Introduction

Trade and markets make fascinating topics for social scientists, but in addition it can be safely assumed that the question of what can be bought where, from whom and at what price is a matter of great concern to most members of any society. Considering the great importance attached to trade and markets it is astonishing to note that the persons occupying the centre stage in this cultural drama, the traders, have filled a rather ambivalent position in many societies throughout history. There are romantic stories about merchant princes, but also gossip about despised pedlars; there is the folklore about the shabby travelling salesman, but also the glorifying tales of Sindbad the trader and seafarer. Quite often traders are members of ethnic or religious minorities, while pedlars and sales personnel are often women.