Mendi Expedition. The native method of firing a cannon
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Mendi Expedition. The native method of firing a cannon
The native method of firing a cannon (lighting it and sprinting away) during the Mendi expedition in Sierra Leone, West Africa in 1898
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Media ID 4410880
© Mary Evans Picture Library 2015 - https://copyrighthub.org/s0/hub1/creation/maryevans/MaryEvansPictureID/10238497
1898 Cannon Firing Leone Mendi Method Sierra Weapon Weapons
EDITORS COMMENTS
This photograph captures a pivotal moment during the Mendi Expedition in Sierra Leone, West Africa, in 1898. The Mendi Expedition was a military campaign led by the British to suppress a rebellion among the local people, primarily the Mendi and Sherbro tribes, who had refused to pay the newly imposed head tax. In this image, a native soldier is shown preparing to fire a cannon using the traditional method. Instead of using a match or other modern ignition device, the soldier employs a simple yet effective technique: he lights a small bundle of dry grass and quickly retreats, allowing the flames to reach the touchhole and ignite the cannon's powder. This method, though less precise than modern techniques, was a testament to the ingenuity and resourcefulness of the native people. The hut in the background, with its thatched roof and wooden walls, serves as a stark contrast to the imposing cannon. The juxtaposition of traditional and modern elements underscores the complex interplay between cultural exchange and conflict during this period of colonial expansion. The Mendi Expedition marked a significant turning point in the history of Sierra Leone and West Africa as a whole. The rebellion, though ultimately unsuccessful, challenged British authority and led to increased tensions between the colonial powers and the native populations. This photograph offers a glimpse into a pivotal moment in this tumultuous history, providing a window into the past and a reminder of the rich cultural heritage of West Africa.
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