chief

is, among the indigenous Amazonian peoples, not a commander, but one with a matter of technical competence in discrete fields oratorical talent, expertise as a hunter, ability to coordinate martial activities as well as the persuasive power of constantly renewed generosity.

Thus, among indigenous Amazonian peoples, a leader does not exercise power over others. Leadership is rather a matter of technical competence in discrete fields oratorical talent, expertise as a hunter, ability to coordinate martial activities as well as the persuasive power of constantly renewed generosity. Clastres writes that 'the chief has no authority at his disposal, no power of coercion, no means of giving an order. The chief is not a commander: the people of the tribe are under no obligation to obey.' Should a leader overstep these bounds, he may be violently removed murdered, or abandoned to die alone in battle.' (net)

is he who exist because there are, in every group of human beings, men who, unlike their companions, love importance for its own sake, take a delight in responsibilities, and find rewards enough in those very burdens of public life from which their fellows shrink.

I am carried irresistibly forward to the following conclusion: that ifthere are chiefs, it is because there are, in every groupof human beings, men who, unlike their companions, love importance for its own sake, take a delight in its responsibilities, and find rewards enough in those very burdens of public life from which their fellows shrink. (levi-strauss 'tristes tropiques' 310)

is a man who assumes responsibility. He says "I was beaten," he does not say "My men were beaten.

A chief is a man who assumes responsibility. He says "I was beaten," he does not say "My men were beaten.

chief, n.All

chief