286 SOCIAL EVOLUTION 



tary soon underwent changes of organization. These 

 changes consisted in the gradual and almost imperceptible 

 weakening of the bond of kinship and a strengthening of 

 the bond of personal allegiance. A barbaric feudalism 

 slowly developed, and, step by step, this new system of 

 social organization was substituted for the old system 

 of kin, and a new basis for the social structure began to 

 gain recognition. The powerful and wealthy chief ob- 

 tained the admiration of his followers, and in time needed 

 retainers to care for his large possessions. But so long 

 as wealth consisted only of implements and weapons, 

 game, skins, small stores of grain, baskets, pottery, and 

 beads, and so long as relationships were metronymic, the 

 chieftain's wealth could never be large enough to become 

 a source of formidable power. But when the tribe had 

 become rich in cattle and masculine power had been 

 firmly established through patronymic kinship and an- 

 cestor-worship, then conditions were different. Among 

 the Kaffirs of South Africa this barbaric feudalism has 

 been observed. The chief and his family are regarded 

 as noble, since his wealth is the inherited cattle of his 

 father, increased by other cattle obtained from numerous 

 fines and confiscations levied upon his followers. 18 

 Among the privileges he obtains from his followers is 

 the right to pasture his increasing herds on the outlying 

 border of the tribal domain. To the simple tribesman 

 his wealth seems stupendous. By dispensing favors and 

 enriching favorites he is able to control the retinue, or 

 court of adventurous men who come to him from all parts 

 of the tribe, and convert them into formidable bands of 

 retainers. 19 



is Maine, H. S. Early History of Institutions, 1888, pp. 143-144. 

 1 Giddings, op. cit., p. 294. 



