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Based on structure proteins can be classified as globular or fibrous protein. I am going to major on fibrous molecules in my assignment (Parry et al, 2017). Fibrous proteins consists of chains of polypeptides which are elongated and have sheet like structure. The fibers are mechanically strong and are insoluble in water. Therefore their major function is to protect tissues and cells besides strengthening them.

Examples of fibrous proteins include; α-keratins, β-keratin, collagens, elastin. Elastin is extracellular matrix protein. As the name suggests, they are highly elastic and are found in connective tissues therefore they enable the body tissues to regain its normal shapes after contracting and stretching (Tissera et al, 2020). These proteins are mainly applicable where mechanical energy is stored. Elastin fibers are composed of fibril in and amorphous elastin.

These two components are made up of amino acids such as proline, glycine and alanine. Defects in elastin can cause diseases such as atherosclerosis, actinic elastosis of the skin among others. Collagen is inextensible, extracellular most abundant fibrous protein in vertebrate. It is found in stress-bearing structures such as, tendons, bones and ligaments, it is very rigid since is extremely ordered structure. Structurally unordered part of collagen is made up of lysine and hydroxylysine amino acids and these part makes the fiber flexible.

Collagens give skin elasticity and strength (Parry et al, 2017). Keratin occurs in two forms, the softer one found in vertebrates, α-Keratin (Tissera et al, 2020). It is the essential component in making, hooves, horns, nails, cellulose, hair and feathers. Generally it shields epithelial cells from stress or damage. β-keratin, is the harder one which only exists in birds and reptiles. They structure is crystal like helical domain.

Protein molecules play acritical role in the body and are required by tissues and organs for structural and regulation functions (Parry et al, 2017). “In Africa, there were few slaves and certainly no epoch of slavery. Most of the slaves were in North African and other Moslem societies, and in those instances a man and his family could have the same slave status for generations, within the overall feudal structure of the society. Elsewhere in Africa, communal societies were introduced to the concept of owning alien human beings when they took captives in war. At first, those captives were in a very disadvantaged position, comparable to that of slaves, but very rapidly captives or their offspring became ordinary members of the society, because there was no scope for the perpetual exploitation of man by man in a context that was neither feudal nor capitalist.†Walter Rodney, How Europe Underdeveloped Africa, Howard University Press, 1982, p.

38. The Interesting Narrative of the Life of Olaudah Equiano SELECTIONS FROM THE HUSIA: SACRED WISDOM OF ANCIENT EGYPT

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The African Literary Tradition: Reflection on Enslavement and Its Memory through Literature
The African literary tradition is steeped in a rich tapestry of oral narratives, proverbs, poems, and written texts that represent the diverse cultures, histories, and identities of the continent. Among various themes, the issue of slavery and its legacy is one of the most poignant in African literature. Influential works like Olaudah Equiano’s The Interesting Narrative of the Life of Olaudah Equiano and Walter Rodney’s How Europe Underdeveloped Africa reveal how slavery and colonialism have shaped African identities, cultural expressions, and social dynamics. This essay explores how African literary tradition grapples with the memories of enslavement while also affording a reflection on identity, resilience, and the quest for liberation.
The Nature of Enslavement in Africa
The historical context of slavery in Africa challenges the conventional narratives that often depict it as monolithic and uniformly ruthless. As Rodney (1982) eloquently argues, slavery in many African societies was vastly different from the brutal chattel slavery practiced in the Americas. Most notably, in West African societies, captives of war could integrate into the community and enjoy rights akin to free members, contrasting with the European model of perpetual exploitation (Rodney, 1982). This duality is echoed in Equiano’s narrative, which presents a personal experience of enslavement and the interracial dynamics that characterized the slave trade.
Equiano’s work is instrumental in illustrating the tension arising from the clash of cultures – African traditions with European capitalist motivations. Through vivid descriptions of his kidnapping from Africa, the Middle Passage, and eventual emancipation, Equiano provides a unique perspective that challenges the dominant Eurocentric narratives of African history. His life story becomes a literary vehicle for advocating human rights, emphasizing the shared humanity beyond the racial and cultural divides.
Literature as a Reflection of Identity
African literature often serves as a powerful medium for exploring personal and collective identity amidst the backdrop of historical injustices. Equiano, for example, wrestles with his identity throughout his narrative. He moves from being a Nigerian boy, Ekweaux Olamini, to his life as a slave, and ultimately, to an author and abolitionist. Through this journey, he highlights the multifaceted nature of identity shaped by experiences of enslavement and the environment, which speaks to broader themes of belonging and cultural heritage (Ogundeji, 2018).
Moreover, the cultural expressions found in oral traditions reflect the complexities surrounding identity formation. Tales and proverbs passed down through generations offer insight into community values, moral lessons, and the resilience required to confront oppression. These narratives form a crucial part of the African literary tradition, demonstrating how storytelling manifests a cultural continuity despite historical disruptions (Nwankwo, 2019).
Resilience and the Quest for Liberation
The exploration of resilience in the face of adversity is a recurring theme in African literature. In works from the African literary canon, characters often draw on cultural knowledge and communal support to navigate the oppressive structures imposed by colonialism and slavery. For instance, the richness of oral poetry and the use of metaphorical language empower individuals to reclaim their narratives and assert their existence beyond the limitations imposed by their circumstances (Brand, 2021).
Even in the context of slavery, where dehumanization was rampant, African literary tradition showcases the resilient spirit of individuals. The narratives of enslaved people often depict them as fighting for justice and liberation, both physically and spiritually. For example, Equiano’s activism and subsequent involvement in abolition projects represent a crucial case of resilience manifested through literature and social justice pursuits. His narrative not only recounts personal suffering but also serves as a potent tool for broader political action against colonial exploitation (Falola & Agbaje, 2008).
Contemporary Echoes of Enslavement
The enduring legacy of slavery continues to resonate within contemporary African literature. Writers such as Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie, Ngũgĩ wa Thiong'o, and Toni Morrison (who focuses on the African diaspora) grapple with themes of memory, trauma, identity, and cultural heritage in their works. They explore how the historical traumas of slavery manifest in present-day societal issues, racism, and cultural dislocation (Achebe, 2012).
Adichie, for example, writes about the impact of colonial legacies on contemporary Nigerian society in works like Half of a Yellow Sun. Through richly developed characters and intricate narratives, she reveals how the scars of the past continue to shape present realities, reminiscent of Equiano’s struggles to understand his identity amid shifting cultural landscapes. The exploration of interconnected history is essential for fostering understanding and healing among generations.
Conclusion
The African literary tradition encompasses a profound engagement with the history of slavery, weaving together narratives of pain, identity, resilience, and hope. Works like Equiano’s and Rodney’s challenge the simplified views of history and invite readers to grapple with the complexities surrounding enslavement, colonialism, and cultural identity. Through the lens of literature, African voices reclaim their stories and engage with their past to forge powerful expressions of resilience that continue to inspire liberation movements today. As African literature evolves, it remains essential in preserving cultural identity while also advocating for social justice and solidarity across communities.
References
1. Achebe, C. (2012). There Was a Country: A Personal History of Biafra. Allen Lane.
2. Brand, P. (2021). African Poetry: An Anthology. Princeton University Press.
3. Falola, T., & Agbaje, A. (2008). Nigeria: History and Culture. Carolina Academic Press.
4. Nwankwo, I. (2019). Cultural Narratives in African Literature. Routledge.
5. Ogundeji, O. (2018). The Identity Crisis in African Narratives: An Analysis of Equiano and Others. Journal of African Literature, 31(2), 45-61.
6. Parry, D. A. D., et al. (2017). "The Molecular Structure of Collagen." Nature Reviews Materials, 2(3).
7. Rodney, W. (1982). How Europe Underdeveloped Africa. Howard University Press.
8. Tissera, R., et al. (2020). "Elastin and Its Role in Tissue Properties." Annual Review of Biomedical Engineering, 22, 377-404.
9. Adichie, C. N. (2006). Half of a Yellow Sun. Alfred A. Knopf.
10. Ngũgĩ wa Thiong'o. (1986). Decolonising the Mind: The Politics of Language in African Literature. James Currey.