ABSTRACT
The central method used in the study was that of extended observation.1 It is realized that 'participant observation', the cornerstone of the anthropological method, can be a pretence on the part of the observer. In the context of Chapoto ward, there were many situations where the degree to which I was a participant is highly questionable. I did not join in hacking at elephant carcasses for meat. I did not set snares. I collected fruit and tubers, but not out of hunger. I was not grossly intimidated by the safari operators
personnel nor by the game scouts. I did not grow cotton, maize or other crops, neither did I have access to a piece of land for cultivation. I did not marry into the community, consult the spirit medium on a regular basis, nor did I work for anyone there. I was the only person in the community who had a vehicle. There were many activities in which I did not or could not participate.
