This map is available as a 100 x 70 cm limited edition print in my web shop. Part of an initial edition of 350 copies, it is produced on 200 g/m² matte art paper with an archival lifespan of up to 1,000 years.

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An Updated Vision of a Decolonised West Africa: Alkebu-lan 1270 AH

A Deep Dive into Regional Sovereignty

Following the 2011 release of my continent-wide map, I felt a profound need to return to the research with even greater precision. This 2023 edition, Iwo-oorun Alkebu-lan 1270 AH, focuses specifically on the diverse and powerful states of West Africa in the year 1852 AD.

Focus on West Africa

By narrowing the geographic scope, I have been able to render the intricate borders of kingdoms, emirates, and confederations with a level of detail that was not possible on the larger map. This is a portrayal of a region at a peak of political complexity, just decades before the colonial "Scramble for Africa" attempted to erase these centuries-old structures.

Cartographic Heritage

Consistent with the Sankoré tradition and the works of the 12th-century cartographer Muhammad al-Idrisi, this map is oriented with South at the top. This perspective shifts the viewer’s orientation, placing the Sahelian intellectual hubs at the centre of the world-view.

• The Name: "Iwo-oorun" is the Yoruba word for "Western".

• The Script: The map features names in their local endonyms, respecting the linguistic identity of the people who built these states.

• Terminology: The continent is referred to as Alkebu-lan, honouring its ancient indigenous roots as the "Mother of Mankind".

Technical Specifications

• Scale and Detail: The map identifies thousands of settlements, from hamlets to metropolises, alongside significant ruins that were already ancient by 1852.

• Geographical Accuracy: Using a Lambert azimuthal equal-area projection, the map accurately displays the true size of the West African landmass, avoiding the distortions common in Western school maps.

• Visual Iconography: The legend features symbols inspired by the Bwa Sun Masks and Nsibidi iconography, further anchoring the map's aesthetic in West African cultural heritage.

A Nuanced Vision of 1853

This reimagining transports us to West Africa in the year 1270 AH (1853), a temporal setting prior to the intensification of colonialism in 1884. While European coastal trade posts have been removed, the interior remains a faithful representation of West Africa as it existed between 1800 and 1853.

In my original 2011 map, I utilised a ‘best-of’ approach—for example, depicting the Songhai Empire at its peak, despite it having collapsed by 1590. For this regional map, I have instead prioritised diversity and historical synchronicity. Rather than portraying the Sokoto Caliphate as a single, unified monolith, I have depicted the various Hausa Emirates as independent entities. This reflects their historical autonomy as vassals and the fact that many still endure as traditional states today. Striking the balance between merging related groups and displaying them separately is a constant challenge; my goal was to maximise the representation of diversity without allowing the cartography to become cluttered.

Furthermore, this edition introduces a more sophisticated visual language for the landscape. It features bespoke patterns for different biomes, alongside dedicated iconography for hills, mountains, and volcanoes. I have also implemented a tiered system of patterns to distinguish between small, medium, and large river systems.

A Vision of Sovereignty

In conclusion, I invite you to let this map arouse your curiosity and kindle a deeper interest in the vast complexities of African history. It is a prompt to contemplate an alternative and more equitable world—one where indigenous agency remains uninterrupted.

If this vision resonates with you, please consider supporting my research and art by purchasing a print from the web shop.

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