‘The Ivory Coast’ offers a compelling exploration of how colonial naming practices and the ivory trade fundamentally shaped the identity and political landscape of modern West Africa. This comprehensive study weaves together three centuries of history, examining the transformation of a region from a hub of ivory commerce to a complex nation grappling with its colonial legacy.
Through a masterful blend of trade records, colonial archives, and oral histories, the book reveals how European economic interests literally named and defined African territories based on their commercial value. The narrative unfolds across three main themes, beginning with the establishment of the ivory trade and its profound impact on coastal communities. Readers discover how trading ports evolved into centers of political power, permanently altering the region’s social structure.
The book’s unique approach combines quantitative analysis of historical trade data with personal accounts and colonial correspondence, providing both a broad economic perspective and intimate insights into the human experience of this transformation.
The book’s significance lies in its revelation of how commodity-based colonial naming practices influenced national identity formation and political development in West Africa. By examining why some nations maintain colonial names while others adopt indigenous ones, it provides crucial context for understanding contemporary debates about cultural identity and political sovereignty.
This comprehensive analysis serves both academic audiences and general readers interested in understanding the complex historical forces that continue to shape modern African nation-states.
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