-* Anthropology : Social 



Kru, Kpwesi, Grebo, etc. Perhaps the Bu/i tribe conies nearest 

 to being under the dominion of one powerful chief. As a rule 

 a tribe of about one hundred thousand individuals will be divided 

 into about four principal chieftainships, each represented by a 

 cluster of towns, and quite conceivably each at war with the 

 other. The kingly office is hereditary, and amongst most of 

 the tribes from father to son. But if the son be a minor or he 

 not greatly liked by the people, his uncle (father's brother) will 

 rule as regent, either until he reaches his majority or until he 

 conveniently dies, leaving a son, also to continue under the 

 guardianship of the popular uncle. 



In the case of the Kru people, they seem to be divided 

 into a number of clans, at the head of each of which is a 

 hereditary chief, generally known on the coast as " king." 

 Alongside the king appears a sort of perpetual prime minister 

 or mayor of the palace, whose function is also more or less 

 hereditary, and who is known by the coast people as u governor." 

 In each Kru tribe or community of towns there is a council of 

 headmen about a dozen or fifteen. As a sign of their office 

 or their membership of an oligarchy they are entitled to wear 

 an iron ring round the ankle. In war time a kind of generalissimo 

 is elected by the council, who is known as the war king. 

 Whilst the state of war lasts he is omnipotent both as commander- 

 in-chief and as administering a kind of martial law in his own 

 community. When there is no active warfare in progress, he 

 probably assumes the position more or less of head of the police. 

 In addition there is another community of " palaver men," of 

 perhaps eight individuals, chosen for their powers of speech and 

 knowledge of native custom. These also form part of the 

 general council of the community. 



It is stated by the Rev. Mr. McConnell that the Kru 

 people on the coast were composed of a succession of interior 

 VOL. ii 1073 36 



