Gudur

Chefferie ou royaume

Bibliographic Data

ID3617367
AuthorsCatherine Jouaux (corresponding author)
Year1989
Volume29
Issue114
Pages259-288
Publication date1989-01-01
Peer ReviewedYes
Open AccessYes
TypeARTICLE
VenueCahiers d études africaines (JOURNAL)
Journal identifiersISSN: 0008-0055 • E-ISSN: 1777-5353
PublisherPERSEE Program (PUBLISHER)
DOI10.3406/cea.1989.1646
OpenAlexW2028176164
LanguageEN
Citations received5

C. Jouatjx - Gudur: A Complex Political System. Given the dimculty of precisely and pertinently qualifying the Gudur political System, it is necessary to start by describing political reality there. The Gudur foundation myth is used to analyze the basis and legitimation of political power in this society. Defining the status of the Gudur chief-priest (Bay) and describing how he exercises power leads to distinguishing " power zones": the Gudur mountain range where this officiai dwells; the "brother" ranges that recognize real bonds of kinship with Gudur; and the ranges in Mofu-Gudur areas. There may even have been a fourth zone covering the neighboring peoples who made pilgrimages to the Gudur area, but the Bay's power there was more symbolic than real. Although his power had a religious essence and was fully displayed in the religious sphere, it intervened concretely in the social, juridical and economie management of dependent communities. Its reality keeps us, when trying to classify the Gudur political institution as either a "reinforced chiefdom" or kingdom, from establishing a parallel with sacred kingships such as the Bemba's where only "ritual actions" ensure unity

Chiefdom · Genealogy · Institution · Kinship · Legitimation · Mythology · Political anthropology · Political science · Politics · Power (physics · Social science · Sociology · African history and culture analysis · African Studies and Ethnography · African Studies and Geopolitics · Anthropology · Classics · History · Law