Political Leadership in the Pacific

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Political leadership in the Pacific societies before and during European contact Before the arrival of European to the Pacific, villages were ruled autonomously by their Chief and aligned themselves into district and sub-district political entities for common causes such as war. However, the leading paramount titles of all districts were nationally recognised. Chief system was the main political leadership that held authority and run the local affairs of Pacific island societies prior to and at the time of contact with the Europeans. There are two main style of political leadership that has been practice and used as the political system in the Pacific that deals with the authority, decision making and other leadership responsibilities. Firstly, is the Big Man System in Melanesia, where those who achieved power through prowess, wealth, supporters and achievement. Secondly, the Chief Man System, this system basically practiced in almost every societies of Polynesian islands. Additionally, council of elders also contributes to the affairs and political leadership of some societies. The focus of this paper is to look at how are leadership contribute to political authority and what are their roles and responsibilities Big Man Political authority and leadership in Melanesia was obtained by someone who held the position of a Big Man. He is known to be the one who held the highest position in the clan, Such person may not have formal tribal or other authority (through for instance material possessions, or inheritance of rights), but can maintain recognition through skilled persuasion and wisdom. He provides his followers with protection and economic assistance, in return receiving support which he uses to increase his status (Sahlins 1963, 286-287). Big Man system is highly practiced in almost every parts of Melanesia. In order to become a Big Man, an individual had
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