ABSTRACT
Old societies make up young Burkina. Some sixty ethnic groups, differentiated by elements of their social, economic, and political organization and at times by language and culture brought civilization and government to the region several centuries ago. This chapter describes the Mossi kingdoms, their history and political and economic systems, selected non-Mossi societies and their systems, and the relations that existed between these different communities prior to colonization. It then reviews the relatively short colonial episode, beginning with its conquest (1888-1895), French administration and local resistance to it (1895-1945), and the progressive replacement of the French by domestic elitesleading toward independence (1945-1960). The sociopolitical system of the Mossi is linked to the nature of its historical foundations. The precolonial Mossi economy was based for the most part on household subsistence farming, although there was rudimentary division of labor, with blacksmiths providing tools in return for food.
