Book

Blood revenge: the anthropology of feuding in Montenegro and other tribal societies

University Press of Kansas • Lawrence, Kan. • Published In 1984 • Pages:

By: Boehm, Christopher.

Abstract

Based on ethnohistorical research and field work, Boehm examines feuding behavior among the Montenegrins prior to the establishment of the Yugoslavian state. The author argues that, in the absence of a centralized authority which the Montenegrins have always strongly resisted, feuding serves as a moral sanction. Boehm carefully outlines the trajectory of feuds to show the various paths they take and the kinds of decisions made along the way, which can lead to either their termination or escalation. He emphasizes the pacification process which involves a tribunal of elders who step in to adjudicate feuds in the interest of maintaining tribal solidarity and strength. Also, he considers feuding's affect on mortality and migration, arguing that feuding functions to reduce population pressure on the land. In the last two chapters Boehm examines feuds cross-culturally and outlines a general theory on feuding behavior.

HRAF PubDate

1997

Region

Europe

Sub Region

Southeastern Europe

Document Type

Book

Evaluation

Creator Type

Ethnologist

Document Rating

4: Excellent Secondary Data

5: Excellent Primary Data

Analyst

Ian Skoggard ; 1996

Field Date

1963-1966, 1975

Coverage Date

18th-19th centuries, 1963-1966

Coverage Place

Serbia and Montenegro

Notes

Christopher Boehm

Includes bibliographical references (p. 253-258) and index

LCCN

84002203

LCSH

Montenegrins