DON, POLITIQUE ET SOCIETE DANS LES ABORDS SUD DU LAC TCHAD DU MILIEU DU XIXe SIECLE A 1992

The dynamic of functions and forms of gift in the southern part of Lake Chad from the mid of the 19th century to 1992 gets on together with the evolution and the politic and social mutations of the region. During their travels, European explorers gave to gifts many functions. In precolonial, colonial and post colonial periods, gift also regulate political relations, being adapted to the needs of each of these contexts. Further more, gift govern social relations, and with the passing of years, its language carries new values that continually emerge. In both political and social relations, gift was first symbolic, then, after being subjected to contextual changes, became utilitarian.