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The Hybrid Authority of Sierra Leone’s Chiefs

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  22 August 2017

Peter Albrecht
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Abstract:

On the basis of a historical and ethnographic analysis, this article shows how the concept of hybridity can be used analytically to explore the emergence of paramount and lesser chiefs in Sierra Leone and their role as figures of authority at the local level and in national politics. At the same time, it critiques the ahistorical applications of the concept that are prevalent in peace and conflict studies. The article offers insight into the processes of hybridization that chiefs constitute, and are constituted by, as they draw on multiple sources of authority, including what one scholar calls their “extremely localized” sense of belonging, as well as the legislation of a centrally governed bureaucracy.

Résumé:

Sur la base d’une analyse historique et ethnographique, cet article montre comment le concept de l’ “hybridité” peut être utilisé analytiquement pour explorer l’émergence des chefs suprême et inférieurs en Sierra Leone ainsi que leur rôle comme figures d’autorité localement et dans la politique nationale. En même temps, il critique les applications historiques du concept qui est répandue dans les études sur la paix et la polémologie. L’article offre un aperçu du processus d’hybridation dont ils sont principalement constitués, en s’appuyant sur des sources multiples et autoritaires, y compris ce qu’un spécialiste appelle leur sentiment “extrêmement localisée” d’appartenance, ainsi que la législation d’une bureaucratie centralisée gouvernée.

Keywords

Sierra LeoneWest Africacolonialkinship and familyhybriditytraditional leaders
Type
ARTICLES
Information
African Studies Review , Volume 60 , Issue 3 , December 2017 , pp. 159 - 180
Copyright
Copyright © African Studies Association 2017 

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