Changing Paths and Histories

Abstract

Research Article| May 01 2018 Changing Paths and Histories: Mapping Precolonial Connections in Africa Aharon de Grassi Aharon de Grassi Search for other works by this author on: This Site Google Radical History Review (2018) 2018 (131): 169–175. https://doi.org/10.1215/01636545-4355305 Cite Icon Cite Share Icon Share Facebook Twitter Email Permissions Search Site Citation Aharon de Grassi; Changing Paths and Histories: Mapping Precolonial Connections in Africa. Radical History Review 1 May 2018; 2018 (131): 169–175. doi: https://doi.org/10.1215/01636545-4355305 Download citation file: Zotero Reference Manager EasyBib Bookends Mendeley Papers EndNote RefWorks BibTex toolbar search Search nav search search input Search input auto suggest search filter Books & JournalsAll JournalsRadical History Review Search Advanced Search A new detailed map of mainly precolonial paths in Africa can be derived from a late nineteenth-century map series. The map is useful less for its precision than for suggesting new understandings and questions about the roles of indigenous shaping of landscapes of connection. While further research is needed on specific areas and changes over time, appreciating the significant production of precolonial paths helps enrich recent reconceptualizations of the relations between cartography, colonialism, and capitalism. In addition, it also helps move away from pessimistic determinism and towards more promising understandings of political economy and possibilities for social change. The text of this article is only available as a PDF. cartography, political economy, precolonial, infrastructure, Angola Copyright © 2018 by MARHO: The Radical Historians’ Organization, Inc.2018 You do not currently have access to this content.