Warrior Peoples of East Africa 1840–1900

Osprey Men at Arms #411

by Chris Peers, Raffaele Ruggeri (Illustrations)

Less well known than the Zulu of South Africa, the warriors of East Africa had just as fearsome a reputation. This fascinating study, illustrated with rare early drawings and meticulous colour plates, covers six of most prominent tribes. The prowess of the lion-hunting Masai deterred all foreign penetration for most of the 19th century; the Ngoni, driven north by the Zulu, revolutionized warfare in the region; the HeHe put up fierce resistance to German colonisers; the Ruga-Ruga produced two formidable warlords and adorned themselves with bloody trophies; the Nandi showed reckless bravery even against machine guns; and the Turkana dominated one of the most pitiless wildernesses in all of Africa.

Genres: Africa, Military History, History

48 pages, Paperback

First published June 12, 2005

Reviews

[Aisenyi · Rating 4 out of 5]

A very interesting book on a culture long lost. I am from the East Africa region but hadn't heard of many of these tales. Especially the reputation of the Masai and the Ruga-Ruga people who I'm interested in further studying to know where they ended up. We need more books like this in Africa.

[Joe Collins · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very informative booklet on the six major tribes in East Africa in the last half of the 1800’s.