essay

Ila property relations and political processes

local-level politics; social and cultural perspectivesChicago • Published In 1968 • Pages: 95-105 P.

By: Tuden, Arthur.

Abstract
This essay is an examination of the relationships between cattle ownership and political processes among the Ila. Unlike societies with a dominant cash economy and marked differences in access to productive capacities, the Ila rely on cattle as mediums of exchanges that occur in a kinship context of gift giving and ceremonial transactions. Yet, the author observes that kinship obligations do not prevent some ambitious Ila men from accumulating more property than others by manipulating transactions. The focus is on important methods of accumulating property and their political implications.
Subjects
Ethos
Cultural identity and pride
Functional and adaptational interpretations
Domesticated animals
Property in movables
Exchange transactions
Medium of exchange
Manipulative mobility
Accumulation of wealth
Kin relationships
Saving and investment
Social relationships and groups
Inter-community relations
Mode of marriage
Gift giving
culture
Ila
HRAF PubDate
2015
Region
Africa
Sub Region
Southern Africa
Document Type
essay
Evaluation
Creator Type
Anthropologist
Document Rating
5: Excellent Primary Data
Analyst
Teferi Abate Adem; 2014
Field Date
1953-1962
Coverage Date
1920-1968
Coverage Place
Namwala and Itezhi-Tezhi districts, Southern Province, Zambia
Notes
Arthur Tuden
Includes bibliographical references (p. 105)
LCCN
68019876
LCSH
Ila (African people)