ABSTRACT
The age-class system is an elaboration and formalization of the age stages—the division on biological grounds into childhood, maturity and old age. The emphasis on age, typical of a homogeneous and slowly developing society, weakens as the society becomes more complex. The strength of the national system lies in the integration of the principles of age, local solidarity, and noble birth. The age-class organization was more elaborate and precise in the days of inter-tribal warfare than at present. The smallest group consists of the four to six inmates sharing a single hut in the barracks of their age class. Men in residence at royal villages have a higher status than those of local contingents, and are known by the special title of imibutfo, in addition to the general term emajaha, which is applied to all members of the age classes. Inter-tribal wars were waged for many purposes.
