Rules of DescentRules of Descent

Bilateral and Unilineal KinshipBilateral and Unilineal Kinship

What is Descent?What is Descent? You are descended from your mother and father You are descended from your mother and father

by one generation.by one generation. You are descended from your two grandfathers You are descended from your two grandfathers

and two grandmothers by two generations. and two grandmothers by two generations. Of course, there are complexities: divorce, Of course, there are complexities: divorce,

adoptions, and widowhood. But we have to start adoptions, and widowhood. But we have to start with the simple assumptions of a perfect world. with the simple assumptions of a perfect world. These issues come later in a more advanced These issues come later in a more advanced course.course.

When you trace these relationships back, one When you trace these relationships back, one generation at a time, you have descent, especially generation at a time, you have descent, especially when you trace them back to an ancestor. when you trace them back to an ancestor.

Descent, in short, comprises the rules by which Descent, in short, comprises the rules by which you reckon your kin based on your ancestry. you reckon your kin based on your ancestry.

Why Descent? Why Descent? Descent involves biology; we are dealing with Descent involves biology; we are dealing with

biological constants.biological constants. Descent is the basis of the world’s original form of Descent is the basis of the world’s original form of

social organizations; it forms the basis of social organizations; it forms the basis of economics, politics, and much else that involves economics, politics, and much else that involves non-industrial societies. non-industrial societies.

It becomes the framework for organizations that It becomes the framework for organizations that are extensions of the familyare extensions of the family

It also is a means of exclusion; not everyone can It also is a means of exclusion; not everyone can be included in a particular descent groupbe included in a particular descent group

Descent divides parts of a large population into Descent divides parts of a large population into groups of manageable size.groups of manageable size.

Overview of DescentOverview of Descent

First, we look at the notations on kinship First, we look at the notations on kinship charts and what the figures and line represent.charts and what the figures and line represent.

Second, we look at the system of descent most Second, we look at the system of descent most familiar to us: bilateral descent.familiar to us: bilateral descent.

Third, we examine the two types of unilineal Third, we examine the two types of unilineal descent: patrilineal and unilineal descent: patrilineal and unilineal

Fourth, in learning these rules, we ask you to Fourth, in learning these rules, we ask you to perform the exercises in Chapter 7 on pp. 72-perform the exercises in Chapter 7 on pp. 72-80 and follow the charts contained in the 80 and follow the charts contained in the chapter.chapter.

Principles of Descent: Principles of Descent: Notation SystemNotation System

Figures on the chart Figures on the chart represent the following:represent the following:

Triangles: malesTriangles: males Circles: femalesCircles: females Squares: either sexSquares: either sex Lines represent the Lines represent the

following:following: Vertical: generational linkVertical: generational link Horizontal above figures: Horizontal above figures:

sibling linksibling link Equal sign or horizontal line Equal sign or horizontal line

below figures: affinal below figures: affinal (related through marriage) (related through marriage) kinkin

All charts have a central All charts have a central figure called Ego, which in figure called Ego, which in this diagram is male.this diagram is male.

Principles of Descent: Principles of Descent: DiagramsDiagrams

Use these and other Use these and other diagrams to follow the diagrams to follow the discussion in the next discussion in the next several slidesseveral slides

Bilateral:Bilateral: one reckons kin one reckons kin through both sexes equally through both sexes equally (top)(top)

Unilineal:Unilineal: one reckons kin one reckons kin through the male line only through the male line only or the female line onlyor the female line only

Patrilineal:Patrilineal: the male line the male line only (lower left)only (lower left)

Matrilineal:Matrilineal: the female the female line only (lower right)line only (lower right)

Bilateral Descent: Bilateral Descent: DescriptionDescription

Definition: Definition: The reckoning (recognition) of kin The reckoning (recognition) of kin through both the male and female sides equally.through both the male and female sides equally.

This means that your father’s relatives are no This means that your father’s relatives are no more important than your mother’s relatives. more important than your mother’s relatives.

The cousins through your father’s side are no The cousins through your father’s side are no more important than those on your mother’s side.more important than those on your mother’s side.

The term itself reflects this process.The term itself reflects this process. BiBi-means that you are recognizing two of -means that you are recognizing two of

somethingsomething --laterallateral means that you are recognizing kin on means that you are recognizing kin on

your father’s side and your mother’s side. your father’s side and your mother’s side.

Bilateral Descent Rules: Bilateral Descent Rules: DiagramDiagram

This diagram reflects the This diagram reflects the definition of bilateral descent. definition of bilateral descent.

All the figures on this chart are All the figures on this chart are colored green, indicating colored green, indicating affiliation with Ego. affiliation with Ego.

Emphasis is on closeness or Emphasis is on closeness or distance of kin laterallydistance of kin laterally

Bilateral reckoning is inclusiveBilateral reckoning is inclusive Non-kin mechanisms does the Non-kin mechanisms does the

exclusion; see the next two exclusion; see the next two panels to see why and how.panels to see why and how.

Exercise in Kinship Exercise in Kinship ReckoningReckoning

Exercise: Give the first name of all 4 of your grandparentsExercise: Give the first name of all 4 of your grandparents Now mention the first names of all the siblings of all 4 of Now mention the first names of all the siblings of all 4 of

your grandparents; have you forgotten some of them?your grandparents; have you forgotten some of them? Now mention the first name of all 8 of your great Now mention the first name of all 8 of your great

grandparents; have you forgotten some of these?grandparents; have you forgotten some of these? Look at how many kin you would have to keep track of: 16 Look at how many kin you would have to keep track of: 16

great great grandparents; 64 great great great great great grandparents; 64 great great great grandparents; 128 great grandparents four times over.grandparents; 128 great grandparents four times over.

And we’re not counting all their siblings (brothers and And we’re not counting all their siblings (brothers and sister), their cousins, and their children.sister), their cousins, and their children.

Descent is As Social as It Is Descent is As Social as It Is BiologicalBiological

With that many people, you have to cut down on your With that many people, you have to cut down on your potential relatives to manageable size.potential relatives to manageable size.

Biological kin are socially selected in various waysBiological kin are socially selected in various ways In Anglo-American society, bad memory does the In Anglo-American society, bad memory does the

selection. selection. Among the Gilbertese of the South Pacific, which land Among the Gilbertese of the South Pacific, which land

rights or community seat you choose determines who rights or community seat you choose determines who will be in one bilateral group or another. will be in one bilateral group or another.

Other cultures have other means of excluding Other cultures have other means of excluding bilateral kin.bilateral kin.

As we’ll see in unilineal descent, exclusion is As we’ll see in unilineal descent, exclusion is automatic and emphasis is on descent automatic and emphasis is on descent lines, lines, not on not on sides.sides.

Bilateral Descent: A Close-Up Bilateral Descent: A Close-Up DiagramDiagram

If you look at EGO, he has two parents, If you look at EGO, he has two parents, a male and a femalea male and a female

He is linked to other relatives through He is linked to other relatives through both parents—regardless of sex. both parents—regardless of sex.

For example, Cousin No. 22 is no more For example, Cousin No. 22 is no more or less a cousin than Cousin No. 26. or less a cousin than Cousin No. 26.

Aunt No. 3 is no less an aunt than Aunt No. 3 is no less an aunt than Aunt. No. 9Aunt. No. 9

That’s why we say that bilateral That’s why we say that bilateral reckoning is inclusive. reckoning is inclusive.

Everyone on this chart is kinEveryone on this chart is kin We’ll compare this chart with a We’ll compare this chart with a

unilineal chart laterunilineal chart later

Unilineal Descent: Unilineal Descent: ExplanationExplanation

Unilineal descent is very different from Unilineal descent is very different from bilateral descent.bilateral descent.

First, only one sex or the other is involved, not First, only one sex or the other is involved, not both.both.

In patrilineal descent, males only determine In patrilineal descent, males only determine who will be a member of a descent group and who will be a member of a descent group and who will not.who will not.

In matrilineal descent, females only determine In matrilineal descent, females only determine who will be a member of a descent group and who will be a member of a descent group and who will not.who will not.

In the next slide, look how members are In the next slide, look how members are recruited in both cases. recruited in both cases.

Descent Rules: UnilinealDescent Rules: Unilineal To repeat, unilineal descent is a To repeat, unilineal descent is a

rule of affiliation with a group of rule of affiliation with a group of kin with descent links to the kin with descent links to the ancestor through ancestor through one sex onlyone sex only

PatrilinealPatrilineal: Only male kin are : Only male kin are reckoned, in a line of fathers and reckoned, in a line of fathers and sons.sons.

Matrilineal: Matrilineal: Only female kin are Only female kin are reckoned, in a line of mothers reckoned, in a line of mothers and daughters. and daughters.

Emphasis is on Emphasis is on lineline of kin of the of kin of the same sex, not on the father’s or same sex, not on the father’s or the mother’s side. See next slide the mother’s side. See next slide for an exercise that may clarify.. for an exercise that may clarify..

Patrilineal Descent: Exercise Part IPatrilineal Descent: Exercise Part I

Copy blank chart from p. 70 of Copy blank chart from p. 70 of Cultural Anthropology: Cultural Anthropology: AA Concise Introduction Concise Introduction and get a blue pen, pencil, or and get a blue pen, pencil, or marker.marker.

Use surname with P, for Patrilineal; the surname used Use surname with P, for Patrilineal; the surname used as the book’s example is Petrosianas the book’s example is Petrosian

Name by number those personsName by number those persons Whose surname (last name) is Petrosian at birth; Whose surname (last name) is Petrosian at birth; Who retain the surname Petrosian after marriage; Who retain the surname Petrosian after marriage;

andand Who pass the surname Petrosian on to the children. Who pass the surname Petrosian on to the children. Using your blue pen, mark the figures that match this Using your blue pen, mark the figures that match this

description. Go to next slide for answer.description. Go to next slide for answer.

Patrilineal Descent: Exercise Patrilineal Descent: Exercise Part IIPart II

If you marked the figures with the following numbers, If you marked the figures with the following numbers, you’re correct: 1, 7, 19, 41, 9, 23, 45, 25 (EGO), and you’re correct: 1, 7, 19, 41, 9, 23, 45, 25 (EGO), and 47.47.

What do they all have in common?What do they all have in common? (1) Each represents the son of a man; this would be (1) Each represents the son of a man; this would be

true of 1 if we showed his father. (We have to stop true of 1 if we showed his father. (We have to stop somewhere.)somewhere.)

(2) Each figure is part of a line of males. (2) Each figure is part of a line of males. Error I: If you missed one, go to the instructions of the Error I: If you missed one, go to the instructions of the

previous panel.previous panel. Error II: If you marked one that doesn’t belong, explain Error II: If you marked one that doesn’t belong, explain

to yourself why that figure doesn’t fit.to yourself why that figure doesn’t fit. Look at the diagram on p. 75 of the book to compare Look at the diagram on p. 75 of the book to compare

your results with the book’s. We’ll get to the half your results with the book’s. We’ll get to the half shaded figures in a moment. shaded figures in a moment.

Patrilineal Descent: Exercise Part Patrilineal Descent: Exercise Part IIIIII

Now go back to the chart and shade Now go back to the chart and shade the figure on its left side those who the figure on its left side those who are:are:

Born with the surname of Petrosian.Born with the surname of Petrosian. Who give up the surname Petrosian for Who give up the surname Petrosian for

another surname when married.another surname when married. Who do not pass the surname Who do not pass the surname

Petrosian down to their children.Petrosian down to their children. See answer next panelSee answer next panel

Patrilineal Descent: Exercise Part Patrilineal Descent: Exercise Part IVIV

If you left-shaded the figures with the If you left-shaded the figures with the following numbers, you are correct: 6, 22, following numbers, you are correct: 6, 22, 42, 28, 46, and 48 (Ego’s daughter).42, 28, 46, and 48 (Ego’s daughter).

Error I: Again go back to the instructions if Error I: Again go back to the instructions if you left a correct figure out.you left a correct figure out.

Error II: If you left-marked a figure that Error II: If you left-marked a figure that doesn’t belong, explain to yourself why doesn’t belong, explain to yourself why that figure doesn’t fit.that figure doesn’t fit.

Compare your results with the chart on p. Compare your results with the chart on p. 75. What do all these left-marked figures 75. What do all these left-marked figures have in common? (There are two have in common? (There are two features.) features.)

Patrilineal Descent: Patrilineal Descent: Exercise Part VExercise Part V

Now go back to our chart and right-Now go back to our chart and right-shade those figures that areshade those figures that are

Born without the surname Petrosian;Born without the surname Petrosian; Obtain the surname Petrosian upon Obtain the surname Petrosian upon

marriage; and marriage; and Pass the name Petrosian down to Pass the name Petrosian down to

their childrentheir children Again, see answer next panelAgain, see answer next panel

Patrilineal Descent: Exercise Part Patrilineal Descent: Exercise Part VIVI

If you right-shaded the figures with the If you right-shaded the figures with the following numbers, you are correct: 2, 8, following numbers, you are correct: 2, 8, 20, 10, 24, and 26 (Ego’s wife).20, 10, 24, and 26 (Ego’s wife).

Error I: Again go back to the instructions if Error I: Again go back to the instructions if you left a correct figure out.you left a correct figure out.

Error II: If you right-marked an incorrect Error II: If you right-marked an incorrect figure, explain to yourself why that figure figure, explain to yourself why that figure doesn’t fitdoesn’t fit

Compare your results with the chart on p. Compare your results with the chart on p. 75. What do those right-marked figures 75. What do those right-marked figures have in common?have in common?

Patrilineal Descent: Exercise, Part Patrilineal Descent: Exercise, Part VII, Or Making It PersonalVII, Or Making It Personal

Repeat the same exercise, this time Repeat the same exercise, this time using the surname of your own.using the surname of your own.

Use another chart with same format Use another chart with same format and a blue pen, marker, or pencil.and a blue pen, marker, or pencil.

If you are female, used your family or If you are female, used your family or maiden name, not your married one.maiden name, not your married one.

Compare the results of the chart for Compare the results of the chart for your name with that of Petrosian; are your name with that of Petrosian; are there any differences? If so, why? If there any differences? If so, why? If not, why not?not, why not?

Lessons From This Lessons From This ExerciseExercise

We reckon our kin bilaterally; under law, We reckon our kin bilaterally; under law, rules of inheritance absent a will assigns rules of inheritance absent a will assigns property equally to sons and daughters; property equally to sons and daughters; cousins are reckoned the same, regardless cousins are reckoned the same, regardless of whose side of the family they are born of whose side of the family they are born into, into, BUTBUT

Our surnaming system is patrilineal. Our surnaming system is patrilineal. It goes down the male line: father to son to It goes down the male line: father to son to

son.son. The daughters acquire their name from The daughters acquire their name from

their fathers, but they do not pass it down their fathers, but they do not pass it down to their own children nor do they keep it to their own children nor do they keep it (usually) when married.(usually) when married.

Patrilineal and Bilateral Patrilineal and Bilateral Descent Compared: AffiliationDescent Compared: Affiliation

Bilateral descent is shown to the left; patrilineal descent Bilateral descent is shown to the left; patrilineal descent is shown to the right. is shown to the right.

Observe that the women as well as the men are included Observe that the women as well as the men are included in bilateral descent; both pass their affiliation to their in bilateral descent; both pass their affiliation to their childrenchildren

Observe also that women born into the group are Observe also that women born into the group are included in patrilineal descent, but unlike the men, they included in patrilineal descent, but unlike the men, they do not pass their affiliation to their children.do not pass their affiliation to their children.

Patrilineal and Bilateral Descent Patrilineal and Bilateral Descent Compared: Affiliation by Line Versus Compared: Affiliation by Line Versus

SideSide

Again, bilateral descent is shown to the left; patrilineal descent is Again, bilateral descent is shown to the left; patrilineal descent is shown to the right. shown to the right.

Also note that the men in patrilineal descent form an unbroken Also note that the men in patrilineal descent form an unbroken line from father to son only; sex matters. line from father to son only; sex matters.

Descent is Descent is lineallineal—in other words, —in other words, lineline of descent is stressed. of descent is stressed. In bilateral descent, women and men pass their descent down to In bilateral descent, women and men pass their descent down to

their children equally; sex doesn’t matter.their children equally; sex doesn’t matter. That means that everyone on the mother and father’s side is That means that everyone on the mother and father’s side is

included; the included; the lateralitylaterality of descent is emphasized. of descent is emphasized.

Matrilineal DescentMatrilineal Descent There are also cultures in the world in which There are also cultures in the world in which

descent is passed down from mother to descent is passed down from mother to daughter and to the daughter’s daughter. daughter and to the daughter’s daughter.

This is a complete reversal of sex roles; This is a complete reversal of sex roles; women, not men, determine the affiliation.women, not men, determine the affiliation.

Affiliation is centered around a line of Affiliation is centered around a line of females, not males.females, not males.

Repeat the exercise, now emphasizing Repeat the exercise, now emphasizing descent through females descent through females

The next exercise repeats the one on The next exercise repeats the one on patrilineal descent—but for matrilineal patrilineal descent—but for matrilineal descent.descent.

Matrilineal Descent: Exercise, Matrilineal Descent: Exercise, Part IPart I

Copy the chart on p. 71 with Copy the chart on p. 71 with female female ego ego shaded (No. 26); use red pen, pencil, or shaded (No. 26); use red pen, pencil, or marker marker

Use surname starting with M for Use surname starting with M for Matrilineal; in the book I use Miller.Matrilineal; in the book I use Miller.

Name by number those personsName by number those persons Who have the surname Miller at birthWho have the surname Miller at birth Who retain the surname upon marriageWho retain the surname upon marriage Who pass the surname on to the childrenWho pass the surname on to the children

Matrilineal Descent: Exercise Matrilineal Descent: Exercise Part IIPart II

If you marked the figures with the following numbers, If you marked the figures with the following numbers, you’re correct: 4, 10, 26 (Ego), 48. 28, 28, 50, 12, 32, you’re correct: 4, 10, 26 (Ego), 48. 28, 28, 50, 12, 32, and 54and 54

What do they all have in common?What do they all have in common? (1) Each represents the daughter of a woman; this (1) Each represents the daughter of a woman; this

would be true of 4 if we showed her mother. (We have would be true of 4 if we showed her mother. (We have to stop somewhere.)to stop somewhere.)

(2) Each figure is part of a line of females. (2) Each figure is part of a line of females. Error I: If you missed one, go to the instructions of the Error I: If you missed one, go to the instructions of the

previous panel.previous panel. Error II: If you marked one that doesn’t belong, explain Error II: If you marked one that doesn’t belong, explain

to yourself why that figure doesn’t fit.to yourself why that figure doesn’t fit. Look at the diagram on p. 77 of the book to compare Look at the diagram on p. 77 of the book to compare

your results with the book’s. We’ll get to the half your results with the book’s. We’ll get to the half shaded figures in a moment. shaded figures in a moment.

Matrilineal Descent: Exercise Part Matrilineal Descent: Exercise Part IIIIII

Now go back to the chart and shade Now go back to the chart and shade the figure on its left side those who the figure on its left side those who are:are:

Born with the surname of Miller.Born with the surname of Miller. Who give up the surname Miller for Who give up the surname Miller for

another surname when married.another surname when married. Who do not pass the surname Miller Who do not pass the surname Miller

down to their children.down to their children. See answer next panelSee answer next panel

Matrilineal Descent: Exercise Part Matrilineal Descent: Exercise Part IVIV

If you left-shaded the figures with the If you left-shaded the figures with the following numbers, you are correct: 13, 23, following numbers, you are correct: 13, 23, 47 (Ego’s son), 49, 29, and 53. 47 (Ego’s son), 49, 29, and 53.

Error I: Again go back to the instructions if Error I: Again go back to the instructions if you left a correct figure out.you left a correct figure out.

Error II: If you left-marked a figure that Error II: If you left-marked a figure that doesn’t belong, explain to yourself why doesn’t belong, explain to yourself why that figure doesn’t fit.that figure doesn’t fit.

Compare your results with the chart on p. Compare your results with the chart on p. 77. What do all these left-marked figures 77. What do all these left-marked figures have in common? (There are two have in common? (There are two features.) features.)

Matrilineal Descent: Matrilineal Descent: Exercise Part VExercise Part V

Now go back to our chart and right-Now go back to our chart and right-shade those figures that areshade those figures that are

Born without the surname Miller;Born without the surname Miller; Obtain the surname Miller upon Obtain the surname Miller upon

marriage; and marriage; and Pass the name Miller down to their Pass the name Miller down to their

childrenchildren Again, see answer next panelAgain, see answer next panel

Matrilineal Descent: Exercise Part Matrilineal Descent: Exercise Part VIVI

If you right-shaded the figures with the If you right-shaded the figures with the following numbers, you are correct: 3, 9, 25 following numbers, you are correct: 3, 9, 25 (Ego’s husband). 27, and 31 (Note: the full (Ego’s husband). 27, and 31 (Note: the full shade is a typo; it should be right-shaded).shade is a typo; it should be right-shaded).

Error I: Again go back to the instructions if Error I: Again go back to the instructions if you left a correct figure out.you left a correct figure out.

Error II: If you right-marked an incorrect Error II: If you right-marked an incorrect figure, explain to yourself why that figure figure, explain to yourself why that figure doesn’t fitdoesn’t fit

Compare your results with the chart on p. Compare your results with the chart on p. 77. What do those right-marked figures 77. What do those right-marked figures have in common?have in common?

Matrilineal and Bilateral Matrilineal and Bilateral Descent Compared: AffiliationDescent Compared: Affiliation

Again, bilateral descent is shown to the left; but now, Again, bilateral descent is shown to the left; but now, matrilineal descent is shown to the right. matrilineal descent is shown to the right.

Observe that the women as well as the men are included Observe that the women as well as the men are included in bilateral descent; both pass their affiliation to their in bilateral descent; both pass their affiliation to their childrenchildren

Observe also that men born into the group are included Observe also that men born into the group are included in matrilineal descent, but unlike the women, they do not in matrilineal descent, but unlike the women, they do not pass their affiliation to their children.pass their affiliation to their children.

Matrilineal and Bilateral Matrilineal and Bilateral Descent Compared: AffiliationDescent Compared: Affiliation

Again, bilateral descent is shown to the left and matrilineal Again, bilateral descent is shown to the left and matrilineal descent is shown to the right. descent is shown to the right.

Also note that the women in matrilineal descent form an unbroken Also note that the women in matrilineal descent form an unbroken line from mother to daughter only; sex matters. line from mother to daughter only; sex matters.

Descent is Descent is lineallineal—in other words, —in other words, lineline of descent is stressed. of descent is stressed. In bilateral descent, women and men pass their descent down to In bilateral descent, women and men pass their descent down to

their children equally; sex doesn’t determine affiliation.their children equally; sex doesn’t determine affiliation. That means that everyone on the mother and father’s side is That means that everyone on the mother and father’s side is

included; the included; the lateralitylaterality of descent is emphasized. of descent is emphasized.

Principles of Unilineal Principles of Unilineal Descent RestatedDescent Restated

Kin not directly descended through one sex Kin not directly descended through one sex from ancestor are excludedfrom ancestor are excluded

Those with females in line of patrilineal Those with females in line of patrilineal descent are excluded descent are excluded

Those with males in line of matrilineal Those with males in line of matrilineal descent are excludeddescent are excluded

Who’s left?Who’s left? Patrilineal kin: an unbroken line of malesPatrilineal kin: an unbroken line of males Matrilineal kin: an unbroken line of females.Matrilineal kin: an unbroken line of females.

Double DescentDouble Descent

A few cultures in the world reckon their kin A few cultures in the world reckon their kin through both patrilineal and matrilineal through both patrilineal and matrilineal descent. descent.

If you consider that we have a patrilineal If you consider that we have a patrilineal naming system in a bilateral society, this naming system in a bilateral society, this should not appear to be so strange.should not appear to be so strange.

But double descent is not the same as But double descent is not the same as bilateral descent; it is a combination of bilateral descent; it is a combination of both unilineal systems.both unilineal systems.

Double (Unilineal) DescentDouble (Unilineal) Descent Definition: The coexistence of Definition: The coexistence of

patrilineal and matrilineal patrilineal and matrilineal descent in the same culture.descent in the same culture.

Patrilineal descent exists for Patrilineal descent exists for some purposessome purposes

Matrilineal descent exists for Matrilineal descent exists for other purposes.other purposes.

Compare the bilateral diagram Compare the bilateral diagram on p. 73 of the text with on p. 73 of the text with double descent diagram on p. double descent diagram on p. 79. 79.

Are some people excluded on Are some people excluded on p. 79 who would not be p. 79 who would not be excluded on p. 73? A partial excluded on p. 73? A partial answer is on the next panel. answer is on the next panel.

Double Descent: The Case Double Descent: The Case of the of the YaköYakö

Yakö of SE Nigeria show that some people are Yakö of SE Nigeria show that some people are indeed excluded. indeed excluded.

Living in a dense community called Umor, the Living in a dense community called Umor, the Yakö combined cultivation with cattle herdingYakö combined cultivation with cattle herding

They had a system of property divided between They had a system of property divided between the sexesthe sexes

Male property comprised land, trees, houses, Male property comprised land, trees, houses, and cattle.and cattle.

Female property included household items, Female property included household items, coins.coins.

They also had a unique system of inheritanceThey also had a unique system of inheritance All immovable property was inherited All immovable property was inherited

patrilineallypatrilineally All moveable property was inherited matrilineallyAll moveable property was inherited matrilineally This leaves us a riddle; see next slide.This leaves us a riddle; see next slide.

A Riddle: Who Has the Cow, A Riddle: Who Has the Cow, Man? (Sorry, Bart)Man? (Sorry, Bart) Here is the riddle:Here is the riddle: By definition of patrilineal inheritance, By definition of patrilineal inheritance,

immoveable male property is inherited by sons immoveable male property is inherited by sons from their fathers: land, houses, orchards.from their fathers: land, houses, orchards.

Female property which is moveable. is Female property which is moveable. is inherited by daughters from their mothers: inherited by daughters from their mothers: household goods, fruits from the orchards. household goods, fruits from the orchards.

Yet cattle, which is male property. is moveableYet cattle, which is male property. is moveable Therefore it is inherited matrilineallyTherefore it is inherited matrilineally Question: from the herdsman (No. 13 on the Question: from the herdsman (No. 13 on the

diagram on p. 79 or on p. 77), who inherits the diagram on p. 79 or on p. 77), who inherits the cattle? cattle?

Hint: The heir has to be consanguineal kin.Hint: The heir has to be consanguineal kin.

Give Up?Give Up? The cattle go from the The cattle go from the

mother’s brother (Bo. 13) to mother’s brother (Bo. 13) to sister’s son (No. 29, or No. sister’s son (No. 29, or No. 23 or No. 25)23 or No. 25)

This relationship is known This relationship is known as the as the avunculate, avunculate, the the relationship between relationship between mother’s brother. mother’s brother.

It recurs in other societies; It recurs in other societies; this is well-known in The this is well-known in The Trobriand Islanders, for Trobriand Islanders, for exampleexample

A Kanguru legend involves A Kanguru legend involves this relationship.this relationship.

If you’re interested, check it If you’re interested, check it out on out on www.unis.org/class/anthro/Rabwww.unis.org/class/anthro/Rabbit_and_Hyena.htmbit_and_Hyena.htm

Importance of DescentImportance of Descent

Bilateral descent: allows flexibility of kin Bilateral descent: allows flexibility of kin reckoning; you can actually select whom reckoning; you can actually select whom to associate with in some societiesto associate with in some societies

Unilineal descent entails automatic Unilineal descent entails automatic inclusion and exclusion of kin based on inclusion and exclusion of kin based on sex of linking relativesex of linking relative

Both types form the basis of economic Both types form the basis of economic rights and obligations, of political rights and obligations, of political affiliation and alliances, and even affiliation and alliances, and even ancestral worship.ancestral worship.

Coming Up NextComing Up Next

The roots of kinship, namely sex and gender, is The roots of kinship, namely sex and gender, is next—and they are two different concepts.next—and they are two different concepts.

Marriage, including its definition and varied Marriage, including its definition and varied functionsfunctions

Family types that arise from marriage, including Family types that arise from marriage, including multiple marriages and postmarital residencemultiple marriages and postmarital residence

Larger kin units and groups that are extensions of Larger kin units and groups that are extensions of the family.the family.

How marriages form political alliancesHow marriages form political alliances Kinship terminology: what it reflectsKinship terminology: what it reflects