article

The negotiation of Songhay space: phenomenology in the heart of darkness

American ethnologist7 (3) • Published In 1980 • Pages: 419-431

By: Stoller, Paul.

Abstract
This article is a study of the political use of space in Songhai society. It is also a commentary on how settlement patterns can be misinterpreted by Western scholars who see them as static reifications of existing social and political order. The author examines the distribution over time of family compounds and holdings of nobles, former slaves, merchants and foreigners in the town of Mehanna. Recognizing who holds the real power, merchants whose wealth and influence have eclipsed that of the traditional noble class do not compete for space alongside them in the center of town, but are content to occupy marginal areas, to which their clients also gravitate.
Subjects
External migration
History
Settlement patterns
Mercantile business
Ethnic stratification
Classes
Slavery
Chief executive
Sacred objects and places
Magic
culture
Songhai
HRAF PubDate
2016
Region
Africa
Sub Region
Western Africa
Document Type
article
Evaluation
Creator Type
Ethnologist
Document Rating
4: Excellent Secondary Data
5: Excellent Primary Data
Analyst
Ian Skoggard; 2016
Field Date
1976-1977
Coverage Date
1898-1977
Coverage Place
Mehanna, Tera department, Tillabéri, Niger
Notes
Paul Stoller
Includes bibliographical references (p. 430-431)
LCCN
74644326
LCSH
Songhai (African people)