An Introduction to the Precolonial History of the Mende of Sierra Leone

Résumé

This study of the Mende, the largest ethnic group in Sierra Leone, uncovers Mende origins, ending at the beginning of the colonial period. Drawing from documentary, oral, anthropological, linguistic and other evidence, the work argues that Mende originated as a lingua franca sometime in the late 16th century and spread fairly quickly. State formation began in the 17th century, gathering momentum in the late 18th and 19th centuries. Three case studies form the focus of the rest of the book.