article
When is genealogy history?: Wolof genealogies in comparative perspective
American ethnologist • 5 (4) • Published In 1990 • Pages: 651-674
By: Irvine, Judith T..
Abstract
Genealogies are constructed by the Wolof of Senegal that represent a closer approximation to a historical past than are those of such other ethnic populations as the Nuer, Luo, and Tiv. This paper examines the structure and use of the Wolof genealogies in an attempt to identify those social conditions that tend to preserve historical accuracy in an oral tradition.' Those conditions concern the relation of the genealogist to his subject matter, the nature of the political climate in which he operates, and the forms of discourse at his disposal. It is suggested that the essential property of Wolof social organization bringing these conditions about is not so much the existence of a centralized state as the caste framework in which the state is embedded' (p. 651).
- HRAF PubDate
- 1999
- Region
- Africa
- Sub Region
- Western Africa
- Document Type
- article
- Evaluation
- Creator Type
- Ethnologist
- Document Rating
- 5: Excellent Primary Data
- Analyst
- John Beierle ; 1998
- Field Date
- 1970-1971, 1975
- Coverage Date
- 1970-1971, 1975
- Coverage Place
- Kayor region, Senegal
- Notes
- Judith T. Irvine
- Includes bibliographical references (p. 672-674)
- LCCN
- 74644326
- LCSH
- Wolof (African people)