Description

Book Synopsis

In 1913, Sierra Leone bore witness to a Special Court convened to hear cases of cannibalism. Described as Human Leopards, those accused of ritually killing and eating others were associated with a criminal group, and in the wake of the cases, many accused and convicted Human Leopards were executed or exiled from the colony. Contemporary writers described these events in the rhetoric of the civilized world triumphing over the barbaric, and newspapers of the period wallowed in the lurid idea of shapeshifting cannibals lurking to murder and devour the innocent. Cannibalism Myths, Empire, and Identity in Colonial Sierra Leone by Katrina HB Keefer offers new perspectives on these trials, delving closely into the transcripts of the 1913 Human Leopard cases. Through careful analysis of evidence and modern scholarship, it's clear that cannibalism was never at play in these murder cases, and Keefer presents a complex web of judicial overreach, colonial ambitions, xenophobic fears, socio-political turmoil, animals whose habitat was being encroached upon, and powerful initiation societies.

Cannibalism Myths Empire and Identity in Colonial

    Product form

    £76.95

    Includes FREE delivery

    RRP £81.00 – you save £4.05 (5%)

    Order before 4pm today for delivery by Wed 5 Aug 2026.

    A Hardback by Katrina HB Keefer

      Trusted by thousands of customers. See 2,385+ Customer Reviews

      View other formats and editions of Cannibalism Myths Empire and Identity in Colonial by Katrina HB Keefer

      Publisher: Lexington Books
      Publication Date: Publication Date: 1/4/2024
      ISBN13: 9781666965780, 978-1666965780
      ISBN10: 1666965782
      Also in:
      Politics and government

      Description

      Book Synopsis

      In 1913, Sierra Leone bore witness to a Special Court convened to hear cases of cannibalism. Described as Human Leopards, those accused of ritually killing and eating others were associated with a criminal group, and in the wake of the cases, many accused and convicted Human Leopards were executed or exiled from the colony. Contemporary writers described these events in the rhetoric of the civilized world triumphing over the barbaric, and newspapers of the period wallowed in the lurid idea of shapeshifting cannibals lurking to murder and devour the innocent. Cannibalism Myths, Empire, and Identity in Colonial Sierra Leone by Katrina HB Keefer offers new perspectives on these trials, delving closely into the transcripts of the 1913 Human Leopard cases. Through careful analysis of evidence and modern scholarship, it's clear that cannibalism was never at play in these murder cases, and Keefer presents a complex web of judicial overreach, colonial ambitions, xenophobic fears, socio-political turmoil, animals whose habitat was being encroached upon, and powerful initiation societies.

      Recently viewed products

      © 2026 Book Curl

        • American Express
        • Apple Pay
        • Diners Club
        • Discover
        • Google Pay
        • Maestro
        • Mastercard
        • PayPal
        • Shop Pay
        • Union Pay
        • Visa

        Login

        Forgot your password?

        Don't have an account yet?
        Create account