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Periodical article | Leiden University catalogue | WorldCat |
Title: | The Place of Birth: WoDaaBe Changing Histories of Origin |
Author: | Loftsdottir, Kristin |
Year: | 2002 |
Periodical: | History in Africa |
Volume: | 29 |
Pages: | 283-307 |
Language: | English |
Geographic term: | Niger |
Subjects: | Bororo history ethnic groups Peoples of Africa (Ethnic Groups) Education and Oral Traditions History and Exploration |
External link: | https://www.jstor.org/stable/3172165 |
Abstract: | This paper examines Wodaabe origin stories. Ethnographic research among the Wodaabe has reflected rather similar stories of origin, focusing on the Wodaabe as originating in a mythical way, along with their cattle. The author's research in the Tchin-Tabaraden area in Niger in 1996-1998 indicated, however, that even though the narratives documented earlier by travelers and anthropologists are still known in the area, people were generally more interested in reciting and discussing stories strongly grounded in time and space. The paper first recites some Wodaabe origin stories collected by anthropologists in the past and then turns toward more recent emphasis on some Wodaabe groups in this regard. Finally, it discusses land reforms in Niger and the discrepancies between Wodaabe and official understandings of history. Bibiogr., notes, ref. |