That “tribal” word
10 min readFeb 5, 2021
Yoruba art from southwestern Nigeria
Wood, glass beads, Reckitt’s bluing. H:11" https://africanartssf.com/african-tribal-art/sculptures/male-female-ibeji-twin-figures-yoruba-tribe-nigeria/
I cringe whenever I see that word in a news article. And I see it so often in journalese. Stories about developing countries often feature phrases like tribal healer, tribal land, tribal conflict, tribesmen, tribal chief, tribal wear, tribal name, tribal rhythm. The word is so problematic, I don’t even know where to begin. I will suggest this — get some education on its history.
