Liberia: Description, History, ProblemsStarr, Frederick
History
Liberia: Description, History, Problems
Starr, Frederick
Liberia
14. The human population of Liberia consists of the Americo-Liberians,
who live in a number of small settlements along the coast and upon some
of the more important rivers, and the aborigines. The truly native
population consists of many different tribes, each with its own
language, territory, government, and life. These tribes linguistically
form three or four groups. Delafosse, our best authority in regard to
Liberian populations, recognizes four such groups; Sir Harry Johnston
recognizes three. The four divisions of Delafosse are Kru, Mandingo,
Gola, Gbele--Sir Harry Johnston’s are Kru, Mandingo, and Kpwesi. We have
already suggested that the tribes are many and diverse; within his Kru
group Delafosse names eighteen tribes. The black populations of Africa
are usually divided into three great divisions--true Negroes, Bantu,
Negrillos (Pygmies and Bushmen). The Liberian tribes are true Negroes
and are to be distinguished from the Bantu populations of Congo Belge
and southern Africa. Most of the native tribes are pagan. In the western
half of Liberia, however, Mohammedanism has taken hold of the great
tribes of Mandingo and Vai. Among all these natives the tribal
organization and government remain in full force, although most of them
recognize the sovereignty of the Republic; native dress, arts, and
industries remain; among the pagan tribes polygamy is common; domestic
slavery still exists; witchcraft is recognized and the ancient ordeals
are practiced.
POLITICAL GEOGRAPHY.--1. The name Liberia was suggested in 1824 by
Robert Goodloe Harper, of Baltimore, Maryland, and has reference to the
fact that the colony was established as a land of freedom; the capital
city, Monrovia, was also named on his suggestion in honor of the
president of the United States at that time, James Monroe. The Republic
of Liberia is divided for administrative purposes into four
counties--Montserrado, Grand Bassa, Sinoe, and Maryland. These are named
in order from west to east. The portion of Montserrado County lying
around Cape Mount forms a territory with Robertsport as its capital and
chief city.
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