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Hello All! Markets, Traders and Peddlers is #MythologyMonday’s theme today. As usual, we’ll explore the mythological, folkloric, historical and general cultural perspective vis-à-vis African peoples.
This is a complex topic so there are links for those who want to know more.
This is a complex topic so there are links for those who want to know more.
#MythologyMonday #AfricanMythology
It is believed markets in Africa developed following this pattern:
Trade route --> Market established on trade route --> 'Local' markets developing around the original 'Parent' market as a network of tracks and roads develop.
It is believed markets in Africa developed following this pattern:
Trade route --> Market established on trade route --> 'Local' markets developing around the original 'Parent' market as a network of tracks and roads develop.
#MythologyMonday #AfricanMythology
E.g., the name “Sapon” of the market in Abeokuta (Nigeria) is a contraction of a Yoruba phrase which translates to 'do favors to bachelors'. The market was a place where passing groups of traders stopped for food, drink and shelter.
E.g., the name “Sapon” of the market in Abeokuta (Nigeria) is a contraction of a Yoruba phrase which translates to 'do favors to bachelors'. The market was a place where passing groups of traders stopped for food, drink and shelter.
#MythologyMonday #AfricanMythology
Here’s a really cool paper on the topic. It’s not a long read too. Check it out!
https://www.jstor.org/stable/pdf/621456.pdf?casa_token=yCALZpaz1g4AAAAA:v5BYDX3IlVezik4vn61r5TCBkAgdyPBBCCPsm3td_9cDfL2zzN_0Gshr1cp7BC9oD-oAlm42Usv1V87iJ4mrQU4Ou4VypLByMUcKGlX_ihHxJcuySg
Here’s a really cool paper on the topic. It’s not a long read too. Check it out!
https://www.jstor.org/stable/pdf/621456.pdf?casa_token=yCALZpaz1g4AAAAA:v5BYDX3IlVezik4vn61r5TCBkAgdyPBBCCPsm3td_9cDfL2zzN_0Gshr1cp7BC9oD-oAlm42Usv1V87iJ4mrQU4Ou4VypLByMUcKGlX_ihHxJcuySg
#MythologyMonday #AfricanMythology
Most interesting is the evolution of Markets in West/Central vs East/Southern Africa.
Most interesting is the evolution of Markets in West/Central vs East/Southern Africa.
#MythologyMonday #AfricanMythology
This Wikipedia article also gives a great overview of the topic. The section on trade routes between 600 – 1600 AD is particularly interesting. Goes a long way to dispel that “Dark Continent” myth. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Economic_history_of_Africa
This Wikipedia article also gives a great overview of the topic. The section on trade routes between 600 – 1600 AD is particularly interesting. Goes a long way to dispel that “Dark Continent” myth. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Economic_history_of_Africa
#MythologyMonday #AfricanMythology
Many important African cities like Timbuktu etc. were stops along the Trans-Saharan trade route.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Trans-Saharan_trade#:~:text=Trans%2DSaharan%20trade%20requires%20travel,until%20the%20early%2017th%20century.&text=Trade%20from%20around%20300%20CE%20was%20conducted%20by%20caravans%20of%20camels.
Many important African cities like Timbuktu etc. were stops along the Trans-Saharan trade route.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Trans-Saharan_trade#:~:text=Trans%2DSaharan%20trade%20requires%20travel,until%20the%20early%2017th%20century.&text=Trade%20from%20around%20300%20CE%20was%20conducted%20by%20caravans%20of%20camels.
#MythologyMonday #AfricanMythology
Indeed, markets are considered an allegory for the world among many groups along the West African coast. Here, the world is a marketplace where transactions with human and non-human entities are possible.
Indeed, markets are considered an allegory for the world among many groups along the West African coast. Here, the world is a marketplace where transactions with human and non-human entities are possible.
#MythologyMonday #AfricanMythology
Traditionally, however, markets tended to occur at liminal places and other meeting points e.g. boundaries between coastal/inland communities, boundaries between the lands of different peoples. This was as much for convenience as for safety.
Traditionally, however, markets tended to occur at liminal places and other meeting points e.g. boundaries between coastal/inland communities, boundaries between the lands of different peoples. This was as much for convenience as for safety.
#MythologyMonday #AfricanMythology
As you can imagine, this meant careful interactions based on good faith and fairness. But also there would be cunning and trickery. What could be a better place for the deities and other entities to hang out?
As you can imagine, this meant careful interactions based on good faith and fairness. But also there would be cunning and trickery. What could be a better place for the deities and other entities to hang out?
#MythologyMonday #AfricanMythology
Deities (and there are many) associated with good fortune, wealth, safety and protection etc were sure to be invoked. Also, those associated with the goods being traded e.g. Yams, gold, salt, cowrie shells, plants etc.
Deities (and there are many) associated with good fortune, wealth, safety and protection etc were sure to be invoked. Also, those associated with the goods being traded e.g. Yams, gold, salt, cowrie shells, plants etc.
#MythologyMonday #AfricanMythology
Also, "deities of place" are a common feature across the continent so due respect was given them by invocations and sacrifices before market locations could be established.
Also, "deities of place" are a common feature across the continent so due respect was given them by invocations and sacrifices before market locations could be established.
#MythologyMonday #AfricanMythology
It was a common practice in the part of Cameroon where I grew up, that traders would ask you to throw the money on the ground, if you are the first sale they make on any given day.
It was a common practice in the part of Cameroon where I grew up, that traders would ask you to throw the money on the ground, if you are the first sale they make on any given day.
#MythologyMonday #AfricanMythology
I’m not sure if the gesture was protective (against bad luck) or an offering to the local deity. I’m interested to know more about this though! Anyone know more about this?
I’m not sure if the gesture was protective (against bad luck) or an offering to the local deity. I’m interested to know more about this though! Anyone know more about this?
#MythologyMonday #AfricanMythology
Let's talk myths and folklore!
Among the Yoruba (Nigeria), the Aje are powerful female cosmic entities who preside over markets amongst other things. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Iyami_Aje#Principles,_Functions,_and_Roles
Let's talk myths and folklore!
Among the Yoruba (Nigeria), the Aje are powerful female cosmic entities who preside over markets amongst other things. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Iyami_Aje#Principles,_Functions,_and_Roles
#MythologyMonday #AfricanMythology
The Orisha Oya of the Yoruba is Queen of the Market (Yeyeloja). In her lifetime, she was known as a shrewd businesswoman. One of her stories is told in the Red Buffalo Woman account:
http://wecanneverforget.blogspot.com/2005/06/red-buffalo-woman.html
The Orisha Oya of the Yoruba is Queen of the Market (Yeyeloja). In her lifetime, she was known as a shrewd businesswoman. One of her stories is told in the Red Buffalo Woman account:
http://wecanneverforget.blogspot.com/2005/06/red-buffalo-woman.html
#MythologyMonday #AfricanMythology
Among Vodun practitioners in Togo, Benin, Nigeria etc, Mami Wata presides over markets which I think is fitting given that her current iteration is a fusion of folkloric beliefs heavily influenced by trade along the West African coast.
Among Vodun practitioners in Togo, Benin, Nigeria etc, Mami Wata presides over markets which I think is fitting given that her current iteration is a fusion of folkloric beliefs heavily influenced by trade along the West African coast.
#MythologyMonday #AfricanMythology
In her more chaotic aspect, Mami Wata is said to dress expensively and frequent markets and other centers of commerce and activity. In East and Southern Africa, the term Mamlambo is used to refer to Mami Wata.
In her more chaotic aspect, Mami Wata is said to dress expensively and frequent markets and other centers of commerce and activity. In East and Southern Africa, the term Mamlambo is used to refer to Mami Wata.
#MythologyMonday #AfricanMythology
An interesting paper on African Markets and the Supernatural: https://www.jstor.org/stable/pdf/24774338.pdf?casa_token=A86bwkvm1y8AAAAA:dVUicd9cGMzm_VcwKg4RAoJSzxahsjb36_MYt1kmDSE7jPs2-v4t2nozouWBACNqU440gaZ-MswXZYmrAW1JNnioILAitqlNLkJPbj188ahnhEH7ng
An interesting paper on African Markets and the Supernatural: https://www.jstor.org/stable/pdf/24774338.pdf?casa_token=A86bwkvm1y8AAAAA:dVUicd9cGMzm_VcwKg4RAoJSzxahsjb36_MYt1kmDSE7jPs2-v4t2nozouWBACNqU440gaZ-MswXZYmrAW1JNnioILAitqlNLkJPbj188ahnhEH7ng
#MythologyMonday #AfricanMythology
Women are a powerful market force in Africa but much remains to be done to secure and protect their interests. The Aba (Nigeria) Women’s Rebellion, for e.g. came out of women trader’s resistance to unfair tax practices. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Women%27s_War
Women are a powerful market force in Africa but much remains to be done to secure and protect their interests. The Aba (Nigeria) Women’s Rebellion, for e.g. came out of women trader’s resistance to unfair tax practices. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Women%27s_War
#MythologyMonday #AfricanMythology
In other parts of the continent, the Chief, Fon or other traditional ruler was responsible for establishing and regulating trade in markets. Usually, the more powerful the leader, the bigger and more diverse the market.
In other parts of the continent, the Chief, Fon or other traditional ruler was responsible for establishing and regulating trade in markets. Usually, the more powerful the leader, the bigger and more diverse the market.
#MythologyMonday #AfricanMythology
The calendars of many communities on the continent are organized around “Market Days”. A standard 'market week' can be 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, or 8 days long.
More here: https://www.jstor.org/stable/pdf/179956.pdf?casa_token=Ma6x7_BctwUAAAAA:_TZepLxzz2zoEdm7tuEgC-aOn1h3RlZUUz5kYnr44GTDmWclafzdvi6fIXsY_cOV6i5aZMoZn5aBPBKVqKJUaqKLlKIIqLv3YaZStk4z2tRZ8XxHUQ
The calendars of many communities on the continent are organized around “Market Days”. A standard 'market week' can be 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, or 8 days long.
More here: https://www.jstor.org/stable/pdf/179956.pdf?casa_token=Ma6x7_BctwUAAAAA:_TZepLxzz2zoEdm7tuEgC-aOn1h3RlZUUz5kYnr44GTDmWclafzdvi6fIXsY_cOV6i5aZMoZn5aBPBKVqKJUaqKLlKIIqLv3YaZStk4z2tRZ8XxHUQ
#MythologyMonday #AfricanMythology
Fun Fact: Akodessawa Fetish Market in Lome, Togo is the world’s largest voodoo market. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Akodessawa_Fetish_Market
Fun Fact: Akodessawa Fetish Market in Lome, Togo is the world’s largest voodoo market. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Akodessawa_Fetish_Market
#MythologyMonday #AfricanMythology
Thanks for reading and sharing! This is a more complex topic than even I thought it would be so I will likely update the thread as I find out more.
Thanks for reading and sharing! This is a more complex topic than even I thought it would be so I will likely update the thread as I find out more.
I just had to add this gorgeous painting to this thread! https://twitter.com/artistbattiss/status/1389279252986662919
