Anthropologist finds in House of Lords an ancient and exotic tribe [audio 14min]

Social anthropologist Dr Emma Crewe -- an expert on the tribal societies of Africa and Asia -- spent three years plunged into a world of brilliantly coloured costumes, stylised ritual warfare, fierce hierarchy and shamanistic ceremony. The subject of her research was not some remote and far flung tribe -- but Peers in Britain's House of Lords. Now Dr Crewe introduces us to the natives and reveals how ritual is central to the political process of the second chamber. In the 2nd of 2 reports, Dr Crewe unravels the crucial and sometimes hidden role of the 'usual channels' in the political process.