4.4.4. A THEOCRACY AMPS UP GROWTH

MUSLIM LAW ENCOURAGES COMMERCIAL PRODUCTION

So the most dynamic traders of the Middle Niger back the theocracy of al-hajj Umar. 

(The Toukoulor Confederation of Ségou, 1861-1890)

The capital is the town of Ségou.

 It...

• Imposes private ownership of land.

When Umar and his crowds arrive, communal property is at the heart of local Muslim as well as animist social structure. But Islamic law demands division among heirs — that is, private property in practice — and the regime sends soldier-backed judges enforce it.

By the 1890's all territory in the densely-populated Ségou area is privately held, and produces millet for fifty local markets.

Communal organization is gone.

-- Dakar archives, 1895.

• Uses "holy wars" to free land for production and seize labor: The next chapter says more.

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Such transformation demands authority: "He said he was a mere soldier of Mohammed, but that gave him infinitely more power than that of the usual king."  

 -- An official mentioned in Dakar archives, 1887, 
citing Amadou Tall, Umar's son and successor

 Al-hajj Umar Tall, drawing of the time, source unknown

The robe and headdress do not encumber and steps rather than a barrier emphasize grandeur. 

  

• The ruler selects his heir and transmits his wealth to him.

Along the Senegal and Niger, succession that passed from brother to brother ensured short reigns and prevented a single dynasty from accumulating wealth. But now the leader alone possesses "baraka" (divine grace), and conveys it to his chosen heir.

Umar chooses his son Amadou, who also appoints his successor.

• Amadou keeps treasure. 

When his father's followers accuse him of "stinginess" —  the usual complaint (at end of page) when a king does not share  — he hires soldiers of his own.

He takes 20 camel-loads of gold (500 kilos) on campaign and the French find gold jewels valued at 300,000 francs buried in the palace.

-- Aubin p. 476, notes 161, 163, 164.

*    *

Doctrine is adapted to practical needs: 

• Ségou becomes a pilgrimage destination equal to Mecca, reinforcing the theocracy. 

• Amadou has 800 wives, which lets all groups hope that a son will come to power.

-- Mecca: Paul Soleillet, 
Voyages et découvertes dans le Sahara et dans le Soudan, 1887, p. 233. 

-- Wives: Lt. de vaisseau Mage,
 Voyage dans le Soudan occidental, 1868, p. 408

1920's postcard

To understand why mass philosophies take hold,

set them in their economic contexts

and observe the practical effects of applying them.

*     *     *

Next,

4.4.5.

Then contains it

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