'Leopard Men', Slaves, and Social Conflict in Libreville (Gabon), c.1860-1879

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Periodical article

Title:	'Leopard Men', Slaves, and Social Conflict in Libreville (Gabon), c.1860-1879
Author:	Rich, Jeremy
Year:	2001
Periodical:	International Journal of African Historical Studies
Volume:	34
Issue:	3
Pages:	619-638
Language:	English
Geographic terms:	Gabon France
Subjects:	gender relations slavery colonialism leopard men History and Exploration Peoples of Africa (Ethnic Groups) Law, Human Rights and Violence Ethnic and Race Relations
External link:	https://www.jstor.org/stable/3097557
Abstract:	Between 1877 and 1879, fear swept through the French colonial port of Libreville (Gabon), when thirty Africans died at the hands of assailants who generally escaped discovery. Some perpetrators were captured dressed in leopard skins; the murderers therefore became known as 'leopard men'. This essay first presents an introduction to the historical context of town society and French rule in Libreville. It then turns to conflicts over gender roles and slaves that appeared during the leopard men murders. After setting the political and social foundations in Libreville for the unease that accompanied the leopard men calamity, the essay reviews local notions of supernatural power and the impact of interference by colonial officials and missionaries. Finally, the essay concentrates on the murders themselves, attempts by officials to end the violence, and their manifold consequences on town life. Notes, ref. [ASC Leiden abstract]