By: Megan Crutcher

This article traces the evolution of the Kru people of West Africa, focusing on their maritime skills and identities from the 15th to the 20th centuries. It explores how European colonization and global maritime commerce transformed Kru identity, emphasizing their integral role in the British Empire’s naval power. The analysis underscores the Kru’s ability to navigate and adapt to the changing demands of global capitalism and colonialism, merging traditional maritime practices with new opportunities. The narrative highlights the Kru’s strategic engagement with colonial forces, illustrating the complexities of African agency in the colonial period.