article

Extract from a monograph on the inhabitants of the Circle of N'Zérékoré (Guerze, Kono, Manon): The artisans - the techniques and the arts

Études Guinéennes • 13 • Published In 1955 • Pages: HRAF ms: 1, 11 l. [Original: 3-54 ]

By: Germain, J., Granka, Sherri L..

Abstract

This document is essentially a study of the material culture of the Kpelle of the Circle of N'Zérékoré(Guinea), with comparative data on the Manon and Kono. The work is divided into three major divisions or chapters. Chapter 1 deals with the various types of artisans and their crafts (e.g., smiths, weavers, potters, basket makers, and raffia workers). The second part of this document, chapter 2, is concerned primarily with the basic economy, providing much information on such activities as hunting, fishing, animal husbandry, agriculture, foods, food preparation and preservation, clothing and housing. Chapter 3, the final section, entitled 'Intellectual and Artistic Life', delves briefly into the Kpelle's knowledge of medicine, astronomy (i.e., ethno-astronomy), and mathematics, the latter as represented through their measurement of time, units of quantitative measure and methods of counting. The remainder of this chapter is a mixed bag of information on games, personal ornamentation and tattooing, sculpture, music, musical instruments, dancing, and a brief description of the oral literature and story telling.

HRAF PubDate

2019

Region

Africa

Sub Region

Western Africa

Document Type

article

Evaluation

Creator Type

Government Official

Document Rating

5: Excellent Primary Data

Analyst

John Beierle ; 1986

Field Date

no date

Notes

By J. Germain

Translation of: [Extrait d'une Monographie des habitants du Cercle de N'Zérékoré(Guerzé, Kono, Manon) Les artisans -- Les techniques et les arts]

Translated for the HRAF files by Sherri L. Granka

LCCN

sv 89091236

LCSH

Kpelle (African people)