3-053-565 - The Print Collector/Heritage Images

The Gold Coast and Ashantee War: Fantee huts, 1873. 'These little drawings are intended to convey a general idea of the dwellings of the natives of the West Coast of Africa, all whose habitations are very similarly constructed. The materials are chiefly palm-leaves plaited together, long grass, or reeds. It is, of course, evident that when dry these huts are very inflammable - indeed, the construction is so light that a native village can at any time be easily destroyed, especially if taken by surprise, when gunpowder is sure to be stored there. Of course, such primitive homes can easily be rebuilt'. From "Illustrated London News", 1873.