Tropes of social becoming along a history of circulation within West Africa and from there to Latin America

Abstract

Since the turn of the 21^st century, movement within West Africa and out of the African continent has intensified. In South America, destinations and transit points have emerged. This article traces historical precedents to these forms of movement paying attention to forms of social becoming and adventure. In West Africa, movement dates to pre-colonial times; transformed during the colonial period, and after independence; and intensifies in the present. The roots of some colonial tropes like hustler seem to stretch to pre-colonial times; they are rooted in local cultures and persist today. Other tropes that emerged during the colonial period, like Sapeurs, are present today, and yet others, like African workers, seem to slowly fade; lastly, tropes that emerge in post-adjustment times rely more on virtual than physical travel and thrive in the present.