essay

Religion and state in the Songhay Empire, 1464-1591

Islam in tropical Africa: studies presented and discussed at the fifth International African Seminar, Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, January 1964; edited with an introduction by I. M. Lewis, foreword by Daryll FordeLondon • Published In 1966 • Pages: 296-317

By: Hunwick, John O..

Abstract
This essay summarizes the history of the Songhai Empire prior to the Moroccan invasion in 1591. The author shows the ties between religion and state throughout the period, as well as the relationship between the Songhai court, local cults, and Islam—specifically, how magic and Islam were used in various ways to buttress the authority of rulers and state.
Subjects
Traditional history
History
Acculturation and culture contact
Chief executive
External relations
Priesthood
Religious denominations
culture
Songhai
HRAF PubDate
2016
Region
Africa
Sub Region
Western Africa
Document Type
essay
Evaluation
Creator Type
Historian
Document Rating
4: Excellent Secondary Data
Analyst
Ian Skoggard; 2016
Field Date
not applicable
Coverage Date
1464-1591
Coverage Place
Mali and Niger
Notes
J. O. Hunwick
Meeting name: International African Seminar (5th : 1964 : Zaria, Nigeria)
Includes bibliographical references (p. 314-315)
LCCN
66075503
LCSH
Songhai (African people)