This reminded me of my reading last year in a history of Colonial America, when the Iroquois Confederation established regular access to trade goods from the new colonists one this increased the availability of small glass beads that were included in the wampum the tribe made. This increased availability to the beads and related goods led to the manufacture of an increased amount of wealth - in effect the Iroquois 'printed more currency' - with expected effect of generating inflation as the native American economy responded.
You know the funny thing? If the Ashanti had the equivalent value of £156m today in 1875, they could have afforded to go on a rapid modernization plan. Actually, I can't exactly remember where--maybe you could--but I've read that an Asantehe at one point had plans staring a railway project in the country. Too bad tho.
it's exactly what the Ansa brothers tried to do, and Ivor Wilks explores their plans in detail in one of the chapters of his book. However, the brothers ultimately failed because of internal politics and mistrust between the Asante and the British, who always intended to seize Asante's wealth and resources.
Thanks for sharing this. It deepens my search for the understanding of politics and economics in pre colonial Africa. Rather than appealing to the systems of Europeans (democracy vs communism or capitalism vs socialism) when do we review and examine the systems that governed our societies & economies before our loss or sovereignty?
Fascinating read! I’m Harrison, an ex fine dining industry line cook. My stack "The Secret Ingredient" adapts hit restaurant recipes (mostly NYC and L.A.) for easy home cooking.
This reminded me of my reading last year in a history of Colonial America, when the Iroquois Confederation established regular access to trade goods from the new colonists one this increased the availability of small glass beads that were included in the wampum the tribe made. This increased availability to the beads and related goods led to the manufacture of an increased amount of wealth - in effect the Iroquois 'printed more currency' - with expected effect of generating inflation as the native American economy responded.
Asante Professor.
You know the funny thing? If the Ashanti had the equivalent value of £156m today in 1875, they could have afforded to go on a rapid modernization plan. Actually, I can't exactly remember where--maybe you could--but I've read that an Asantehe at one point had plans staring a railway project in the country. Too bad tho.
Absolutely.
it's exactly what the Ansa brothers tried to do, and Ivor Wilks explores their plans in detail in one of the chapters of his book. However, the brothers ultimately failed because of internal politics and mistrust between the Asante and the British, who always intended to seize Asante's wealth and resources.
Another intriguing article. Hauling those 3.5 foot salt slabs must’ve been a pain.
they had camels for that.
Thanks for sharing this. It deepens my search for the understanding of politics and economics in pre colonial Africa. Rather than appealing to the systems of Europeans (democracy vs communism or capitalism vs socialism) when do we review and examine the systems that governed our societies & economies before our loss or sovereignty?
Fascinating read! I’m Harrison, an ex fine dining industry line cook. My stack "The Secret Ingredient" adapts hit restaurant recipes (mostly NYC and L.A.) for easy home cooking.
check us out:
https://thesecretingredient.substack.com