On the inadequacy of the concept of the 'traditional State': illustrated with ethnographic material on Nanun, Ghana

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Periodical article

Title:	On the inadequacy of the concept of the 'traditional State': illustrated with ethnographic material on Nanun, Ghana
Author:	Skalník, Peter
Year:	1987
Periodical:	Journal of Legal Pluralism and Unofficial Law
Issue:	25-26
Pages:	301-325
Language:	English
Geographic term:	Ghana
Subjects:	Konkomba State traditional polities Nanumba polity
External link:	https://doi.org/10.1080/07329113.1987.10756401
Abstract:	This essay argues that the concept of 'the State' has been developed as part of the unique modern European model of power during the last several hundred years, and as such is largely inapplicable to most non-European situations. It compares two ethnopolitical systems, the Nanumba and the Konkomba of Ghana, and illuminates the differences from and similarities to the European State model. The central contention is that Nanumba chieftaincy is complementary to the 'regulated anarchy' of the Konkomba. The elements of centralization and decentralization, the use of violence and the banning of violence, are present in both societies. Both the Konkomba ('acephalous') and the Nanumba ('State') were able to unite in a war effort against each other. The centralization of the Nanumba even proved to be a disadvantage and they lost the 1981 'war'. The real problem is the relationship between the European State and these African forms of political organization. Bibliogr., notes, ref.