What was the primary role of a chief in primitive societies?

The primary role of a chief in primitive societies often revolved around coordinating economic activity. This involved overseeing the distribution of resources, managing trade with neighboring groups, and ensuring that the community worked together effectively to gather food and materials necessary for survival. The chief acted as a mediator among the community members to facilitate cooperation in agricultural practices and resource management, which were foundational to the tribe's sustainability and prosperity.

While chiefs may have also had roles in leading military campaigns, enforcing laws, or providing spiritual guidance, these functions were typically secondary to their primary responsibility of managing and coordinating the community's economic activities. The economic coordination aspect was crucial in ensuring that the needs of the community were met, supporting both individual families and the group as a whole in their day-to-day lives. Thus, the emphasis on economic coordination aligns closely with the needs of early societies, where survival depended on collaboration and effective resource management.