76 AFRICAN POLITICAL SYSTEMS
Kgama's acceptance of Christianity, however, deprived the chieftainship of almost all its ritual significance, and so of a powerful sanction for its authority. The whole tribe is by no means firmly attached to Christianity, and many of the old practices are still carried on more or less surreptitiously, especially among the subject communities. But the people no longer look to the chief for spiritual benefits, and certainly do not accord him the same pious reverence which contemporary observers show that Sekgoma I received as tribal priest and magician.
The chiefs hold over his people was formerly also strengthened by marriage. His own wives were drawn mostly from the families of his close relatives, other influential headmen, and the chiefs of neighbouring tribes. Since in the Tswana social system a man's maternal relatives are expected to be among his strongest supporters, the chief made sure in this way that his sons, particularly the heir, should always have a powerful backing. At the same time, the practice of polygamy gave ample scope for intrigue. The relatives of each wife watched jealously over her interests, and did their utmost to further the fortunes of her sons. As a result many feuds arose which still play their part in tribal politics. Kgama's abandonment of polygamy did away with these sources of possible conflict, but also deprived the chief of the political advantages he could obtain by judiciously selecting his wives. He is, however, still able to consolidate his hold over the tribe by marrying off his sisters and daughters to headmen with large followings. Kgama carried this policy into effect by marrying three of his daughters to the local chieftains of the Khurutshe, Kaa and Talaote respectively, and three others to prominent royal headmen, two of whom were important enough to be appointed district governors.
The chief's power is further dependent upon the uses to which he puts his wealth. As head of the tribe, he formerly received tribute from his subjects in corn, cattle, wild animal skins, ivory and ostrich feathers, retained most of the cattle looted in war, and kept all unclaimed stray cattle and part of the fines imposed in his court, especially for cases of assault. He could also confiscate the entire property of tribesmen conspiring against him or banished for any other serious offence. In addition, he could through the regimental system command the services of his people for personal as well as tribal purposes. He further had a large number of servants directly attached to him and doing most of his domestic