Trade and Tribute: Archaeological Evidence from the Origin of States in South Central Africa

bibliographic database
Line

Periodical article

Title:	Trade and Tribute: Archaeological Evidence from the Origin of States in South Central Africa
Author:	Bisson, Michael S.
Year:	1982
Periodical:	Cahiers d'études africaines
Volume:	22
Issue:	87-88
Pages:	343-361
Language:	English
Geographic terms:	Southern Africa Congo (Democratic Republic of)
Subjects:	State long-distance trade Anthropology and Archaeology History and Exploration Peoples of Africa (Ethnic Groups)
External link:	https://doi.org/10.3406/cea.1982.3381
Abstract:	Many historians and archaeologists see long-distance trade as a primary cause of state formation and growth in central Africa. Long-distance trading activities not only were the chief cause of central African state formation, but also exerted a strong influence on the particular organization of African states and their territorial goals. The purpose of this paper is to test this model of political evolution in central Africa against ethnographic and archaeological fact. After a discussion of the history and organizational characteristics of some wellknown savanna states (Lunda, Yeke, Monomotapa) the archaeological evidence for their history and their relationship to trade is examined. In conclusion some alternative interpretations of these data are suggested. Bibliogr., fig., maps, notes.