Ireland, a land renowned for its rich cultural heritage and ancient history, is home to many fascinating stories. Among the most intriguing is the tale of the Twa people, also known as pygmies, who are believed to have been among the first black inhabitants of this island nation.
“Many historians believe that apart from the San people who exist in Southern Africa, the Twa people are the oldest in the world and have lived through countless experiences and historical events. Despite their age, they continue to be lucid and full of wisdom, sharing their stories with those who are willing to listen. Their knowledge is unparalleled, and they are revered by all who know them. They are living legends, a testament to the strength of the human spirit and the power of resilience and a living example of the importance of cherishing and respecting our elders. They hold the key to our past & future, known as the oldest people on the planet and their history stretches back thousands and thousands of years (some researchers even say millions of years).” Typical African, @Joe__Bassey X
This article delves into the history, origins, and cultural significance of the Twa people in Ireland and their connection to the famous story of St. Patrick driving out the snakes.
Unveiling the Twa People
David MacRitchie’s Insights
David MacRitchie, in his seminal work “Ancient and Modern Britons,” offers a fascinating glimpse into the early inhabitants of Ireland. He notes that the Gaelic term “Dubh Eireannach,” meaning “Black Irishman,” suggests that ancient Ireland was home to black tribes. This linguistic clue points to a historical recognition of black tribes in Ireland, including the Twa people.
S.R.K. Glanville’s “The Legacy of Egypt” (1942)
Glanville’s exploration of Egypt’s influence in “The Legacy of Egypt” hints at ancient migrations that might have brought diverse peoples, including the Twa, to Ireland. The interplay between ancient civilizations could have facilitated these migrations, enriching Ireland’s early cultural landscape.
Prof. William J. Watson’s “The History of the Celtic Placenames of Scotland” (1926)
Watson’s study of Celtic place names uncovers significant insights into the origins of early settlers in Scotland and Ireland. The Gaelic language, with its intriguing terms and meanings, provides clues about the diverse backgrounds of these early inhabitants, including the Twa people.
Alexander Stewart’s “A Highland Parish or the History of Fortingall” (1928)
Stewart’s historical account of Fortingall, a parish in Scotland, offers valuable context about the migration and settlement patterns of ancient peoples. His work supports the notion that the Twa people, known for their distinct stature and heritage, were part of this early population.
Ward Rutherford’s “Celtic Lore: the History of the Druids and their Timeless Traditions” (1993)
Rutherford’s exploration of Druidic traditions and Celtic lore highlights the cultural exchanges and spiritual practices that likely included the Twa people, underscoring their integration into early Irish society.
Rev. Robert Taylor’s “The Diegesis” (1844)
Taylor’s work traces the origins of Christian doctrines to earlier philosophical schools, suggesting a rich tapestry of cultural exchanges in ancient times. This context implies that diverse groups, including the Twa, contributed to Ireland’s early cultural landscape.
James Bonwick’s “Irish Druids and Old Irish Religions” (1986)
Bonwick’s analysis of ancient Irish religions reveals that the Twa people, as early inhabitants, played a role in shaping Ireland’s spiritual and cultural practices.
Rev. John Williams Ab Ithel’s “The Traditionary Annals of the Cymri” (1867)
Ab Ithel’s detailed annals of the Cymri include references to early settlers in Ireland, potentially including the Twa people, thus enriching the broader historical narrative.
Ancient Wisdom and Global Influence
The Oldest People on Earth
The Twa people, known for their small stature, are considered one of the oldest human populations on the planet, with a history stretching back thousands, if not millions, of years. Their extensive knowledge and wisdom, particularly in healing, clothing, and shoemaking, were revered by many ancient cultures, including the Kemites of Egypt.
Migration to Ireland
Some Twa people migrated to Ireland, bringing with them their profound knowledge of nature, herbs, and spiritual practices. Their sacred centers and symbols adorned their clothing, headdresses, and hairstyles, which often resembled “snakes,” hinting at their deep connection to nature and spirituality. The Twa also wore headcovers that depicted the Uraeus or cobra, a symbol of wisdom and power also seen in ancient Kemet.
The Term “Black Irish”
The term “Black Irish” has been used historically to describe people of dark hair and complexion, distinct from the typical fair-haired and light-skinned Celtic image. However, this term also hints at an older, deeper-rooted presence of black people in Ireland, possibly including the Twa. MacRitchie’s work, among others, suggests that “Black Irish” could be referring to these ancient black inhabitants.
St. Patrick and the Twa People
The story of St. Patrick is often celebrated as the tale of a saint driving the snakes out of Ireland. However, historians and scholars suggest that this narrative might symbolically refer to St. Patrick driving out the old pagan traditions and their practitioners. Some interpretations extend this idea to include the displacement of the Twa people, who were possibly among these early inhabitants practicing ancient spiritual traditions.
St. Patrick’s Day
St. Patrick’s Day, celebrated worldwide, marks the conversion of Ireland to Christianity. The narrative of St. Patrick driving out the snakes can be seen as an allegory for the suppression of the older, indigenous cultures, including the Twa. This interpretation underscores the significant cultural shifts and the often-overlooked history of Ireland’s black inhabitants.
The Enduring Legacy of the Twa People
The Twa people are living legends, a testament to the strength of the human spirit and the power of resilience. They are a living example of the importance of cherishing and respecting our elders, as they hold the key to our past and future. Despite their age, they continue to be lucid and full of wisdom, sharing their stories with those who are willing to listen. Their knowledge is unparalleled, and they are revered by all who know them.
Conclusion
The history of the Twa people in Ireland is a testament to the island’s diverse and multicultural past. As one of the first black inhabitants, the Twa people played a significant role in shaping the cultural and historical landscape of ancient Ireland. Through the works of historians and scholars, we can piece together the fascinating story of these early settlers and their enduring legacy.
References
Rev. John Williams Ab Ithel, “The Traditionary Annals of the Cymri,” 1867.
David MacRitchie, “Ancient and Modern Britons.”
S.R.K. Glanville, “The Legacy of Egypt,” 1942.
Prof. William J. Watson, “The History of the Celtic Placenames of Scotland,” 1926.
Alexander Stewart, “A Highland Parish or the History of Fortingall,” 1928.
Ward Rutherford, “Celtic Lore: the History of the Druids and their Timeless Traditions,” 1993.
Rev. Robert Taylor, “The Diegesis,” 1844.
James Bonwick, “Irish Druids and Old Irish Religions,” 1986.
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