MONOCULTURE | A Recent History

Considered as Frobenius’ most significant contribution to ethnography, this book describes two paideumas as the two main forces of cultural development, which also represent two opposite world views. The “cave mentality” (Hohlengefühl), which is described as common for peoples of Hamitic origin, the Semites of the Middle East, French and Anglo-Saxons, and the “open space mentality” (Weitengefühl), which unites Ethiopians and Germans. Paideuma can be described as a unique faculty or manifestation of an attitude to life formed by a specific environment and upbringing. Therefore, man is understood as a product of culture, not the contrary. Every single cultural phenomenon is always an expression of its paideuma, thus art is considered an epiphany, a key to understanding the essence of life and the Other. And since it is a matter that lies beyond individuality and rationality, it should be approached by intuition. Senghor was captivated by Frobenius’ concept, including the unity between German and African souls, between Négritude and Germanité.