Overview:
The 1805 journal of Mungo Park is a testament to his unwavering determination and the immense difficulties faced in exploring the interior of Africa. Despite the challenges of navigating treacherous terrain, hostile natives, and the onset of the rainy season, Park pressed onward, driven by a passion for discovery. He meticulously documented his observations, capturing the beauty of the African landscape, the intricacies of local customs, and the challenges of navigating a foreign land.
However, the harsh reality of the journey took its toll. Park’s expedition was plagued by sickness and death, with the majority of his team succumbing to disease. Ultimately, Park’s journey ended tragically, as he and his companions were lost on the Niger River, their fate a somber reminder of the risks associated with exploring the unknown.
Key Findings:
- The Niger River is a vast and important waterway.
- The interior of Africa is more civilized than previously believed.
- The slave trade is a brutal and destructive force.
- The rainy season in Africa is a perilous time for European travelers.
- The people of Africa are a diverse group with unique customs and beliefs.
Learning:
- African Geography and Culture: Readers will learn about the geography and culture of the interior of Africa, including the course of the Niger River, the different tribes and their customs, and the dangers of the rainy season.
- The Niger River: Park’s journal provides valuable information about the Niger, its vast size, its course, and its importance to the people who live along its banks. He details the dangers of navigating the river, including rapids and crocodiles.
- African Tribes: Park’s encounters with different tribes provide insights into their unique cultures and customs, their trade practices, and their varying degrees of hospitality.
- The Rainy Season: Park’s journal starkly illustrates the devastating effects of the rainy season, which wreaked havoc on his expedition, causing widespread illness and death.
- The Challenges of Exploration: Readers will understand the immense challenges and risks involved in exploring unknown territories.
- Hostile Natives: Park’s journal details his encounters with hostile natives, their motivations, and the strategies he employed to avoid conflict.
- Disease: The journal highlights the importance of disease prevention and the devastating impact of sickness on European travelers in Africa.
- The Slave Trade: Readers will gain a deeper understanding of the slave trade and its effects on the people of Africa.
- The Tragedy of the Slave Trade: Park’s journal gives a poignant glimpse of the horrors of the slave trade, showing the suffering it inflicts on both the enslaved and the communities they are taken from.
Historical Context:
Park’s expedition took place at a time when European exploration of Africa was just beginning to accelerate. The abolition of the slave trade had recently taken place, sparking an increased interest in exploring the continent for its natural resources and commercial opportunities. Park’s journey was part of this larger movement, driven by the desire to understand and exploit the wealth of Africa.
Facts:
- The Niger River is wider than the Thames at Westminster.
- The Niger flows from west to east.
- Hippopotami primarily feed at night.
- The Gambia River has a regular tide.
- Crocodiles are abundant in the Gambia River.
- The people of Jamberoo are Jaloffs, but many speak Mandingo.
- The King of Kataba is the most powerful king in the Gambia region.
- The people of Tenda are Jaloffs.
- The Faranba of Bady is considered independent of the King of Woolli.
- The King of Woolli is known for being avaricious.
- The inhabitants of Dentila are known for their ironworking.
- Lions are common in the Tenda Wilderness.
- The people of Konkodoo are known for their gold mining.
- The people of Dindikoo cultivate their land up to the very summits of the mountains.
- The people of Konkodoo are hostile to outsiders.
- The King of Fooladoo has extensive power and influence.
- The people of Bambarra consider ass-flesh a delicacy.
- The Niger is navigable at Bambakoo.
- The people of Bambarra are superstitious and believe in charms.
- The King of Bambarra is known as Mansong.
Statistics:
- Park’s expedition consisted of 44 Europeans, including Park himself, his brother-in-law, Mr. Anderson, and Mr. Scott.
- Park’s expedition lost 38 out of 44 Europeans to sickness and death.
- Park paid a total of 140 bars in amber and coral to the King of Woolli and his courtiers.
- The Faranba of Bady demanded 106 bars in goods as a tribute for passage.
- Park paid 149 bars in goods to the Chief of Fajemmia.
- Park purchased 750 lbs. of rice at Baniserile.
- Park purchased two asses for 10 bars of amber and coral each.
- Park paid 97 bars in goods to the Kings of Badoo and Sansanba.
- Park purchased 42 asses for his expedition.
- Park paid 200 bars in goods to Mansa Kussan at Julifunda.
- Park bought an ass for 20 bars of amber.
- Park purchased three asses for 120 bars.
- Park purchased a bullock for 12 bars.
- Park purchased a sheep for 5 bars.
- Park bought an ass for 4 minkallis of gold.
- Park bought a horse for 45 bars.
- Park paid 50 bars for the passage of his baggage across the Ba Fing.
- Park purchased an ass for 4 minkallis of gold.
- Park paid 60 bars for the passage of his baggage and cattle across the Ba Woolima.
- Park purchased 2 asses for 56 bars of amber.
Terms:
- Slatee: A free black merchant, often involved in the slave trade.
- Bentang: A platform used as a town hall or meeting place.
- Dooty: The chief magistrate of a town or province.
- Palaver: A court of justice, public meeting, or negotiation.
- Mumbo Jumbo: A supernatural figure, representing a secret society, used to control the populace.
- Baft: A type of blue cloth from India, commonly used in African trade.
- Kowries: Small shells used as currency in the interior of Africa.
- Barraloolo: A gun, often specifically a five-bar gun.
- Faranba: The chief of a village or tribe, often independent of larger kingdoms.
- Toong: A curse or spell placed on something, rendering it inaccessible.
Examples:
- Park’s encounter with the Mumbo Jumbo boys, who demanded payment in amber to ensure safe passage.
- Park’s interaction with the Faranba of Bady, who demanded a high tribute for passage and retaliated when his demands were not met.
- The attack by a swarm of bees that nearly destroyed Park’s expedition.
- The death of John Walters, one of Park’s soldiers, from an epileptic fit.
- The death of James Trott, a carpenter, from the dysentery.
- The death of William Alston, a sailor, from exhaustion.
- Park’s escape from three lions while transporting Mr. Anderson on his horse.
- The construction of a temporary bridge across the Ba Woolima River using trees and forked sticks.
- The theft of Park’s possessions by the natives of Maniakorro, which illustrated their hostility toward outsiders.
- The death of Mr. Scott, who was left behind due to illness and was never seen again.
Conclusion:
Mungo Park’s 1805 journal is a testament to the courage and determination of a man driven by a passion for exploration. His unwavering dedication to uncovering the secrets of the Niger River ultimately cost him his life, a tragic reminder of the perils faced by those who dare to venture into the unknown. While Park’s expedition ended in tragedy, his meticulous documentation of his journey offers invaluable insights into the geography and culture of Africa, as well as the challenges of exploration and the brutality of the slave trade. His journal serves as a somber reminder of the importance of respecting the diverse people and cultures of Africa, and the need for caution and preparation when venturing into unfamiliar territories.