The Ishango Bone: Proof That Arithmetic Existed in Ancient Africa

 For a long time, African civilizations were unfairly portrayed as societies without advanced scientific or mathematical knowledge. However, archaeological discoveries continue to challenge this false narrative. One of the most powerful pieces of evidence is the Ishango Bone—sometimes mistakenly referred to as the “Shango bone”—which proves that arithmetic existed in Africa tens of thousands of years ago.

The Ishango Bone was discovered in 1950 by Belgian geologist Jean de Heinzelin near Ishango, on the shores of Lake Edward, in present-day eastern Democratic Republic of Congo. Carbon dating estimates its age at over 20,000 years old, making it one of the earliest known mathematical tools in human history. The bone, believed to be from a baboon, contains carefully carved notches arranged in distinct columns.

What makes the Ishango Bone extraordinary is the patterned grouping of the notches. Researchers have observed sequences that suggest counting, duplication, addition, and even prime numbers such as 11, 13, 17, and 19. These are not random scratches but intentional markings that point to a deep understanding of numerical relationships. Some scholars believe the bone functioned as a primitive calculator, while others suggest it was used for lunar calendars, trade accounting, or ritual mathematics.

This discovery clearly demonstrates that early African societies engaged in abstract thinking and mathematical reasoning long before similar developments in ancient Europe or Asia. The Ishango Bone predates the Egyptian pyramids and Mesopotamian number systems, placing Africa at the very foundation of global mathematical history.

Beyond its scientific importance, the Ishango Bone carries immense cultural significance. It challenges colonial myths that undermined African intelligence and innovation. Instead, it affirms Africa as a cradle not only of humanity but also of scientific knowledge and intellectual advancement.

Today, the Ishango Bone stands as a symbol of Africa’s overlooked brilliance. It reminds the world that arithmetic did not begin in textbooks or classrooms—it began with African ancestors observing nature, counting, reasoning, and recording knowledge in ways that still inspire awe thousands of years later.