Epilogue

Abstract

In the epilogue, the author laments the marginalization of African history even in this day of global history. He then puts forward the claim that the sorts of sacred/pagan societies we have encountered on the Slave Coast were in no way unique to that region and may have constituted a long-standing, widespread norm. The author reflects on the neglect Ouidah suffered from until the emergence of “ethnic tourism”, something which has not really been a success. Visitors from overseas prefer Senegal and especially Ghana, where there are many old European forts still standing, and on the sea-shore. This sharply contrasts with the Slave Coast, the epicentre of the slave trade in West Africa, where only one small fort is left standing, and inland at that.