Originally published in 1956, the main emphasis of the book is on the complex age-set organization which constitutes the framework within which the life of every Kikuyu is regulated from infancy to old age.
Originally published in 1956, the main emphasis of the book is on the complex age-set organization which constitutes the framework within which the life of every Kikuyu is regulated from infancy to old age. The book shows how the political and territorial organization, the judicial system and the administration of justice, the training of leaders, the structure and the control of social life are all integrated into the age-set system.
Harold E. Lambert OBE (1893-1967) was a British linguist and anthropologist in Kenya. He remained very active as a Swahili language scholar until his death in Nairobi, 1967
1. The Tribes of the Unit 2. General Terms Denoting Age 3. The Regimental System (Kikuyu, Embu, Meru) 4. Pre-Initiation Age-Sets 5. The Generation 6. Rituals of the Age Organization 7. Social Functions of the Age Organization 8. Military Functions of the Age Organization 9. Political functions of the Age Organization