The Horse in West African History
The Role of the Horse in the Societies of Pre-Colonial West Africa
Nonfiction, Social & Cultural Studies, Social Science, Anthropology
| Author: | Robin Law | ISBN: | 9780429954559 |
| Publisher: | Taylor and Francis | Publication: | August 16, 2018 |
| Imprint: | Routledge | Language: | English |
| Author: | Robin Law |
| ISBN: | 9780429954559 |
| Publisher: | Taylor and Francis |
| Publication: | August 16, 2018 |
| Imprint: | Routledge |
| Language: | English |
Originally published in 1980 and here re-issued with an updated preface, this book deals with the role of the horse in the societies of West Africa during the pre-colonial period. It traces the history of its introduction and its diffusion within West Africa, and examines the problems of maintaining horses in such a harsh environment. The use of horses in warfare in analysed but the non-military aspects of the West African horse culture are also discussed, principally the use of horses as tokens of status and wealth. The book includes a review of the decline of the West African horse culture in the 20th century, reflecting the passing of a political system based on warfare and slavery.
Originally published in 1980 and here re-issued with an updated preface, this book deals with the role of the horse in the societies of West Africa during the pre-colonial period. It traces the history of its introduction and its diffusion within West Africa, and examines the problems of maintaining horses in such a harsh environment. The use of horses in warfare in analysed but the non-military aspects of the West African horse culture are also discussed, principally the use of horses as tokens of status and wealth. The book includes a review of the decline of the West African horse culture in the 20th century, reflecting the passing of a political system based on warfare and slavery.
