| Abstract: | Reviews the evidence about the use of the canoe in precolonial West Africa and attempts to assess its role and importance in political and economic life and in warfare. There is sufficient evidence to suggest that the canoe occupies a place of importance in the history; of the coastal, lagoon and riparian peoples equal to that of the horse in the history of the savannah states. Over a long period, water transport provided communications and a convenient method of conveying merchandise and of fishing, while in war the canoes not only carried the warriors to their objectives, but were in themselves units of battle. Notes, summary. |
Water and Africa 
Periodical article
Leiden University catalogue
WorldCat