Comparisons of the features of pre-colonial centralized and non-centralized societies in Africa

Differences between the pre-colonial centralized and non-centralized societies

1. Authority: in centralized societies power was concentrated in a single ruler while in decentralized community power is distributed among local leaders or elders.
2. Selection of leaders: in centralized societies leadership was inherited while in non-centralized societies leaders were elected from clan or group members or elders.
3. Size: centralized societies controlled larger territories and resources compared to non-centralized societies.
4. Complexity of organization: Centralized societies had more complex organization with a king, ministers, parliament and local leaders compared to the much simpler organization of non-centralized societies.
5. Control of resources: In centralized societies resources such as land were and distributed by the central authority while in non-centralized societies; resources were communally owned.
6. Democracy: In centralized societies leaders were appointed by the central authority while in decentralized community, leaders were elected from clan, group or elders.
7. Military organization: Centralized societies had stronger standard well-trained army because they controlled large territories and resources than non-centralized societies.
8. Legal–system: Centralized societies had formal Judicial system with judges appointed by the central authority while non-centralized societies had simpler judicial system within which disputes were resolved by a team of elders or leader.
9. Economic Management: The central authority managed economic activities, including trade, agriculture, fishing and taxation in centralized societies while in non-centralized societies economic activities were less complex and usually done communally.

Similarities of pre-colonial centralized and non-centralized societies

Pre-colonial centralized and non-centralized societies in Africa shared several similarities despite their different governance structures. Here are some common features:

1. Cultural Practices: Both types of societies had rich cultural traditions, including music, dance, rituals, and festivals that were integral to their way of life.

2. Social Structures:

Clan and Family Systems: Both centralized and non-centralized societies were organized around clans and extended families, which played significant roles in social cohesion and identity.

Age Sets: Age-based groups or age sets were common, particularly among non-centralized societies, but also existed in some centralized communities.

3. Economic Activities:

Agriculture: Both types of societies engaged in farming, cultivating crops like millet, sorghum, and yams, and raising livestock such as cattle, goats, and sheep.

Trade: Trade was an essential part of life, with both types of societies participating in local and long-distance trade, exchanging goods like gold, salt, ivory, and textiles.

4. Religion and Belief Systems:

Both centralized and non-centralized societies had spiritual beliefs and practices. They often worshipped a pantheon of gods, ancestors, and spirits, with rituals and ceremonies to honor them.

Religious leaders, such as priests, diviners, and shamans, played crucial roles in both types of societies.

5. Conflict Resolution:

Both types of societies had systems for resolving conflicts, whether through formal legal systems in centralized states or through councils of elders and community assemblies in non-centralized societies.

6. Role of Elders:

Elders were respected and held influential roles in both centralized and non-centralized societies, providing wisdom, leadership, and guidance.

7. Craftsmanship and Art:

Both types of societies had skilled artisans and craftsmen who produced pottery, textiles, metalwork, and other handicrafts.

8. Marriage: Both promoted intermarriages outside clan sets which promoted unity. And incest was a taboo.

9. Hunting: was practiced in both societies as a trade, a source of food and a recreation activity
10. Divine powers: in both systems leaders were believed to have divine power
11. Leadership: in both societies there was leadership
12. Women role: in both societies women were not given positions in public leadership

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Dr. Bbosa Science