I am an anthropologist and am presently at work on a book on
cooperative labor in subSaharan Africa. One of the questions
that I am interested in is the origins of cooperative work parties
in African societies. The works with which I am familiar (e.g.,
Swindell) speculate that communal labor arranngements are of
relatively recent vintage, as opposed to the view that they have
been an integral part of "traditional" society. I am curious to
know whether there are any historical works that have any
evidence on this question. Any and all information will be greatly
appreciated.