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Chapter Two. The Social Structure and its Units |
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chiefship in a Wanchu village |
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I do not know how much power he or his successor has retained, but in 1962 autocratic chiefs still ruled in the area of the Wanchu group, and the situation in Niaunu, a large village standing in connubial relations with Mon, may serve as an illustration of their position and role. Tradition has it that twelve generations ago Niaunu was founded by Maipupa, a chief of great Ang class, locally described as Wang-ham. Maipupa had originally come from Tsangnu, and the names of eleven chiefs intervening between him and chief Nyek-pong, who ruled in 1962, were remembered; it is doubtful, however, whether this genealogy of the chiefly house is accurate or whether it represents a telescoped selection of the most notable names. |
