Horse in West African History

<p>Originally published in 1980 and here re-issued with an updated preface this book deals with the role of the horse in the societies of West Africa during the pre-colonial period. It traces the history of its introduction and its diffusion within West Africa and examines the problems of maintaining horses in such a harsh environment. The use of horses in warfare in analysed but the non-military aspects of the West African horse culture are also discussed principally the use of horses as tokens of status and wealth. The book includes a review of the decline of the West African horse culture in the 20th century reflecting the passing of a political system based on warfare and slavery. </p>