Beschreibung:
Y. Person—The Age-Sets System of the Tangba and Yowa (Djougou District). The Tangba (Taneka) and Yowa (Pila-Pila) of the Djougou district (People's Republic of Benin) speak dialects of a single Voltaic language (Mosi subgroup) and have closely similar kinship Systems. The former are characterized by a Stateless lineage organisation while the latter live in a Bariba-type kingdom founded by a dynasty of Gurma origin. This contrast in political organisation is evidenced 'as well if one looks at the age-sets which play a major role among the Tangba while they are only marginal among the Yowa. Tangba age-set rites are both rich and complex and serve as a meaningful framework for the whole social life. It seems clear that the development among the Yowa of a hierarchy based upon social une-quality has resulted in the impoverishment of a fundamental institution of lineage democracy. [pp. 25-53]