Based on the excerpt from A History of the World …

English Questions
Short Answer
Step by Step Solution
English Questions

Read the excerpt from A History of the World in 100 Objects. The drum was found by Kitchener’s army near Khartoum after the Anglo-Egyptian reconquest of the city. Once again it was re-carved √¢¬Ä¬ì or re-branded √¢¬Ä¬ì to make a political statement: near the tail of the bush calf Kitchener added the emblem of the British Crown. It was then presented to Queen Victoria. Which conclusion about historical significance can be drawn from this information? The emblem of the British crown was carved onto all artifacts found by the British army. The carving on the slit drum was viewed as an unimportant addition by Kitchener’s army. The carving on the slit drum is representative of British rule over African territories. The emblem of the British crown was commonly found already engraved on foreign artifacts.

Short Answer

The carvings on the slit drum represent British imperial dominance in Africa, embodying themes of power and control. The inclusion of crown emblems alongside local symbols visually reinforced English authority and highlighted submission by the colonized. This analysis emphasizes the role of art in reflecting the complexities of colonial relationships.

Step-by-Step Solution

Step 1: Understanding Carving on the Slit Drum

The carving on the slit drum serves as a significant artifact representing British rule over African territories. During the age of imperialism, such symbols were used to communicate the dominance of the British over conquered lands. These carvings were more than mere decorations; they encapsulated themes of power and control.

Step 2: The Role of Crown Emblems

During British imperialism, the presence of the crown emblem was a common practice. This emblem was often incorporated close to the national symbols of the territories under British control. The use of these heraldic symbols was intended to signify English authority and to visually reinforce the idea of colonial rule over local populations, showcasing their submission.

Step 3: Historical Significance of the Excerpt

The information from the excerpt highlights a critical aspect of colonization: the symbolic representation of submission and control through art forms like drum carvings. By examining these symbols, we gain insight into the dynamics of imperial power and how cultural artifacts can reflect the complex relationships between colonizers and the colonized. This understanding is vital for studying the effects of colonialism on local cultures.

Related Concepts

Slit Drum

Defining a percussion instrument common in various cultures, made from wood and featuring slits that create different pitches when struck

Imperialism

A policy or ideology where a nation extends its power and influence through colonization or military force over other territories

Submission

A state of yielding or surrendering to authority, often seen in the context of colonial rule where local populations acknowledge the power of the colonizers.

Table Of Contents
  1. Read the excerpt from A History of the World in 100 Objects. The drum was found by Kitchener's army near Khartoum after the Anglo-Egyptian reconquest of the city. Once again it was re-carved – or re-branded – to make a political statement: near the tail of the bush calf Kitchener added the emblem of the British Crown. It was then presented to Queen Victoria. Which conclusion about historical significance can be drawn from this information? The emblem of the British crown was carved onto all artifacts found by the British army. The carving on the slit drum was viewed as an unimportant addition by Kitchener's army. The carving on the slit drum is representative of British rule over African territories. The emblem of the British crown was commonly found already engraved on foreign artifacts.

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