Many West African societies have egalitarian political systems; with non-centralised distributions of power. 'Egalitarian Revolution in the Savanna' analyses a wide range of archaeological data to explore the development of such societies. The volume offers a detailed case study of the village settlement of Kirikongo in western Burkina Faso. Over the course of the first millennium; this single homestead extended control over a growing community. The book argues that the decentralization of power in the twelfth century BCE radically transformed this society; changing gender roles; public activities; pottery making and iron-working. 'Egalitarian Revolution in the Savanna' will be of interest to students of political science; anthropology; archaeology and the history of West Africa.
#176174 in Books Iff Books 2005-09-08Original language:EnglishPDF # 1 8.70 x .81 x 5.64l; 1.03 #File Name: 1905047207352 pages
Review
2 of 2 people found the following review helpful. Read as an active participant in the story of human history rather than a detached academic observer.By PJPThis book is unique in that it attempts to explain the history of humanity from a psychological perspective addressing questions such as why is it that we need to wage war century after century? Why have we oppressed women and children throughout the ages? Why do we continue to destroy the environment when we know disaster looms for next generations? It brings together evidence from archaeology; anthropology; psychology and other social sciences; art and literature. It presents a new perspective on history and although it may not stand up to the rigours of academic scrutiny; it does paint a convincing picture of how we got ourselves into the "mess" we currently find ourselves in and why there is a lack of empathy in the world for each other as humans; as well as for other species and the environment. Steve Taylor argues that a psycho/spiritual transformation rather than superficial political change is necessary. The author is extremely well read to have put together such a vast body of evidence taken from so many different cultures and historic time periods. If you want a "sane" interpretation of the human story over the last 8000 years rather than a rigorous fact based time-line; then this read is a must. It ends with a optimistic view for the future of humanity but what we have to do to achieve a transformed world without war; human exploitation and suffering may well surprise you especially if you adhere to a strict Judaic/Christian/Islamic world view. I would go so far as to say that this style of history evokes in us a sense of responsibility to future generations as we inherit the legacy from previous generations. It shows us how we are part of the problem as well as the solution. I would love to see this book used in schools as part of the ancient history curriculum as it would empower students to feel that have the ability to literally change history.0 of 0 people found the following review helpful. But just the fact that we can SEE the problem thanks to Taylor and others means there remains great hope.By ChrisInteresting and critically important account of the rise of the human ego and the resultant mass suffering of mankind and an endangered planet Earth our species inhabits. But just the fact that we can SEE the problem thanks to Taylor and others means there remains great hope...0 of 0 people found the following review helpful. Very useful book for helping to understand the basicBy The More U Buy; The More U SaveVery useful book for helping to understand the basic; core problem shared by all humans. I have also been helped immensely by reading Eckhart Tolle's book; so these two authors have been a great pointer to human understanding and; more importantly; higher consciousness.
