Throughout the History of Bantu Civilization in Sub-Saharan Africa Chiefs and Reigning Kings were often Warriors. These Warrior Chiefs were expected to lead and Rule. The Chiefs often fought along side and sometimes against Neighboring tribes. The Warrior Chiefs were expected to maintain regional peace and expand traditional territories.

In Pre-colonial days Men at Arms guarded the Royal Compounds, patrolled the boarder lands, protected livestock like cattle, shielded couriers to and from the mines and escorted royal's from village to village. Today this role is served by the military's of each country in west Africa. Despite this state of affairs, many traditional chiefs maintain retinues of Guards or Warrior.

These Men and Women came from the finest houses of African Royalty in the region where the chiefs in question reside. The Warriors fill not only military roles but serve as diplomatic envoys, interpreters, point people for business and trade negotiations and managers of royal enterprises. During the Post colonial drive towards democracy in African states, many of the prominent leaders of human rights movements were the ranking warrior chiefs or their children. Many warriors today who would have stood guard in royal compounds or lead the Chiefs armies now make up the leadership of the General staffs of African Police departments, State Armies,Captains of industry and Heads of Religious orders.

The Dairamount in Military Uniform


From Right to left. Elks Antler Guard Grand Command Sergeant Major Leon Yuille, His Majesty Methuselah Z.O. Bradley,IV and The Elks Antler Guard Grand Commanding General for the Eastern Division of the IBPO of the Elks of the World, USA
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