Death and the Kings Horseman takes place during the annexation of African countries by the British among other European countries. The contest for African countries in the 1880's and 90's was jump started with the annexation of Egypt by the English in 1882. Soon after the annexation of Egypt there was a struggle between Western European powers to colonize African Countries most of which were located on the three main rivers that run through Africa. The treaties enforced by Britain were proposed as treaties of protection, yet where anything but that. Most Chiefs and Rulers of these African communities were misinformed of what they were signing and had no idea they were signing away there sovereignty. The presence of military on Deltas and neighboring lands probably had some influence and impact on the signing of these documents. In signing these treaties the lands was to remain under the rule of the Chiefs and the people, but soon after rulers were replaced with British or other countries appointed rulers.
             One of the issues in Death and the Kings Horseman is interference with tribal tradition caused by this colonization of Africa. Elesin the kings horseman is supposed to sacrifice him self in order to join and protect his king in his passage to the gates of death. This tradition is put on hold because of European laws about suicide. Even though it is ritual and has nothing to do with Europeans they still feel it is necessary to interfere. This interference seems to be brought about by the white man's lack of education of African culture. The white people also think that the black lack intelligence and think it necessary to intervene, teach them what's right and wrong. Fore instance Olunde says "Yet another error into which your people fall. You believe that everything which appears to make sense was learnt from you." Mr. Pilkings ends up dishonoring the people and Elesin by holding up the ritual. Now the...