Kru Country

‘Kru Country’ is the first chapter in the section titled ‘In the Beginning’ and describes the development of the Kru as European trade and traffic increased on the West African coast. The chapter defines the origins of the terms ‘Kru’ and ‘Kroo’ and assesses the emergence of the construct of the Kru as a result of various social and economic processes that occurred during a period of European colonial activity in West Africa. Frost also explores the changing nineteenth century European systems of trade, and the Kru’s influence on these systems, while providing a useful cultural context that includes a discussion on the significance of ‘bride-wealth’ on Kru migration.