Drawing on two decades of research this social and political history of North-Western Ghana traces the creation of new ethnic and territorial boundaries, categories and forms of self-understanding, and represents a major contribution to debates on ethnicity, colonialism and the 'production of history'. It explores the creation and redefinition of ethnic distinctions and commonalities by African and European actors, showing that ethnicity's power derives from a contradiction: while ethnic identities purport to be non-negotiable, creating permanent bonds, stability and security, the boundaries of the communities created and the associated traits and practices are malleable and adaptable to specific interests and contexts.
- ISBN10 0748624015
- ISBN13 9780748624010
- Publish Date 5 July 2006 (first published 1 January 2006)
- Publish Status Active
- Publish Country GB
- Imprint Edinburgh University Press
- Format Hardcover
- Pages 384
- Language English
- URL http://columbia.edu/cu/cup/catalog/data/074862/0748624015.HTM