Journal of Anthropology Reports

Abstract

Review of Mary Douglas (1963) “The LeLe of the Kasai” Readings in Social-cultural Anthropology

Amandin ZC*

The present paper is a review of ‘The Lele of the Kasai’, An Anthropological research made by Mary Douglas in Democratic
Republic of Congo, Africa in 1963. The fieldwork about The Lele of the Kasai is one of the most significant monographs which were
consecrated to the Bantu society of the Congo-Leopoldville. Mary Douglas dedicated her research to the social structure, social
organization, Social cohesion, and kinship, the economy backward, family members roles (division of labor) from the traditional
and modern perspectives (I.e. before and after colonization). However, M. Douglas’ research have similarities with this paper
presented on ‘Social structure and Economic Market of Yakoma ethnic’ in Bangui of Central African Republic (2009). The main
purpose of the review is to carried out her fieldwork methodology approaches and theories, objectives, analysis, her engagement
as social anthropologist, examine the types of study she undertakes, the important of her research to anthropology study and
describe similarities between the Lele of the Kasai of Democratic Republic of Congo and the Yakoma ethnic in Central African
Republic (CAR).

Published Date: 2019-01-07; Received Date: 2018-12-28