ABSTRACT
This chapter examines the relationship between the descent groups and a socio-religious hierarchy generated by a perceived antithesis between orthodox Islamic observance and spirit possession; this hierarchy is significant not only in the religious but also in the political sphere. The descent groups are not all of the same order, as they are in regard to land-holding; some groups and their members have higher status, and hence greater access to power than others. In Minazini the majority of the villagers call themselves Pokomo and/or Mbwera. Other 'tribal' categories in the village are formed by the Gunya, and by the descendants of slaves, who claim to be members of such inland tribes as the Zaramo, Nyasa, and Yao. The division between Pokomo and Mbwera assumes greatest importance in the context of orthodox Islamic activity, political affairs and spirit possession. The chapter discusses the two former fields, which are monopolized by the Mbwera and the Gunya.
