‘We Are Well as We Are’: An Indian Critique of Seventeenth-Century Christian Missions

A critical examination of seventeenth-century Christian missions on the Island of Saint-Louis reveals that African women played a pivotal role in shaping Senegal's social and cultural landscape. The study highlights how 'signareship'—a term describing the influence and agency of African women—evolved during France's prolonged occupation (pre-1758). Drawing from accounts by Geoffroy de Villeneuve, who documented Wolof marriage patterns after living in Saint-Louis and Goree (1785–88), the research underscores the enduring relevance of these dynamics. It also notes the distinctive flair of Senegalese women in adornment, a tradition that persists today. The analysis challenges colonial narratives by centering African perspectives, offering new insights into the intersection of power, gender, and culture during this period.

Ronda, J. P. (2019). ‘We Are Well as We Are’: An Indian Critique of Seventeenth-Century Christian Missions. European and Non-European Societies, 1450–1800, 213–229. https://doi.org/10.4324/9780429443602-9