Chiefdom: meaning, definitions and examples
๐
chiefdom
[ หสงiหf.dษm ]
political structure
A chiefdom is a form of hierarchical political organization in non-industrial societies typically based on kinship. Chiefdoms are characterized by the presence of a chief, who holds more power than the common people, and often includes multiple villages or communities under the chief's authority. This structure differs from tribal societies, which are generally more egalitarian.
Synonyms
governance, homeland, leadership, tribe.
Examples of usage
- The chiefdom flourished during the ancient times.
- Many indigenous peoples lived in chiefdoms before colonialism.
- Archaeologists study the remains of various chiefdoms.
- The chiefdom system was common in the Pacific Islands.
Translations
Translations of the word "chiefdom" in other languages:
๐ต๐น chefiado
๐ฎ๐ณ เคฎเฅเคเคฟเคฏเคพ
๐ฉ๐ช Hรคuptlingtum
๐ฎ๐ฉ kepemimpinan
๐บ๐ฆ ะฝะฐัะฐะปัััะฒะพ
๐ต๐ฑ wodostwo
๐ฏ๐ต ้ฆ้ทๅถ
๐ซ๐ท chefferie
๐ช๐ธ jefatura
๐น๐ท ลeflik
๐ฐ๐ท ์ฐ๋๋จธ๋ฆฌ์ ์ง์
๐ธ๐ฆ ุฒุนุงู ุฉ
๐จ๐ฟ nรกฤelnictvรญ
๐ธ๐ฐ nรกฤelnรญctvo
๐จ๐ณ ้ ้ฟๅถ
๐ธ๐ฎ vodstvo
๐ฎ๐ธ hรถfรฐingjaskipulag
๐ฐ๐ฟ ะฑะฐัััา
๐ฌ๐ช แแแแแฏแแแแแ แแแแ
๐ฆ๐ฟ ลeflik
๐ฒ๐ฝ jefatura
Etymology
The term 'chiefdom' derives from the word 'chief', which comes from the Old French 'chief', meaning 'head' or 'leader', and can be traced back to the Latin 'caput', meaning 'head', 'leader', or 'source'. Chiefdoms emerged as societies grew more complex, likely around 3,000 years ago, as a response to the need for more coordinated agricultural and political systems. The development of chiefdoms marked a transitional period between egalitarian bands and more stratified states, often resulting from increased population density, trade demands, and social hierarchies based on lineage and wealth. Various cultures around the world have developed their own distinct forms of chiefdoms, leading to rich variations that reflect local customs and societal structures.