This book analyzes the history of the Ngwa-Igbo of Southeastern Nigeria in time perspective. It begins with an evaluation of the methodologies used in studying the so-called stateless societies and goes on to discuss the origin of the Ngwa and their socio-political organization. Subsequent chapters examine local and regional trade networks as well as the roles Okonko title society, the Aro and other oracular specialists played during slavery and legitimate commerce. Also discussed are the production and marketing of palm produce and the sequence of events that contributed to the Aba Women's Revolt of 1929. The final chapter uses the Ngwa example to highlight the diverse changes that occurred in Igbo mini states during the periods under review.

The Author: John N. Oriji is a Visiting Professor of African History at Fort Lewis College, Colorado State University, Durango. He previously served in a similar capacity at California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo and was until recently, a Senior Research Fellow in the Institute of African Studies and Senior Lecturer, Department of History, University of Nigeria, Nsukka. Among his many academic honors are The Gilman Fellowship and The University of Nigeria Foundation Scholarship. Professor Oriji is the author of a book titled Traditions of Igbo Origin: A Study of Pre-Colonial Population Movements in Africa (Peter Lang, 1990) and many articles which have been published in professional journals. He received his M.A. from The Johns Hopkins University and his Ph.D. from Rutgers University.