article
Kingalu: a myth of origin from eastern Tanzania
Anthropos • 66 (5/6) • Published In 1971 • Pages: 817-838
By: Brain, James Lewton.
Abstract
This is a theoretically-informed analysis of major events, characters and motives in a popular and well-documented Luguru origin myth. By interpreting its contents from different angles, the author argues that it holds the key to understanding the dynamics of Luguru matrilineages and cultural ethos. For example, when viewed as a context-specific oral tradition the myth outlines a series of local events relevant for reconstructing the spatial distribution and subsequent interaction of different matriclans. The myth can also be viewed as an epic charter for legitimizing inequalities and structural cleavages along gender, age, and seniority.
- 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; 2020
- Field Date
- 1965-1966
- Coverage Date
- 1965-1966
- Coverage Place
- Uluguru Mountains, Morogoro Region, Tanzania
- Notes
- James L. Brain
- Includes bibliographical references (p. 836-838)
- LCCN
- 07021775
- LCSH
- Luguru (African people)