Book

A pastoral democracy: a study of pastoralism and politics among the northern Somali of the Horn of Africa

Published for the International African Institute by Oxford University PressLondon • Published In 1961 • Pages:

By: Lewis, I. M..

Abstract
This book is a descriptive analysis of the socio-political structure of the Somali. The bulk of the material is drawn from the former British Protectorate of Somaliland. There pastoralism is of greater importance than to the south where grain cultivation is also practiced. Political life is to a high degree determined by lineage and clan adherence as well as loyalty to the DIA-paying lineage contract group. Political parties, though based upon such grouping, tend now, however, to emphasize national unity. Negation of lineage-and clan affiliation for the sake of a higher unit had been the ideal, though not operating in practice, of the religious Muslim Orders (TAARIQUA). In this case, Muslim brotherhood represented the higher unit. The book concentrates on the developments since the 1930's, but gives due consideration to earlier conditions.
culture
Somali
HRAF PubDate
1997
Region
Africa
Sub Region
Eastern Africa
Document Type
Book
Evaluation
Creator Type
Ethnologist
Document Rating
4: Excellent Secondary Data
5: Excellent Primary Data
Analyst
Sigrid Khera ; John Beierle ; 1970-1974
Field Date
1955-1957
Coverage Date
ca. 1930-1955
Coverage Place
Somalia, Djibouti, and southeastern Ethiopia
Notes
by I. M. Lewis
Includes bibliographical references (p. 307-312) and index
LCCN
62000014
LCSH
Somalis