article

Camel raiding of north Arabian Bedouin: a mechanism of ecological adaptation

American anthropologist67 (5) • Published In 1965 • Pages: 1132-1150

By: Sweet, Louise Elizabeth.

Abstract
This article discusses the social, economic and ecological functions of camel raiding among North Arabian Bedouins. It considers camel raiding as a core element of Bedouin culture by which camels are distributed across agro-ecological zones in ways that is adaptive both to changing environmental conditions and existing power relations among tribal sections and competing local leaders. Camel raiding also provided a unique opportunity by which ambitious individuals earned esteem and improved status by displaying their courage and military prowess.
Subjects
Animal transport
Pastoral activities
Instigation of war
Inter-community relations
Warfare
Tribe and nation
Community heads
Status, role, and prestige
Etiquette
Sociocultural trends
culture
Bedouin
HRAF PubDate
2009
Region
Middle East
Sub Region
Middle East
Document Type
article
Evaluation
Creator Type
Anthropologist
Document Rating
5: Excellent Primary Data
Analyst
Teferi Abate Adem; 2007
Field Date
1958-1959
Coverage Date
1925-1959
Coverage Place
Saudi Arabia, Syria and Iraq
Notes
Louise E. Sweet
Includes bibliographical references (p. 1149-1150)
LCCN
17015424
LCSH
Bedouins