Book

A black Byzantium: the kingdom of Nupe in Nigeria

Pub. for the International Institute of African languages & cultures by the Oxford university press • Published In 1942 • Pages:

By: Nadel, S. F. (Siegfried Frederick), Lugard, Frederick John Dealtry, Baron.

Abstract
This volume is one of the major sources on Nupe culture. It is focused on political and economic organization, revealing in particular the reciprocal relations between these and the religious and legal systems. The political organization is described in terms of the contemporary relations between the quasi-feudal state and the various ethnic groups and economic classes in the total community. Particular attention is paid to urban-rural relationships and differences. Political organization is also explained historically as the outcome of earlier tribal structures, the Fulani conquest, and new economic and political forces under British rule. In the discussion of economic organization, Nadel introduces records of actual time and labor involved in production, detailed descriptions of selling methods, and the amount of profit and how it is spent. An important chapter discusses the interrelationships of standards of living, cultural requirements, wealth, status and prestige. While this is a very complete monograph insofar as sociopolitical and economic organization are concerned, data on human biology, material culture, language and warfare are largely absent. A discussion of religion was reserved for a later volume.
Subjects
History
Community councils
Community structure
Tribe and nation
Settlement patterns
Status, role, and prestige
Classes
Real property
Tillage
Labor and leisure
Mutual aid
Smiths and their crafts
Labor organization
Accumulation of wealth
Standard of living
Insurance
Age stratification
culture
Nupe
HRAF PubDate
2014
Region
Africa
Sub Region
Western Africa
Document Type
Book
Evaluation
Creator Type
Ethnologist
Document Rating
5: Excellent Primary Data
Analyst
Timothy J. O'Leary ; 1958
Field Date
1934-1936
Coverage Date
1800-1936
Coverage Place
Bida Emirate, Niger state, Nigeria
Notes
by S. F. Nadel, with a foreword by Right Hon. Lord Lugard
Includes bibliographical references
LCCN
43006377
LCSH
Nupe (African people)
Nigeria--Civilization