Doing colonialism: reading the banishment of a »native chief« in the Tanganyika territory

Authors

  • Bettina Brockmeyer

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.4119/indi-1023

Abstract

This article takes a closer look at the »colonial situation« (Balandier 1970). It seeks to shed light on a multifaceted non-colonizing colonial biography during the time of European conquest. The focus lies on the interpretation of the banishment of a »chief« in the British-mandated territory of Tanganyika. This chief, Sapi Mkwawa (1879–1951), was an important figure within European colonization. He experienced two colonizing powers in a prominent but ambiguous position. I argue that through close analysis of the archival material on this banishment, colonialism becomes visible as an ongoing process, based on different forms of a »politics of belonging«. Class and »tribe« function as features of »belonging« that are consolidated by the authority of the Mkwawa family, in addition to being bolstered by colonial power relations.

Downloads

Published

2017-06-07

How to Cite

Brockmeyer, B. (2017). Doing colonialism: reading the banishment of a »native chief« in the Tanganyika territory. InterDisciplines. Journal of History and Sociology, 7(1). https://doi.org/10.4119/indi-1023