The Roots of Ethnicity: The Origins of the Acholi of Uganda Before 18

by Ronald R. Atkinson

Overview

In The Roots of Ethnicity, Ronald R. Atkinson argues that although colonial rule and its aftermath have played a major role in shaping the particular manifestations of ethnicity in Africa, many sociohistorical developments crucial to current expressions of ethnicity can be traced to a past long before the colonial period. Atkinson develops his argument through an exhaustive examination of the origins of the collective identity of the Acholi of present-day northern Uganda. His study makes clear that by the time of European conquest the essential foundations and the crucial parameters for the evolution of Acholi society and ethnic consciousness had long been established. In presenting his argument for the need to extend the existing scholarship on ethnicity in Africa beyond its twentieth-century focus, Atkinson provides what is perhaps the most detailed reconstruction and analysis yet available of the pre-1800 evolution of an African sociopolitical order.

Beyond these contributions to the study of African history, The Roots of Ethnicity provides an extended case study in and a convincing argument for the use of oral sources in the reconstruction and interpretation of the African past. It will be of interest to students and scholars of anthropology, history, and African studies, as well as to all those interested in ethnicity and the politics of identity.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780812232486
Publisher:	University of Pennsylvania Press, Inc.
Publication date:	10/29/1994
Series:	The Ethnohistory Series
Edition description:	New Edition
Pages:	344
Product dimensions:	6.00(w) x 9.00(h) x (d)

About the Author

Ronald R. Atkinson is Associate Professor of History at the University of South Carolina.

Editorial Reviews

"An excellent book which should not only appeal to the specialist in Ugandan or Luo history but also to the general Africanist concerned with questions of ethnicity and the use of oral history/narrative."

African Studies Review

"An excellent book which should not only appeal to the specialist in Ugandan or Luo history but also to the general Africanist concerned with questions of ethnicity and the use of oral history/narrative."—African Studies Review

From the Publisher

Atkinson (history, U. of South Carolina) argues that although colonial rule and its aftermath have played a major role in shaping ethnicity in Africa, many sociohistorical developments can be traced to a past long before the colonial period. He examines the origins of the culture and society of the Acholi of present-day northern Uganda, and provides a detailed reconstruction and analysis of the pre-1800 evolution of the African sociopolitical order. Of interest to students and scholars in anthropology, history, and African studies. Annotation c. Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)

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