Precolonial commerce in Northeastern Sierra Leone

Abstract

The area of northeastern Sierra Leone has been inadequately lumped into more general systems of commerce in Upper Guinea or the Sierra Leone hinterland in the precolonial period. This trend has been partly dae to two factors. A lack of historical exploration of the area has led to a misreading of the role of a plethora of petty chiefdoms dominating it, especially after the mid-nineteenth century. Second, the area has been overlooked as part of a more generalized trading system with stronger emphasis elsewhere. This paper will attempt to examine the nature of commerce in northeastern Sierra Leone particularly centered around a strong and relatively extensive kingdom called Solimana. This will help to demonstrate the commercial influence Solimana exerted on its neighbors, as well as in relation to the development of late nineteenth century long distance trade from that area. An exploration will be made of interregional trade systems between Solimana and its neighbors, and Solimana's participation in long distance trade (or "through" trade).