Book ID: CBB760917218

Guns and Society in Colonial Nigeria: Firearms, Culture, and Public Order (2018)

unapi

Aderinto, Saheed (Author)


Indiana University Press


Publication Date: 2018
Physical Details: 336
Language: English

Guns are an enduring symbol of imperialism, whether they are used to impose social order, create ceremonial spectacle, incite panic, or to inspire confidence. In Guns and Society, Saheed Aderinto considers the social, political, and economic history of these weapons in colonial Nigeria. As he transcends traditional notions of warfare and militarization, Aderinto reveals surprising insights into how colonialism changed access to firearms after the 19th century. In doing so, he explores the unusual ways in which guns were used in response to changes in the Nigerian cultural landscape. More Nigerians used firearms for pastime and professional hunting in the colonial period than at any other time. The boom and smoke of gunfire even became necessary elements in ceremonies and political events. Aderinto argues that firearms in the Nigerian context are not simply commodities but are also objects of material culture. Considering guns in this larger context provides a clearer understanding of the ways in which they transformed a colonized society.

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Reviewed By

Review Jonathan Grant (2019) Review of "Guns and Society in Colonial Nigeria: Firearms, Culture, and Public Order". American Historical Review (pp. 2000-2001). unapi

Citation URI
https://data.isiscb.org/isis/citation/CBB760917218/

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Authors & Contributors
Macola, Giacomo
Morgan J. Robinson
Ukelina, Bekeh Utietiang
Welch, David
Jones, Karen R.
Tol, Deanne van
Concepts
Great Britain, colonies
Colonialism
Imperialism
Medicine
Cross-cultural interaction; cultural influence
Firearms
Time Periods
19th century
20th century
18th century
20th century, early
17th century
Places
India
Nigeria
Great Britain
Africa
South Africa
Egypt
Institutions
Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew
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