Amadou Hampâté Bâ and the Writer Robert Arnaud (Randau): African Colonial Service and Literature

Author: Pondopoulo, Anna

Source: Islamic Africa, Volume 1, Number 2, Fall 2010 , pp. 229-247(19)

Publisher: Northwestern University Press

Buy & download fulltext article:

Price: $20.00 plus tax (Refund Policy)

Abstract:

This article explores the possible links between the literary works of the writer and colonial administrator, Robert Arnaud (1873-1950; better known by his literary pseudonym Robert Randau) and Amadou Hampaté Bâ. The author of Wangrin and Oui, mon commandant! was well-acquainted with Arnaud who, following a career devoted largely to Islamic issues, became in 1924 an inspector of administrative affairs in Upper Volta and, in 1927-28, served as acting governor of this territory. The personal papers of Arnaud both shed new light on certain administrative incidents that are also described in the works of Hampâté Bâ and also allow us to think in new ways about the role played by Africans in French colonial rule.

Document Type: Research article

DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.5192/215409910794105823

Publication date: 2010-09-01

More about this publication?

Islamic Africa is a peer-reviewed, multidisciplinary, academic journal published by Northwestern University Press in collaboration with the Institute for the Study of Islamic Thought in Africa (ISITA) at Northwestern University

The Journal incorporates Sudanic Africa, retaining its focus on historical sources, bibliographies, and methodologies. Islamic Africa promotes interaction between scholars of Islam and Africa across all continents and across historical periods.

The Journal welcomes papers from the humanities and the social sciences on any aspect of Islam and Muslim life pertaining to Africa, or originating from the African continent.
Editorial Board
Information for Authors
Submit a Paper
Subscribe to this Title
Northwestern University's Herskovits Library of African Studies
Sudanic Africa FREE back issues
ingentaconnect is not responsible for the content or availability of external websites