Chieftainship and Legitimacy

First published in 1975, Chieftainship and Legitimacy by Ian Hamnett is a seminal work in the anthropology of law. Hamnett argues that law should be recognized as a distinct social category rather than merely an aspect of social control. Through an illuminating analysis of customary law in Lesotho—covering chieftainship succession, property inheritance, and land tenure—he examines the interplay between indigenous legal systems and colonial legal concepts. Supported by leading anthropological studies, the book features a detailed case study of a major chieftainship dispute, highlighting the contrasting assumptions and methods of customary law and modern legal systems. Essential reading for students of African studies, anthropology of law, and sociology, this work offers profound insights into the complexities of law and legitimacy in traditional societies.