The Niger Delta and Calabar, which once…

1840 CE to 1851 CE

The Niger Delta and Calabar, which once had been known for the export of slaves, now become famous for the export of palm oil, so much so that the delta streams are given the name the "oil rivers."

The basic economic units in each town are "houses," family-operated entities that are also the focus of loyalty for those employed in them.

A "house" includes the extended family of the trader, both his retainers and slaves.

As its head, the master trader taxes other traders who are members of his "house" and is obligated to maintain a war vessel, which is a large dugout canoe that can hold several tons of cargo and dozens of crew, for the defense of the harbor.

Whenever a trader can afford to keep a war canoe, he is expected to form his own "house."

Economic competition among these "houses" is so fierce that trade often erupts into armed battle between the large canoes.

Locations
Calabar Cross River Nigeria View →

Groups
Igbo people View → Hausa Kingdoms, the View → Hausa people View → Yoruba people View → Ijaw people View → Kano (Hausa city state) View → Zaria (Zazzau), Hausa City-State of View → Katsina (Hausa city state) View → Gobir (Hausa city state) View → Benin Empire View → Ibibio people View → Bonny, Ijo city-state of View → Oyo Empire View → Calabar, Efik state of View → Dahomey, Kingdom of View → Khasso, Fulani Jihad State View → Aro Confederacy View → Fouta Djallon (Futa Jallon) Fulani Jihad State View → Fouta-Toro, or Futa Toro, Fulani Jihad State of View → Elem, Ijo city-state of View → Equatorial Guinea, Spanish colony of View → United States of America (US, USA) (Washington DC) View → Britain (United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland) View → Fulani Empire View → Nupe, Emirate of the View → Freetown (Sierra Leone), British Crown Colony of View → Sokoto, Kingdom of View → Macina (Masina), Fulani Jihad State of View → Spain, Bourbon Kingdom (first restoration) of View → Denmark, Kingdom of View → France, constitutional monarchy of View → Zaria, Emirate of View → Oyo, Yoruba Kingdom of View →

Topics
Sub-Saharan Africa, Modern View → West African Blockade View →

Commodities
Weapons View → Oils, gums, resins, and waxes View → Slaves View →

Subjects
Commerce View → Conflict View → Faith View → Government View → Custom and Law View →

Regions

Subregions

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