'Walking caravans' of nineteenth century Fuuta Jaloo, western Africa

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Periodical article

Title:	'Walking caravans' of nineteenth century Fuuta Jaloo, western Africa
Author:	Mouser, Bruce L.
Year:	2010
Periodical:	Mande Studies
Volume:	12
Pages:	19-104
Language:	English
Geographic term:	Guinea
Subjects:	road transport long-distance trade mercantile history 1800-1899 Futa Jallon polity
External link:	https://www.jstor.org/stable/44080877
Abstract:	This paper investigates the modes and patterns of travel in precolonial Fuuta Jaloo and along the Upper Guinea coast during the 19th century, with special emphasis on caravan commerce. It describes a network of indigenous protectors who were assigned or simply assumed the task of ensuring that trade roads within Fuuta Jaloo remain open and that caravans be allowed to operate smoothly and properly while using State-regulated roads. Based closely on accounts written by Europeans who visited the Upper Guinea coast or who travelled into Fuuta Jaloo, the paper also reviews types of caravans, operational and organizational standards that governed those that crossed or crisscrossed Fuuta Jaloo, and costs and advantages of caravan membership. Bibliogr., notes, ref., sum. in English and French. [Journal abstract]