David Pratten

David Pratten is an Associate Professor in the Social Anthropology of Africa at the University of Oxford, where he is also a Fellow of St Antony's College. His work bridges social anthropology and African studies, focusing on themes of history, violence, and the state through long-term fieldwork with Annang communities in Nigeria.

His research spans colonial-era ritual murders, post-colonial vigilantism, and contemporary masquerade traditions. He has led the African Studies Centre (2009-2013) and served as Director of Graduate Studies, while co-editing the prestigious journal AFRICA since 2010.

Key Publications include the award-winning monograph The Man-Leopard Murders (2007) and co-edited volumes like Global Vigilantes (2007). His recent work involves a French National Research Agency (ANR) project on xenophobic exclusion in Africa.

Scientific Awards

• Amaury Talbot Prize (2007)
• Teaching Excellence Award (2009)

He supervises DPhil students and collaborates on research initiatives like the African Print Culture Network, supported by the John Fell Fund. His sabbatical (2024-2025) reflects ongoing commitment to ethnographic fieldwork and cross-disciplinary dialogue.