article
An administrative survey of the Masai social system
Tanganyika notes and records • (26) • Published In 1948 • Pages: 1-50
By: Fosbrooke, H. A..
Abstract
Fosbrooke, in his capacity as a colonial officer, spent four years among the Maasai. He wrote this article with the specific objective of studying their political system with a view to submitting proposals for administrative reorganization. In essence, it is a study of the structure and function of the age-sets among the Maasai both before and after European contact. A large part is devoted to an inquiry into the traditional and current role of the chief LAIBON (medicine man). In discussing these two aspects of Maasai society, Fosbrooke manages to give some idea of the dynamics of leadership and political power in a society where traditional roles are being undermined through culture contact and colonial rule. Passing references are made to marriage regulation, family life, residence patterns and some aspects of traditional pastoral economy.
- HRAF PubDate
- 1996
- Region
- Africa
- Sub Region
- Eastern Africa
- Document Type
- article
- Evaluation
- Creator Types
- Anthropologist
- Government Official
- Document Rating
- 5: Excellent Primary Data
- Analyst
- Amal Vinogradov
- Field Date
- 1931-1948
- Coverage Date
- 1800-1948
- Coverage Place
- Kenya and Tanzania
- Notes
- by H. A. Fosbrooke
- Numbers appearing in brackets after individual names of LAIBONS on pages 13-22 refer to the genealogical chart of the chief LAIBONS which appears on page 12.
- LCCN
- 58039039
- LCSH
- Masai (African people)