"Bones": Being Further Adventures in Mr. Commissioner Sanders' Country Informative Summary

Overview:

The story revolves around Mr. Commissioner Sanders, a British administrator in the Ochori country of Africa. Sanders is known for his strict justice and effective leadership, keeping the diverse and often volatile tribes under control. However, a power vacuum emerges when Sanders is forced to take leave, leaving the responsibility to his subordinate, Lieutenant Hamilton. Hamilton, though competent, lacks Sanders’ natural authority and finds himself struggling to maintain order. Meanwhile, Bosambo, a cunning and ambitious Ochori chief, seizes the opportunity to consolidate his own power, even resorting to manipulating Sanders’ absence for his gain.

As Hamilton grapples with a series of uprisings and lawlessness, a new threat emerges – Mimbimi, a mysterious figure who operates from the depths of the forest. Mimbimi orchestrates the kidnapping of a visiting British Cabinet Minister, leading to a frantic search and a surprising revelation. The story explores themes of colonial governance, tribal politics, and the clash of cultures, with Sanders returning to a landscape transformed by the events that unfolded during his absence.

Key Findings:

The complexities of colonial rule in Africa, where maintaining order amidst diverse tribes and cultural clashes is a constant challenge.
The importance of a strong and respected leader like Sanders in maintaining peace and stability.
The power of individual ambition and manipulation, as exemplified by Bosambo’s actions.
The prevalence of superstition and belief in supernatural forces amongst the native population.
The presence of a hidden world within the vast forests of Africa, with unknown tribes and potential for unexplored resources.

Learning:

Colonial Governance: The reader learns about the challenges of managing a diverse and often lawless territory under colonial rule. Sanders’ effective leadership is a stark contrast to Hamilton’s struggles, highlighting the need for a combination of strength and understanding when dealing with native populations.
Tribal Politics: The story provides a glimpse into the complex social hierarchies and power dynamics within African tribes. Bosambo’s manipulation of the situation, his use of local customs and beliefs for his gain, offer a nuanced understanding of tribal politics.
Supernatural Beliefs: The reader gains insight into the prevalent beliefs in ghosts, spirits, and divination practices in Ochori. The narrative explores how these beliefs influence the actions and reactions of the native population, adding a layer of intrigue and complexity to the story.
Exploration and Discovery: The story hints at the possibility of a hidden world in the heart of Africa, represented by the legend of N’bosini. This element fuels the reader’s curiosity about unexplored territories and the potential for new discoveries in the unknown regions of the continent.

Historical Context:

The story is set in early 20th-century Africa, a period of intense European colonization and exploration. The Ochori country is depicted as a region where the British administration is still trying to establish firm control, highlighting the challenges of navigating complex tribal relations and the ongoing power struggles between different colonial powers. The tensions surrounding the border disputes and the search for resources, like ivory, reflect the economic interests that drove European colonialism.

Facts:

Bosambo: A cunning and ambitious Ochori chief who uses Sanders’ absence to consolidate his own power. He is a master manipulator, skillfully exploiting tribal customs and beliefs to his advantage.
Mimbimi: A mysterious figure who operates from the depths of the forest and orchestrates the kidnapping of a British Cabinet Minister. He is a symbol of the unknown and the dangers lurking in the unexplored territories.
The Fetish Stick: A symbol of Sanders’ power and authority over the Akasava tribe. It represents the imposition of British law and control over native customs.
The N’bosini Legend: A mythical land inhabited by a powerful tribe, believed to hold valuable resources and secrets. It represents the enduring allure of the unknown and the potential for exploration and discovery in Africa.
The Green Crocodile: A sacred creature that holds a place of reverence in the local culture. It symbolizes the connection between the natural world and the spiritual realm in the Ochori beliefs.
The People of the Well: A unique tribe of well-diggers who have a deep connection to the earth and its secrets. They are a representation of the diverse and mysterious cultures that exist in Africa.
The “Red Field”: A disputed territory bordering the Ochori land, contested by various colonial powers. It represents the political and economic tensions surrounding the colonization of Africa.
The Village of Irons: A place of punishment and confinement for criminals and those who break the law. It symbolizes the British administration’s use of force and imprisonment to maintain order.
The Witch Doctors: Spiritual leaders with knowledge of magic and rituals, who are both feared and respected by the local population. They represent the traditional beliefs and practices that are often in conflict with colonial rule.
The “Ewa” Prophecy: A prediction made by a local shaman about the birth of a devil child who will bring misfortune to the land. This prophecy exemplifies the pervasive influence of superstition and fear in Ochori society.
The “Man-Who-Never-Sleeps”: A nickname given to Lieutenant Tibbetts by the native population, highlighting his diligence and dedication to his duties.
The “Silent Tree”: A tree with mystical properties, said to absorb sound and prevent communication. It represents the secrets and mysteries that lie hidden within the vast forests of Africa.
The “Cup of Sacrifice”: A sacred place in the Lombobo territory where human sacrifices were traditionally carried out. It symbolizes the brutality and barbarity that can exist within tribal practices.
The “Field of Blood”: A meadow near the N’glili river, believed to offer sanctuary to those who can cross it without disturbing its flowers. It represents the hope for escape and refuge from the dangers of the surrounding territories.

Statistics:

1 million+ square miles: The approximate size of the territory governed by a handful of British soldiers, emphasizing the challenges of colonial rule.
2,000+ people: The size of the audience gathered by Bosambo at his palaver, illustrating his influence and ability to mobilize the Ochori population.
150 pounds: The amount of gold Bosambo withdrew from Sanders’ storekeeper, revealing his financial resources and potential for manipulating the system.
24 canoes: The number of canoes Bosambo commanded, reflecting his power and influence.
10,000 matakos: The fine levied on the Isisi chief for defying Hamilton’s authority, illustrating the consequences of challenging the British administration.
10,000 moons: The frequency of marriage for Akasava maidens, according to Bosambo, highlighting their traditional customs.
20 miles: The length of land where Sanders ordered crops to be burned, demonstrating the drastic measures he employed to maintain order.
60 miles: The distance of the riot that prevented Sanders and Hamilton from accompanying Mr. Blowter on his inland trip.
100 picked men: The size of Tumbilimi’s force sent to capture Mimbimi, showcasing the scale of tribal warfare.
100 pounds: The amount of silver each member of the N’bosini secret society hid, reflecting their wealth and the allure of this hidden world.
2 miles: The disputed territory claimed by the German, French, and Belgian governments, emphasizing the international tensions surrounding the region.
20 Houssas: The size of Hamilton’s personal guard accompanying Mr. Blowter on his journey, highlighting the security measures taken for prominent figures.
10 canoes: The number of canoes N’gori sent to the edge of the N’gombi country for spears, illustrating his readiness to resist Bosambo.
2,000 men: The size of Notiki’s force assembled to raid the Isisi tribe, showcasing the scale of tribal conflicts.
10 thousand matakos: The fine levied on B’sano, the Isisi chief, for his insolence towards Hamilton, demonstrating the consequences of disobeying authority.

Terms:

Palaver: A public meeting or assembly for discussion and decision-making amongst the tribal leaders.
Lokali: A traditional musical instrument used for sending messages across vast distances.
Ju-ju: A term used to describe magic, witchcraft, and other spiritual practices that are prevalent among the native tribes.
Matako: A local currency used for fines and transactions.
Puc-a-puc: A common term for a river steamer.
Ewa: The name given to the devil child in the prophecy, representing a source of misfortune and chaos.
M’wani-m’wani: A term used to describe the “sleepless one” or “busy-body,” a nickname that reflects Lieutenant Tibbetts’ dedication and vigilant nature.
Boma: A word used to indicate killing or warfare.
G’la: A derogatory term used to describe a fool, which Lieutenant Tibbetts uses to provoke M’gobo.

Examples:

Bosambo’s manipulation of Sanders’ absence: Bosambo uses Sanders’ departure to impose a tax levy on the Ochori people, demonstrating his cunning and ambition.
Mimbimi’s kidnapping of Mr. Blowter: The abduction of the Cabinet Minister highlights the dangers lurking in the unexplored territories and the potential for violence against outsiders.
The construction of the fetish stick: Sanders’ actions highlight the imposition of British authority through physical structures and symbolism.
The N’bosini Legend: The story of N’bosini illustrates how rumors and speculation can create a mystique around unknown territories and fuel the desire for exploration and discovery.
The killing of the Green Crocodile: This incident symbolizes the clash between colonial practices and local traditions, demonstrating the unintentional consequences of outsiders’ actions.
The People of the Well digging wells on the hill: This act reflects the unique customs and beliefs of the Well-folk, and their lack of understanding of colonial laws.
The uprising of Ogibo: This rebellion represents the simmering resentment and desire for independence among the native population.
Bosambo’s expansion of his territory: The Ochori chief’s actions showcase the dynamics of power and territorial disputes among the tribes.
The destruction of the middle island village: This event highlights the destructive consequences of inter-tribal conflicts and the complexities of enforcing order in a volatile region.
The theft of the ivory: The incident exposes Bosambo’s true nature as a cunning and opportunistic leader, who is willing to exploit any situation for his own gain.

Conclusion:

“Bones” is a captivating story that delves into the intricacies of colonial rule in Africa, where maintaining order amidst diverse tribes and cultural clashes is a constant challenge. The story explores the importance of strong leadership, the complexities of tribal politics, and the enduring influence of supernatural beliefs. The reader gains insight into the clash of cultures, the allure of the unknown, and the potential for exploration and discovery in the vast and mysterious territories of the continent. The narrative highlights the challenges of imposing colonial laws and administration upon a population with its own traditions and beliefs, ultimately leaving the reader with a complex and multifaceted view of this fascinating period in African history.

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