Rooted in the Wild

The story of wilderness survival and naturalist skills often centers on Eurocentric narratives, neglecting the rich traditions and histories of African and African-descended peoples. Rooted in the Wild seeks to elevate these overlooked stories, tracing the lineage of bushcraft, survival, and naturalist practices from African cultures to the resilience of enslaved African Americans who used these skills to escape captivity and build thriving maroon communities in the wilderness. By highlighting the traditions of the Hausa people in West Africa and the Hadza people in East Africa, as well as the survival techniques of enslaved African Americans, this book reveals how these skills were both acts of survival and cultural resistance.Drawing from historical accounts, scholarly research, and oral traditions, Rooted in the Wild bridges the past and present, offering readers a comprehensive guide to survival skills that are steeped in Black cultural heritage. This book appeals to history enthusiasts, outdoor adventurers, and anyone seeking a deeper understanding of how human ingenuity and cultural identity converge in the face of adversity.