The Camel Trust System in the Rendille Society of Northern Kenya

Abstract

This paper is concerned with the camel trust system (maal system) in the Rendille society. I will present some case material in this regard, and then analyze the fundamental characteristics of this system. Consequently, I will show that it is a system of usufruct right, based on balanced reciprocity, which works through the unity of a father with his first son. On a higher level, it works within the structural framework which has been set up by the more corporate groups of patrilateral parallel close agnates and clansmen within the descent groups.