Village councils, often composed of tribal elders, may be influential but have little binding authority. Yanomamo have a village head named Kaobawa who achieved his position through wisdom, diplomacy, generosity, family support and a sense of when to intervene. Head is usually from the largest kin group. They represent the group to outsiders. The BIG MAN often has power regionally, beyond the village.
Power requires generosity to maintain.
He gives by lending and sponsoring youths, and his influence correlates with the numbers of people obligated to him. But, prestige and social position can be lost quickly. The Tonowi can be replaced. In conflicts the Tonowi has no binding authority, but those obliged to him are influenced. Transgressions are usually compensated with his suggested payments of cowry shells or pigs.