The history of the often-overlooked chewa Ethiopian warriors and their crucial role in defending their homeland against invasion, as well as their strong influence on political identity and the social infrastructure.

Preface
Introduction: Traditions of hierarchical warriorhood
The historical context of emergent warriors
Military lands and power politics
Ecological roots of local leadership
Social localities of emergent warriors
Military training in sports, horsemanship and hunting
Political authority and military power
Zeraf: symbols and rituals of power and rebellion
First Italian invasion, 1896
Guerrilla warfare, 1935-41
Conclusion

Tsehai Berhane-Selassie taught Social Anthropology, Gender and Development Studies in universities in Ethiopia, the UK, the USA and Ireland. She is a former member of The Institute for Advanced Study, Princeton. Her publications include editing Gender Issues in Ethiopia.