Mastering a Continent

Synopsis
Looks closely at three different communities examining the way in which African peoples mastered the problems of creating a way of life in a varied and often hostile environment. Looks in particular at two important developments in early African society, the growth of cattle keeping and agriculture. Observes a group of Pokot cattle herders in northern Kenya and explains how their lives are intricately involved with their livestock. The Pokot themselves describe their way of life and how they use their natural environment. Sukur is a farming village high in the mountains between Nigeria and Cameroon where the people have been so successful at crop growing that they have been able to nurture specialist craftsmen in stone and metal and develop a trading interest. The Dogon of Mali have used their success as farmers to develop a religious and cultural life of extraordinary wealth and complexity.
Series
Africa, Series
Language
English
Country
Great Britain
Medium
Video; Videocassette. VHS. col. 50 min.
Year of production
1983
Availability
Hire
Sale
Notes
Review of series by Brian Hoyle in ‘BUFVC Newsletter’ No 59 (11/86), pp6-9.
Subjects
Anthropology; History
Keywords
Africa; Dogon; Kenya; Mali; Pokot; social life and customs

Credits

Director
Andrew Harries; Christopher Ralling; John Percival; Mike Csaky
Cast
Basil Davidson 

Production Company

Name

Arts International

Name

Channel Four Television

Phone
071-396 4444
Address
LONDON
SW1P 2TX

Distributor

Name

African Video Centre

Email
info@africanvideocentre.co.uk
Web
http://www.africanvideocentre.co.uk External site opens in new window
Phone
020 7732 5460
Fax
020 7732 6897
Address
92 Peckham High Street
London
SE15 5ED

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