The narrative highlights the distinctiveness of Liberians in their negotiation of traditional indigenous and modern practices, and the changes wrought by Christianity and Western influences.
Series Foreword Preface Chronology Introduction Religion and Worldview Literature and Media Art and Architecture/Housing Cuisine and Traditional Dress Gender Roles, Marriage, and Family Social Life and Customs Music and Dance Index
AYODEJI OLUKOJU is Professor of History at the University of Lagos, Nigeria. He is author of The Liverpool of West Africa: The Dynamics and Impact of Maritime Trade in Lagos, 1900-1950.
The author presents an overview of life in Liberia from
pre-colonial days to the present, encompassing all of the various
diverse groups in the country. The task is a difficult one, but
Professor Olukoju, who teaches history at the University of Lagos,
Nigeria, has made a noble attempt. He has reviewed much of the
basic literature, drawing upon the research that exists for the
country and in particular using the many articles which have
appeared in the Liberian Studies Journal since its inception in
1968. He is to be congratulated for the overview he has given.
*African Affairs*
Americo-Liberians and the descendants of liberated slaves make up a
minority within this complex culture, but they played a
disproportionately large role in defining Liberian fashion,
cuisine, religious practice, marriage customs, and attitudes toward
literacy. Indigenous culture is also important to Liberia, and the
result is rich and complex. In addition, political upheaval has
caused a significant amount of migration, so diverse subcultures
have intermingled in the relative safety of the nation's cities and
refugee camps both inside and outside Liberian borders. Olukojo
provides an accessible resource for the general reader,
concentrating on the region's religions, literature, media, art,
architecture, cuisine, traditional dress, gender roles, marriage,
family, social customs, lifestyle, music and dance, tracing the
influence of both the American and the traditional. The
illustrations are well-chosen and include period photographs and
pictures of current daily life.
*Reference & Research Book News/Art Book News Annual*
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