Ethnicity and the Making of History in Northern Ghana

Carola Lentz

Drawing on two decades of research, this social and political history of North-Western Ghana explores the creation and redefinition of ethnic distinctions and commonalities by Africans and Europeans. It shows how ethnicity's power ultimately derives from a contradiction: while ethnic identities purport to be non-negotiable, and security, the boundaries of the communities created and the associated traits and practices are malleable and adaptable to specific interests and contexts.

About the Author

Carola Lentz is professor of anthropology at Johannes Gutenberg University, Germany.

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