The Life of Trade

The Life of Trade utilizes archaeological and historical sources to address the complex nature of the Atlantic trade on the Gambia River. Taking a fresh multi-disciplinary approach, the book highlights the region’s atypical position as a commercial crossroads and access point for both interior and Atlantic markets. This engagement with a diversified commodities trade brought about the formation of a multi-ethnic, multi-religious community which was supported by, and reliant on, economic exchange. Analysis data from archaeological excavations in the region, Gijanto situates the Niumi Kingdom within the emerging capitalist world-system and so enriches our understanding of this period of great change in West Africa.