ABSTRACT
This chapter points out some of the social groupings in relation to one another and to the solidarity of the tribe. It provides some impression of tribe’s constituent elements by merely listing the group names of the various district heads. The hierarchy of age plays a part of importance, however, as a regulative device; but it is not coincident with the hierarchy of rank and thus often occasions serious tensions in the social structure. The enormous weight of the social structure is massed behind the chief son; but seniority is given precedence in the 'schools' and in the kinship terminology. In generation after generation the links are renewed as grandfathers, fathers, sons, and grandsons all take their chief wives from and send their cattle to the same group. Techniques of co-operation and group cohesion are well developed, especially among herdboys. There is hardly a bond of mutual help and fellowship within the group.
