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Chapter Two. The Social Structure and its Units |
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support in dispute and litigation in clan |
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More significant even than the priority of the clan members' claim to the land left by a dead man was the support clan members gave each other in disputes and litigation. In Konyak society, which lacked codified laws and norms, the strength and influence of a litigant's clan were of great importance, for the members of a man's clan gave him their full support, and those who belonged to a small and powerless clan often found it difficult to stand up to the pressure of an opponent supported by a powerful clan. Although the village council would often act impartially and boldly, in doubtful cases the judges usually worked toward a compromise. Under such circumstances, the influence of a powerful clan could sway the deliberations, for the village councilors knew that a decision which left a powerful group resentful did not contribute to the re- establishment of harmony within the community. |
