Routledge - Egalitarian Revolution in the Savanna (Book)

Explore the complex development of West African political systems through this scholarly work from Routledge. Egalitarian Revolution in the Savanna provides a deep look into societies that utilize non-centralized distributions of power. By analyzing a wide range of archaeological data, this book explains how these unique social structures emerged and functioned. A central part of this study is the detailed case study of Kirikongo, a village settlement in western Burkina Faso. Readers can follow the history of this single homestead as it expanded its control over a growing community throughout the first millennium. The text examines how a major shift in the twelfth century BCE led to the decentralization of power. This volume is an essential resource for those studying anthropology and archaeology. It tracks how these political changes transformed the very fabric of society, affecting gender roles and public activities. It offers a clear perspective on the origins of egalitarianism in the savanna region.