Library

The ASCL library has recently acquired a book on the Comoros islands’ history, written by Iain Walker. It traces the unique culture of these islands, from their first settlement by Africans, Arabs and Austronesians, through their heyday within the greater Swahili world and their decline as a forgotten outpost of the French colonial empire.

On the occasion of the 25th anniversary conference of the NVAS (Netherlands Association for African Studies) on 9 and 10 December, the ASCL Library compiled a web dossier on language, conciliation and conflict in Africa. 

On 5 February 1994, Nigerian painter and sculptor Odinigwe Benedict Chukwukadibia Enwonwu, better known as Ben Enwonwu, died in Lagos at the age of 76. Arguably one of the most influential African artists of the 20th century, his pioneering career opened the way for the postcolonial proliferation and increased visibility of modern African art.  Enwonwu crater on the planet Mercury is named in his honour.