J. de la Soc. dés Africanistes XLII, 2, 1972, p. 187-191.

THE INSCRIBED SANDALS OP TIPPU TIP

PAR

Melvin E. PAGE et Patrick R. BENNETT.

Although chiefly remembered in both contemporary records and historical accounts as a slave trader l, Tippu Tip had a far larger and more important impact upon Eastern Africa. Born Hamed bin Muhammed el Murjebi, he acquired from his father the commercial interests which were to consume the greater portion of his lifetime. As an ivory merchant who also dealt in slaves, Tippu Tip traveled on several occasions from the coast opposite Zanzibar through central Tanganyika and deep into Zaire where his most important business interests were located. His personal authority extended from the eastern shores of Lake Tanganyika to Stanley Falls, but his influence touched a far wider area. He was an important factor in the decision-making of Africans from Zanzibar to Katanga, and his attitudes and reactions were carefully studied in European capitals as well. Clearly, he was one of the central figures in late nineteenth century East Africa.

Fortunately for historians, he dictated, late in his life, an autobiography *. Although it more aptly might be termed his reminiscences, the work generally is considered to be of first rank importance for historical research 3. Nonetheless, there has been little scholarly attention to the man himself. There is only one biography, that written early in this century and heavily dependent upon the autobiography 4. Beyond this, there are only three short published historical works which are devoted principally to him 5. It is therefore, of no small importance that a new, albeit small, bit of evidence concerning this man has recently come to light.