ABSTRACT
The primitive African was to a marked degree dependent upon, and influenced by, his companions; crowd psychology thus dominated behaviour, and the individual separated from his fellows was liable to great instability of conduct. Routine duties were definitely allocated, and each person had his or her clearly defined position in society. Turning to the organization of society, certain features will be found to be common to most tribes in their original state. Society was divided as a rule into clearly defined age-groups; the attainment of puberty was attended with important ceremonies, and the subsequent status of the individual was marked by further formalities; usually a certain tie between all members of an age-group was recognized. Where the African has been in contact with civilization for some generations, he has had opportunity to display his aptitude for various activities.
