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A mission to Gelele, King of Dahome

A mission to Gelele, King of Dahome

With notices of the so-called Amazons, the grand customs, the yearly customs, the human sacrifices, the present state ... and the negro's place in nature. Volume 2
HistoryTravel
Pages
318
Published
1864
Language
English

Synopsis

Richard Francis Burton's account details his diplomatic mission to the West African Kingdom of Dahomey in 1863. He provides a firsthand look at the court of King Gelele, the culture, and the controversial practices of the Dahomeyan people, including their famed female warriors. This historical record offers a unique perspective on a powerful African kingdom during a period of significant colonial expansion.

Prose complexity
7/10

Vibe

InformativeAdventurousIntellectual
Fish Out of Water

Genres

History Travel

Authors

C
C. W. Newbury

C. W. Newbury writes on colonial history, with a focus on Africa and the Pacific. His books, such as "A mission to Gelele, King of Dahome,"

R
Richard Francis Burton

British explorer, geographer, translator, writer, soldier, orientalist, cartographer, ethnologist, spy, linguist, poet, fencer, and diplomat

Frequently asked questions

  • Is this book a single volume or part of a larger work?

    The original publication is divided into two distinct volumes that together form the complete account of the diplomatic mission.

  • How does the author approach the subject of the Dahomeyan military?

    Burton provides an ethnographic analysis of the female military corps, which he refers to as Amazons, by examining their historical origins, recruitment processes, and the strict celibacy requirements imposed upon them.