A new children's book depicting the ancient Picts as black has generated controversy, raising questions about historical accuracy and representation in children's literature.
A new children's book , Carved in Stone: A Storyteller's Guide to the Picts , is stirring controversy by depicting the ancient Pictish people of Scotland as black. The book, aimed at children aged 14 and up, offers an illustrated history of the Picts , who inhabited eastern and northern Scotland from approximately 270 to 900 AD. The illustrations, which include black villagers, monks, bishops, and religious healers, are intended to showcase the 'multicultural and diverse' origins of Scotland .
The project, partly funded by the Society of Antiquaries of Scotland, aims to make the book freely available in schools and libraries. The creative team behind the book emphasizes the inclusion of diverse voices, including queer, marginalized, and disabled individuals, in an effort to challenge historical misconceptions. The heritage organization Dig It, a partner on the project, states that the book seeks to present the latest archaeological research about the Picts in an accessible way, highlighting their complexity and connections to the wider world. The book's portrayal of the Picts as black has raised questions and sparked debate among historians and the public. \The historical accuracy of the book's depiction is a central point of contention. The Romans referred to the Picts as 'Picti,' meaning 'painted people,' largely due to their use of tattoos. However, the authors of 'Carved in Stone' suggest that evidence is inconclusive regarding the prevalence and nature of tattooing among the Picts. They also note that available pigments like woad or copper were not necessarily safe for human use. The book's authors believe that while some Picts may have had tattoos, others may not have. The Pictish kingdom's core was believed to be in present-day Moray and Aberdeenshire, extending to the Firth of Forth and across to the Isle of Skye and Shetland. A 2023 genetic study suggests the Picts descended from Iron Age populations long established in Britain. The decision to portray the Picts as black aligns with a trend of re-imagining historical figures with diverse racial identities, as seen in the recent children's book 'Heroes of Hope,' which depicts St. Augustine as a black man. \'Heroes of Hope,' written by Church of England officials, aims to inspire children with examples of 'Black and brown saints, often erased and whitewashed from history.' St. Augustine, a significant figure in Christian history, was born in 354 AD in a Mediterranean coastal town (modern-day Algeria) and became a bishop of Hippo. Historical depictions have primarily shown him as a white man, but the new book presents him as black. This portrayal is justified by some as a means of 'decentering whiteness'. The author of 'Heroes of Hope', The Rev Dr Sharon Prentis, holds a leadership position in the Church of England's Racial Justice Unit. The unit was established to address racial justice concerns within the Church, especially in the wake of the Black Lives Matter protests. This book about the Picts has sparked debate about historical accuracy, representation, and the influence of contemporary social justice movements on the interpretation of history. The portrayal of historical figures in children's books is a sensitive topic, and the debate surrounding the 'Carved in Stone' underscores the complexities of representing the past in a way that is both informative and inclusive
Picts Scotland Children's Book Diversity Historical Representation St. Augustine Racial Justice Archaeology Tattoos Church Of England
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