Kingdoms And Chiefdoms Of Southeastern Africa

Examines indigenous oral traditions and histories in order to explain the factors propelling sociopolitical consolidation and the emergence of chiefdoms and kingdoms in nineteenth-century southeastern Africa.

Originally published in 1967 this volume presents studies of 10 West African kingdoms which have played an important part in the economic, political and cultural life of the region. Ranging geographically from the kingdom of Benin in southern Nigeria to the Wolof kingdom of Kayor in Senegal, they inlcude the Oyo Yoruba, Dahomey, Hausa, Maradi, Kom in West Cameroon, the Mossi, Ashanti and Gonja and the Mende chiefdoms of Sierra Leone. Each outlines the historical origins and development of the kingdom and analyses its organization in the nineteenth century. It includes accounts of the economic basis and resources of the state and the significance of tribute and trade, of the social categories among its population, the administrarive machinery and communnications, the judicial and military organization and external relations. It also considers the importance of the ideology and rituals of kingship.

The Unknown of the Known in Africa is the story of George Eden Bess from Germany who does research as a historian. George unveils unknown King Shaka and his plan to make Southern Africa to be in his palm of hand. George's purpose becomes a plan to bring back Africans united, as there is no African foreigner in an African country. Africa belongs to all Africans and all Africans belong to all African countries. James' novel also shows that Africans should be against Xenophobia. The Unknown of the Known in Africa brings the genuine perspective and description of the Mfecane Wars also known as Difaqane which simply means the disruption during the period of late late 17th and early 18th century—the time of chiefdoms in Southern Africa. Africans might come from different tribes, but still Africans. We cannot change the past, but we can fix the present, and we can change the future. May God bless Africa.

Routledge is proud to be re-issuing this landmark series in association with the International African Institute. The series, published between 1950 and 1977, brings together a wealth of previously un-co-ordinated material on the ethnic groupings and social conditions of African peoples. Concise, critical and (for its time) accurate, the Ethnographic Survey contains sections as follows: Physical Environment Linguistic Data Demography History & Traditions of Origin Nomenclature Grouping Cultural Features: Religion, Witchcraft, Birth, Initiation, Burial Social & Political Organization: Kinship, Marriage, Inheritance, Slavery, Land Tenure, Warfare & Justice Economy & Trade Domestic Architecture Each of the 50 volumes will be available to buy individually, and these are organized into regional sub-groups: East Central Africa, North-Eastern Africa, Southern Africa, West Central Africa, Western Africa, and Central Africa Belgian Congo. The volumes are supplemented with maps, available to view on routledge.com or available as a pdf from the publishers.

Across the face of southern Africa are more than 460 remarkable stone palaces – some small, others rambling, but many are astonishing. All are the legacy of kingdoms past. Some, such as Great Zimbabwe, Khami in Botswana and Mapungubwe in South Africa, are famous world heritage sites, but the majority are unknown to the general public, unsung and unappreciated. Palaces of Stone brings to life the history of various early African societies, from AD 900 to approximately 1850. By exploring a selection of known and unknown sites, the authors uncover the emergence of ancient civilisations and reconstruct the meaning of the ruins they left behind. Woven into the narrative are stories of powerful political states; ¬ ourishing local economies; long-distance trade; and the destruction wrought by colonialism and modern-day treasure hunters. This book will appeal to anyone interested in Africa’s ancient heritage. Sales points: Uncovers a little-known but rich period in the history and heritage of Africa. Covers sites in South Africa, Botswana, Zimbabwe and Mozambique. Features photographs, maps and diagrams of archaeological sites. Would appeal to anyone interested in the history and culture of Africa.

Sociaal-economische beschrijving van Swaziland, gevolgd door een beknopt overzicht van de geschiedenis van het land in de 19e en 20e eeuw