Knowing and teaching Africa with Amadou Hampâté Bâ:

the movements of an african ancestral reconnection

Abstract

This text deals with the subject of teaching African history and culture. It is the result of reflections following the doctoral thesis entitled "Africas in the classroom: possibilities for journeys based on African cinema" (2019). The developments of the thesis led to the search for new possibilities for approaching African themes, understanding teacher training as an important prerequisite.  Throughout this text, we have emphasized the need for a didactic approach to teaching Africa that is aligned with the African perspective and the importance of making certain movements that are consistent with this perspective. The African author Amadou Hampâté Bâ and his work were brought into the conversation by way of illustration and guidance. The text is organized into four parts, including the introduction, and concludes with brief final considerations. The introduction contextualized the issue of teaching African History and Culture. The second part presents initial considerations on the African Ancestral Reconnection approach. The third part gives a biographical sketch of Amadou Hampâté Bâ. The fourth part discusses arguments in favor of using the author's works for a relevant approach to Africa in classrooms or any other space in basic education where there is a desire to choose Africa as an object of study.