (Gabon)

stronglystrongly suggestsuggest ((minorminor) ) backback migrationsmigrations–– SomeSome splitsplit--offs offs maymay have have miscarriedmiscarried–– SomeSome groups groups stayedstayed, , othersothers movedmoved onon–– Not a Not a suddensudden, massive invasion of Gabon, massive invasion of Gabon


Primary and secondarydispersal areas

28



�� TriggeredTriggered and/or and/or encouragedencouraged by a by a greatgreat varietyvariety of facof fac--tors tors thatthat evolvedevolved over timeover time

�� RepellersRepellers, , conductorsconductors, , attractorsattractors–– Populations Populations invadinginvading northernnorthern CameroonCameroon and and triggeringtriggering popupopu--

lationlation movementsmovements (cf. dominos): (cf. dominos): MuslimMuslim invasions and slave invasions and slave tradetrade (the figure of the (the figure of the ‘‘CrocodileCrocodile’’ in Fang oral tradition?), times in Fang oral tradition?), times of of uncertaintyuncertainty�� E.g. E.g. FulaniFulani expansion: expansion: highthight of of centralizedcentralized empire empire duringduring 19th 19th

centurycentury AD AD –– Usman dan Usman dan FodioFodio–– Sokoto empire and jihad (Sokoto empire and jihad (northernnorthern Nigeria)Nigeria)


Fulani (Fulbe) people

29



–– EuropeanEuropean tradetrade and and goodsgoods: efficient : efficient attractorattractor duringduring second second halfhalf of 19th of 19th centurycentury in Gabon (the French: in Gabon (the French: strategicstrategic, , politicalpoliticalchoicechoice!). !). AnswerAnswer to to miserymisery amongamong Fang, Fang, especiallyespecially duringduring final final stage of expansionstage of expansion�� SearchSearch for for womenwomen ((exogamyexogamy) and ) and extremelyextremely highhigh costcost of of dowrydowry

–– Fang Fang dowrydowry system system isis the the mostmost expensiveexpensive of all in Gabon (Mayer, 2002)of all in Gabon (Mayer, 2002)

�� PossiblyPossibly, , decreasedecrease of of elephantelephant population (Cadet, 2005)population (Cadet, 2005)

–– AlsoAlso repellersrepellers in Gabon: in Gabon: fearfear of (of (ongoingongoing) slave ) slave tradetrade, , strongstrongsocial bonds (social bonds (withinwithin lineageslineages))



�� The The wayway the Fang the Fang werewere perceivedperceived and and describeddescribed by the by the EuropeansEuropeans duringduring the 19th the 19th centurycentury in Gabon, i.e. as in Gabon, i.e. as newcomersnewcomers, , veryvery muchmuch determineddetermined the the wayway the local the local people talk about people talk about themthem and and themselvesthemselves, , mixingmixing mythmythand realityand reality–– StrengthenedStrengthened FangFang’’ss feelings of feelings of superioritysuperiority–– CreatedCreated representationsrepresentations on on bothboth sidessides thatthat stillstill lastlast

�� UsefulUseful stereotypesstereotypes�� MythMyth adoptedadopted by the Fangby the Fang

–– InducedInduced a new struggle for powera new struggle for power�� Large impact on populations and Large impact on populations and languageslanguages ((MakinaMakina!)!)

30



�� Impact on perception of Fang Impact on perception of Fang languagelanguage–– Extensive change: Fang no longer Extensive change: Fang no longer recognisedrecognised as Bantu (as Bantu (drasticdrastic

change in change in metalinguisticmetalinguistic judgmentsjudgments) ) –– ((AdoptedAdopted) ) mythmyth ((sharedshared cultural cultural representationsrepresentations) ) onlyonly reinforcedreinforced

thisthis biasedbiased perceptionperception�� LinguisticLinguistic and cultural and cultural identityidentity claimedclaimed by the by the communitycommunity

–– MakeMake othersothers adoptadopt the the samesame representationrepresentation

�� How How beliefbelief systemssystems maymay biasbias perception!perception!



�� Possible Possible explanationexplanation for for perceivedperceived phenotypicphenotypic traits in traits in Fang??Fang??–– WhyWhy Fang and not the Fang and not the otherother pops pops suchsuch as as PunuPunu??

�� ‘‘R1bR1b--freefree’’ pops: pops: MyeneMyene (B10), (B10), TsogoTsogo (B30) and Kele (B30) and Kele (B20) groups(B20) groups–– No real contact No real contact withwith R1bR1b--carryingcarrying popspops

�� More More ancientancient? (? (SuggestedSuggested by by linguisticlinguistic evidenceevidence!)!)�� OtherOther migrations migrations pathspaths? (? (CoastalCoastal??, more western?)??, more western?)

–– Limited Limited numbernumber of Kele and of Kele and PygmyPygmy individualsindividuals: : genegene flowflow

31


�� FurtherFurther explore explore originorigin and and distributiondistribution of the nonof the non--AfricanAfrican haplogrouphaplogroup–– ChadChad, , CameroonCameroon and Central and Central AfricanAfrican RepublicRepublic (e.g. (e.g. UpperUpper--

Sangha area in CAR)Sangha area in CAR)–– FartherFarther down down southsouth

�� Examen Examen NorthNorth--SouthSouth,, decreasingdecreasing gradientgradient–– TwoTwo CongosCongos ((otherother BantuBantu--speakingspeaking populations)populations)–– Angola (idem)Angola (idem)

–– Fang: all Fang: all lineageslineages or or onlyonly somesome of of themthem??

�� LinguisticLinguistic researchresearch–– ProtoProto--FangFang

�� VocabularyVocabulary ((corecore, cultural), cultural)–– ReconstructionsReconstructions–– LoansLoans

FurtherFurther investigation 1/2investigation 1/2


FurtherFurther investigation 2/2investigation 2/2�� SortingSorting out out time time depthsdepths

�� Fang: Fang: Stable Stable ethnicethnic unityunity?? Or Or resultresult of (of (recentrecent) ) convergence?convergence?–– Cultural variation Cultural variation

�� Artefacts (Artefacts (funeralfuneral statuettes, statuettes, traditionaltraditional knivesknives, , traditionaltraditional shieldshield) ) and style and style differencesdifferences withinwithin Fang (Fang (PerroisPerrois, i.a.), i.a.)

�� Variations in oral traditionVariations in oral tradition–– ProblemsProblems withwith genealogiesgenealogies withinwithin ‘‘FangFang’’: absence : absence commoncommon

ancestorsancestors, , incompatibilitiesincompatibilities�� LineagesLineages as as mostmost relevant relevant unitsunits? (? (InsteadInstead of of currentcurrent subgroupssubgroups: :

BetsiBetsi, , NtumuNtumu, , OkakOkak, , MvaiMvai, , MakeMake, , NzamanNzaman) () (LaburtheLaburthe--TolraTolra, 1981), 1981)�� WhatWhat cancan population population geneticsgenetics tell us?tell us?

32


AcknowledgementsAcknowledgements

�� To To EuropeanEuropean Science Science FoundationFoundation�� To CNRSTo CNRS�� To the To the organisersorganisers (CLCG)(CLCG)�� To the audience To the audience

Fang blacksmiths in 1856 (Du Chaillu, 1863:168)


ReferencesReferences (1)(1)�� AlexandreAlexandre, P. (1965). Proto, P. (1965). Proto--histoire du histoire du groupegroupe betibeti--bulubulu--fangfang : : essaiessai de de

synthsynthèèsese provisoireprovisoire, , Cahiers Cahiers dd’é’étudestudes africainesafricaines, , volvol V., nV., n°° 20. 50320. 503--560.560.�� BowdichBowdich, T., T.--E. (1819). E. (1819). Voyage Voyage dansdans le pays le pays dd’’AschantieAschantie ouou Relation de Relation de

ll’’ambassadeambassade envoyenvoyééee dansdans cece royaumeroyaume par les par les AnglaisAnglais, , Paris, Gide, 1819, Paris, Gide, 1819, 527 p., 527 p., traductiontraduction de de ll’é’éditiondition originaleoriginale, , LondresLondres, John Murray, 1819; Carte , John Murray, 1819; Carte de 1821, de 1821, publipubliééee dansdans MittheilungenMittheilungen ausaus Justus Justus PerthesPerthes’’ GeographischerGeographischerAnstaltAnstalt üüberber WichtigeWichtige NeueNeue ErforschungenErforschungen auf Dem auf Dem GesammtgebieteGesammtgebiete derderGeographieGeographie von Dr A. von Dr A. PetermannPetermann 1862, Gotha Justus 1862, Gotha Justus PerthesPerthes, , TafelTafel 8, Die 8, Die GabGabüünn LLäändernder..

�� Cadet, X. (2005). Cadet, X. (2005). Histoire des Fang, Histoire des Fang, peuplepeuple gabonaisgabonais. PhD thesis in History. . PhD thesis in History. Lille 3, July 2005. Supervisor Jean Martin. CRHENLille 3, July 2005. Supervisor Jean Martin. CRHEN--O.O.

�� DiopDiop, C. A. (1979; 1955). , C. A. (1979; 1955). Nations nNations nèègres et culture. De lgres et culture. De l’’antiquitantiquitéé nnèègre gre éégyptienne aux problgyptienne aux problèèmes culturels de lmes culturels de l’’Afrique Noire dAfrique Noire d’’aujourdaujourd’’huihui. Paris, . Paris, PrPréésence africaine.sence africaine.

�� DiopDiop, C. A. (1981). , C. A. (1981). Civilisation Civilisation ouou barbariebarbarie ? ? Anthropologie sans Anthropologie sans comcom--plaisanceplaisance. Paris, Pr. Paris, Préésence africaine.sence africaine.

33


ReferencesReferences (2)(2)�� DiopDiop, C. A. (1993; 1977). , C. A. (1993; 1977). AntAntéérioritrioritéé des des civilisationscivilisations nnèègresgres : : mythemythe ouou

vvééritritéé historiquehistorique ?? Paris/Dakar, Paris/Dakar, PrPréésencesence africaineafricaine..�� Du Du ChailluChaillu, P. (1863). , P. (1863). Voyages et aventures en Afrique Voyages et aventures en Afrique ééquatorialequatoriale. Paris, . Paris,

Michel Levy.Michel Levy.�� GuthrieGuthrie, M. (1948). , M. (1948). The Classification of the Bantu The Classification of the Bantu LanguagesLanguages. London, . London,

Oxford Oxford UniversityUniversity PressPress for the International for the International AfricanAfrican IInstitutenstitute..�� Guthrie, M. (1967Guthrie, M. (1967--71). 71). Comparative BantuComparative Bantu. Farnborough, Gregg . Farnborough, Gregg

International Publishers.International Publishers.�� HombertHombert, J., J.--M., M., MedjoMedjo MvMvéé, P. & , P. & NguNguéémama, R. (1989). Les Fang sont, R. (1989). Les Fang sont--ils ils

BantuBantu ? ? PholiaPholia, 4, LAPHOLIA, CRLS, Universit, 4, LAPHOLIA, CRLS, Universitéé LumiLumièèrere--Lyon 2. Lyon 2. 133133--47.47.�� LaburtheLaburthe--TolraTolra P. (1981). P. (1981). Les seigneurs de la forêtLes seigneurs de la forêt, Paris, Publication de la , Paris, Publication de la

Sorbonne.Sorbonne.�� Mayer, R. (2002). Mayer, R. (2002). Histoire de la Histoire de la famillefamille gabonaisegabonaise. Libreville, Editions du . Libreville, Editions du

LUTO.LUTO.�� MbaMba--NkogheNkoghe, J. (2001). , J. (2001). Description linguistique du fang du Gabon (parler Description linguistique du fang du Gabon (parler

atsiatsi)) : phonologie, morphologie, syntaxe, lexique: phonologie, morphologie, syntaxe, lexique. . PhDPhD thesisthesis..�� MedjoMedjo MvMvéé, P. (1997). , P. (1997). Essai sur la phonologie Essai sur la phonologie panchroniquepanchronique des parlers des parlers

fang du Gabon et ses implications historiquesfang du Gabon et ses implications historiques. . PhDPhD ThesisThesis. Universit. UniversitééLumiLumièèrere--Lyon 2.Lyon 2.


ReferencesReferences (3)(3)�� ObengaObenga, T. (1985). , T. (1985). Les Bantu. Langues. Peuples. CivilisationsLes Bantu. Langues. Peuples. Civilisations. Paris, . Paris,

PrPréésence africaine.sence africaine.�� ObengaObenga, T. (1993). , T. (1993). Origine commune de lOrigine commune de l’é’égyptien ancien, du copte et des gyptien ancien, du copte et des

langues nlangues néégrogro--africaines modernes. Introduction africaines modernes. Introduction àà la linguistique historique la linguistique historique africaineafricaine. Paris, L. Paris, L’’Harmattan.Harmattan.

�� PerroisPerrois L. (1972). L. (1972). La La statuairestatuaire fang. Gabonfang. Gabon. . MMéémoiremoire de de ll’’O.R.S.T.O.MO.R.S.T.O.M., n., n°°59, Paris, ORSTOM.59, Paris, ORSTOM.

�� PerroisPerrois, L. (2006). , L. (2006). FangFang. T2 Visions . T2 Visions dd’’AfriqueAfrique. Paris, 5 Continents.. Paris, 5 Continents.�� Trilles, R. P. (1912a). Trilles, R. P. (1912a). Chez les Fang ou quinze annChez les Fang ou quinze annéées de ses de sééjour au Congo jour au Congo

franfranççaisais. Paris, Soci. Paris, Sociééttéé AugustinAugustin--DesclDesclééee de Brouwer.de Brouwer.�� Trilles, R. P. (1912b). Le totTrilles, R. P. (1912b). Le totéémisme chez les Fang. misme chez les Fang. AnthroposAnthropos--BibliothekBibliothek, ,

vol. I, nvol. I, n°° 4, Munster4, Munster..�� TrillesTrilles, R. P. (1931). , R. P. (1931). Mille Mille lieueslieues dansdans ll’’inconnuinconnu. . En pleine forêt En pleine forêt ééquatoriale, quatoriale,

chez les Fangchez les Fang. . Paris, Paris, DesclDesclééee de Brouwer.de Brouwer.�� Wilson, J. (1843). Mr. WilsonWilson, J. (1843). Mr. Wilson’’s description of the country near the mouth of s description of the country near the mouth of

the the GaboonGaboon. . The Missionary HeraldThe Missionary Herald. vol. XXXIX. June 1843, n. vol. XXXIX. June 1843, n°° 6. 2296. 229--240.240.

34



Primitive homelandPrimitive homeland

�� ‘‘MvogMvog EtangaEtanga’’

�� OverallOverall convergence of Fang oral traditionsconvergence of Fang oral traditions–– Limited time Limited time depthdepth ((reliabilityreliability))

�� WiderWider contextcontext in in keepingkeeping withwith the migration (the migration (BetiBeti, , BuluBulu))

�� RoleRole of of warwar: one of the : one of the factorsfactors

35



�� Cultural Cultural evidenceevidence: artefacts, : artefacts, lifestylelifestyle, etc., etc.–– ElephantElephant skinskin--coveredcovered shieldshield (80x60 cm) ((80x60 cm) (ngungu), ), swordsword ((fafa), axe ), axe

((ôvônôvôn), ), kindkind of of knifeknife ((onzilonzil); ); anthropomorphicanthropomorphic statuettes and statuettes and masksmasks

–– InternalInternal (original) (original) developmentsdevelopments? ? ExternalExternal influences?influences?

�� ExtentExtent of of acquaintanceacquaintance withwith currentcurrent environmentenvironment

�� TakeTake clans as basic clans as basic unitsunits of investigation, of investigation, insteadinstead of the of the currentcurrent ((linguisticallylinguistically--basedbased) ) subgroupssubgroups ((BetsiBetsi, , NtumuNtumu, , OkakOkak, , MvaiMvai, , MakeMake, , NzamanNzaman) () (LaburtheLaburthe--TolraTolra))



�� Not all Fang Not all Fang werewere originallyoriginally FangFang--speakersspeakers

�� ProbablyProbably, Fang not , Fang not directlydirectly pushedpushed themselvesthemselves–– BetiBeti as as intermediatesintermediates–– Domino Domino effecteffect

36


Migrations of Fang groups since the 17th and 18th centuries, according to oral traditions

(Modified fromPerrois 2006)


Map of explorations by Du Chaillu (drawn by the author, 1863)

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Map of explorations by R. de Lannoy de Bessy (1879-1886)

origins of fang - ddl der veen/van der veen_2007...1 linguistics colloquium , center for language...

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