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 Press • London • 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.

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