article

The principles of alliance formation between Konso towns

Man5 (2) • Published In 1970 • Pages: 258-280

By: Hallpike, C. R. (Christopher Robert).

Abstract
This article examines the principles governing inter-community alliances. It shows that Konso towns are related to one another both structurally and historically. Junior towns are established by migrants from a senior town. Contrary to the conventional view of kinship as a basis of lasting inter-group solidarity, the most friction was observed among towns that held senior-junior relationships. Consequently, the degree of alliance among towns appears inversely related to both structural and spatial distance. Relations among the different Konso villages were dynamic, greatly influenced by each town's pragmatic calculations of the costs and benefits of political alliance with other towns.
Subjects
Community structure
Inter-community relations
Social relationships and groups
Friendships
Warfare
Aftermath of combat
Priesthood
culture
Konso
HRAF PubDate
2016
Region
Africa
Sub Region
Eastern Africa
Document Type
article
Evaluation
Creator Type
Anthropologist
Document Rating
4: Excellent Secondary Data
5: Excellent Primary Data
Analyst
Teferi Abate Adem
Field Date
1965-1967
Coverage Date
1827-1967
Coverage Place
Konso Special Woreda, Southern Nations, Nationalities, and People's Region, Ethiopia
Notes
C. R. Hallpike
Includes bibliographical references
LCCN
sf 80000548
LCSH
Konso (African people)