Popular history of Africa before the colonial era often divides the continent’s military systems into two broad categories —the relatively modern armies along the Atlantic coast which used firearms, versus the 'traditional' armies in the interior that fought with arrows and spears.
Oct 28, 2023·edited Oct 28, 2023Liked by isaac Samuel
I'm really happy to have found your substack. Thank you. Talking of the use of firearms ... I think the book by one of my great (n) grandfathers might be an interesting read. "My adventures in Swaziland" by Owen Roe O'Neil. It's very much written in the times by someone who describes himself as a Boer (he was of Irish origin) but his proximity to Queen Labotsibeni and her son Bhuno (spelt Buno in his book). My own understanding is that he (my ancestor) was basically gun-running. He was also able to write about the experience through his eyes and at close quarters. If you are interested, the book is in the library of congress here - https://tile.loc.gov/storage-services/service/gdc/gdclccn/21/01/86/06/21018606/21018606.pdf
I'm really happy to have found your substack. Thank you. Talking of the use of firearms ... I think the book by one of my great (n) grandfathers might be an interesting read. "My adventures in Swaziland" by Owen Roe O'Neil. It's very much written in the times by someone who describes himself as a Boer (he was of Irish origin) but his proximity to Queen Labotsibeni and her son Bhuno (spelt Buno in his book). My own understanding is that he (my ancestor) was basically gun-running. He was also able to write about the experience through his eyes and at close quarters. If you are interested, the book is in the library of congress here - https://tile.loc.gov/storage-services/service/gdc/gdclccn/21/01/86/06/21018606/21018606.pdf
Excellent article.
thank you