Culture and Customs of Somalia / Edition 1

by Mohamed Diriye Abdullahi

Overview

Somalia, the Horn of Africa nation, is finally recovering from recent wars and famine. Written by a native Somali, Culture and Customs of Somalia gives students and interested readers an in-depth look at the land and people, past and present. It is the only accessible, comprehensive, and up-to-date general reference on this country. Somalia was once colonized by Europeans, but Abdullahi's superb survey, with its historical context, evokes a Somaliland from a Somali viewpoint.

This Muslim country has strong pastoral roots and is known as a land of poets with a long oral cultural tradition. Some highlights found herein include discussion of handcrafts and artisanry, distinctive architecture and nomad housing, camel culture, intriguing food and eating customs, rites of passage, leisure and economic pursuits, education, and the Somali musical genres. A chronology, glossary, and numerous photos enhance the text.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780313313332
Publisher:	Bloomsbury Academic
Publication date:	10/30/2001
Series:	Culture and Customs of Africa
Edition description:	New Edition
Pages:	224
Product dimensions:	6.14(w) x 9.21(h) x 0.56(d)

About the Author

MOHAMED DIRIYE ABDULLAHI, formerly a jourbanalist in Somalia, is now an independent language consultant and translator in Montreal. He specializes in the language, cultures, and history of the peoples of the Horn of Africa. He has previously published Parlons Somali, a book on the Somali language and culture.

Table of Contents

Illustrations
Series Foreword
Acknowledgments
Chronology
Introduction
Religion and Thought
Literature, Drama, and Media
Art, Architecture, and Housing
Cuisine and Traditional Dress
Gender Roles, Marriage, and Family
Social Customs and Lifestyle
Music and Dance
Glossary
Bibliography
Index

Editorial Reviews

…refreshingly original in its description of aspects of Somali culture and surprisingly parochial in the survey of Somali political history.” —International Jourbanal of African Historical Studies

“Librarians will want to purchase, for the high school collection and for the public library collection, countries for which your students or patrons need or request.” —Blanche Woolls & David Loertscher (GaleGroup.com)

From the Publisher