article

Political systems of pastoral Tuareg in Air and Ahaggar

Folk (København)1 • Published In 1959 • Pages: 67-131 , 7 plates

By: Nicolaisen, Johannes.

Abstract
This article deals with the political system of two Tuareg groups, the Air and Ahaggar. It offers a description of the relations between noble and vassal tribes, and the role of the central authority and the limitations on his powers. Functionalist interpretations are given for these relationships and these are couched largely in economic terms. In addition there is a brief but clear discussion of environmental differences in the areas inhabited by these two Tuareg groups and the variations in the cycle of economic activities are described. Occasional references to other Tuareg groups are also included. There is also a rather lengthy discussion of Tuareg history and the authors' hypotheses about the introduction of the camel into North Africa. The document has been sub-headed for the Air and Ahaggar divisions. References to other Tuareg groups have been indexed for the appropriate cultural categories but no additional subheadings have been given.
Subjects
Pastoral activities
Annual cycle
Territorial hierarchy
Ingroup antagonisms
Diet
Internal trade
Slavery
Kinship terminology
Tillage
Historical reconstruction
Clans
culture
Tuareg
HRAF PubDate
2010
Region
Africa
Sub Region
Northern Africa
Document Type
article
Evaluation
Creator Type
Ethnologist
Document Rating
4: Excellent Secondary Data
5: Excellent Primary Data
Analyst
Betty Potash ; 1960
Field Date
1951-1955
Coverage Date
1900-1956
Coverage Place
Niger and Algeria
Notes
Johannes Nicolaisen
Includes bibliographical references (p. 127 - 131)
LCCN
2007249024
LCSH
Tuaregs