ABSTRACT
Family capitalism was associated with the increase of cattle and the practice of entrusting them to subordinate herdsmen, who were paid with a certain number of the calves, to suggest the idea of productive possessions and of interest on capital. This possibility of increase distinguishes cattle-breeding from the hoarding of valuables by hoe-cultivators. In addition to this, there is the system of contributions brought into existence by the hiring out of the herds. The pastoral chiefs seldom lived in one place longer than two or three years, for it was considered necessary to move frequently in order to keep the animals free from sickness. The kraal was also abandoned when anybody died. These chiefs appointed men as herdsmen who were members of the pastoral race and who either possessed no cows or else not enough to support a wife and family.
