Introduction

Introduction

Traditional African communities were characterized by well-organized social and political systems that structured their societies. These systems provided order, governance, and cohesion, ensuring the survival and continuity of their communities.

Understanding the life of African people

1. Political systems: How leadership and governance were structured.
2. Social systems: How relationships and roles were organized.
3. Economic systems: How resources were managed and utilized.

The Clan

A clan is a group of people, as a clique, set, society, or party, especially as united by some common trait, characteristic, or interest.

Matrilineal and Patrilineal Systems

Matrilineal systems are based on the mother's side and patrilineal systems are based on father's side. Examples of matrilineal societies are Makonde and Zanaki, while the Sukuma and Pare are good examples of patrilineal societies.

Duties or Functions of the Clan Head

1. To distribute land to the communities or clan members.
2. To preserve traditions and customs of the clan.
3. To preserve land belonging to the clan.
4. To settle disputes and quarrels.
5. To find wives for boys and husbands for girls.

Types of Clan Organizations in Agricultural Societies

1. Matrilineal
2. Patrilineal

Matrilineal Clan Organization

Whereby the husband moved to the wife's family and children of the new family belonged to the mother's (wife's clan). As a result, clan heritage was based on the mother's clan. Uncles have to make all the important decisions concerning the children and the nephews of their sisters. Matrilineal age in Africa was practiced among the Makonde, Makua, Mwera, the Yao of Tanzania, and the Kamba of Kenya.

Patrilineal Clan Organization

This is the system of organization in which the clan heritage was based on the father's line and all children bore the name of the father. The husband had to pay substantial bride price in different forms such as cattle, goats, etc in order to get the wife. The bride price could be stored as wealth. In this system all the children of the new family belonged to the father's clan. By the 18th and 19th century clan system changed to chiefdomship after several came to be controlled under one leader.