ABSTRACT
The Nyakyusa chiefs, as they spread through the Rungwe valley, are believed to have established order, each within his own country, but without securing any rule of law between chiefdoms. Chiefs led the resistance to invaders in the nineteenth century: Ngoni, Bemba, Arab, Sangu, German, and some chiefs increased their power considerably during the period of colonial rule, but other sorts of power were emerging. Ownership of cattle was never confined to chiefs, but lineages differed in wealth, and those disposing of cattle increased more rapidly since their sons married many wives. The age-village was incompatible not only with the cultivation of long term crops and shortage of land, but with migrant labour. Political development in Ngonde and Nyakyusa has been markedly different since 1961. Rapid population increase since 1931 is amply documented and in 1969 large families were still desired by most women and men. Changes in kinship turn on the relations between generations and between men and women.
