Book

The Rwala Bedouin today

Cambridge University PressCambridge, [Cambridgeshire] • Published In 1981 • Pages: x, 179

By: Lancaster, William.

Abstract
This book explores how the Rwala Bedouins responded to effects of external forces that have impinged upon their culture and economy from 1900 to 1970s. The most important of these forces include the divison of Rwala's traditional homeland among four newly emerged states (namely Syria, Saudi Arabia, Jordan and Iraq), the booming of oil in the region, and civil wars and radical government changes especially in Syria. The book argues that these forces have required Rwala families, lineages and Sheiks to continuously balance between tradition and change. While accepting citizenship to a territorially bounded nation state and participating in crossboarder markets, the Rwala have, for example, continued pursuing their age-old culturally-desired goal of improving one's status by earning reputation and herding camels not only for their economic values, but also for the special meanings associated with them as symbols of wealth and identity.
Subjects
History
Sociocultural trends
Ethos
External relations
Inter-community relations
Lineages
Community structure
Ethics
culture
Rwala Bedouin
HRAF PubDate
2009
Region
Middle East
Sub Region
Middle East
Document Type
Book
Evaluation
Creator Type
Anthropologist
Document Rating
5: Excellent Primary Data
Analyst
Teferi Abate Adem; 2007
Field Date
1972-1975
Coverage Date
1900-1975
Coverage Place
Syria, Saudi Arabia, Jordan and Iraq
Notes
William Lancaster
Includes bibliographical references (p. 172-174) and index
LCCN
80041547
LCSH
Bedouins--Saudi Arabia/Saudi Arabia--Social life and customs