Mbambim: A Lineage Head in Ayikpere, North Togo

Synopsis: A filmed portrait of Mbambim, the head of a patrilineage of 80 people living in a small Tyokossi village in North Togo, West Africa. Mbambim is a timid, unassuming man who shrinks from exercising authority and who does not find it easy to play the role of lineage head which has been forced upon him as he is the eldest male member. After the death of his first wife, he is unable to cope adequately with problems presented by the behaviour of his children, a junior wife and several other relatives whose various quarrels threaten to disrupt the group. A diviner analyzes the situation and a ceremony is then held by the lineage as a whole which helps to re-establish Mbambim’s position and stresses the unity of the group.
Language: English
Country: Netherlands
Medium: Film; Film. 16mm. sd. b&w. 23 min.
Technical information: Black-and-white / Sound
Year of production: 1973
Availability: Hire
Subjects: Anthropology
Keywords: Africa; social life and customs; Togo

Name: Royal Anthropological Institute Film & Video Library, c/o Concord Media
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