Horse in West African History

Name: Horse in West African History
Brand: Taylor & Francis

Taylor & Francis

The Horse in West African HistoryThe Role of the Horse in the Societies of Pre-Colonial West Africa\nAuthor(s): Robin Law\nFormat: Hardback\nPublisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd, United Kingdom\nImprint: Routledge\nISBN-13: 9781138591769, 978-1138591769\nSynopsis\nOriginally 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.