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Anthropology of kinship |
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In anthropology, a lineage is a unilineal descent group that traces its ancestry to a demonstrably shared ancestor, known as the apical ancestor. [1] [2] [3] Lineages are formed through relationships traced either exclusively through the maternal line ( matrilineage), paternal line ( patrilineage), or some combination of both ( ambilineal). [4] The cultural significance of matrilineal or patrilineal descent varies greatly, shaping social structures, inheritance patterns, and even rituals across societies. [5]
A lineage is a descent group characterized by unilineal descent. [1] This means that lineage membership is determined by tracing ancestry through either a single line ( unilineal), either maternal or paternal, [3] or through a combination of both lines ( ambilineal). [4] This differentiates lineages from other descent groups like clans, which may have a shared ancestor but lack the demonstrably documented or traditionally accepted apical ancestor from whom all members descend. [6] There are three forms of lineage, matrilineage, patrilineage, and ambilineal. [4]
In matrilineage, descent is traced exclusively through the maternal line. [7] Children inherit lineage membership from their mother, and the lineage consists of a mother, her children, and her children's children who are all matrilineally related. The Minangkabau people of Indonesia, being a Jew in the Jewish religion, [8] and the Khasi people of India are well-known examples of societies with prominent matrilineal structures. [9]
In patrilineage, descent is traced exclusively through the paternal line. [10] Children inherit lineage membership from their father, and the lineage consists of a father, his children, and his children's children who are all patrilineally related. [11] Patrilineages are more common globally, with examples found in many cultures, such as much of South East Asia. [12] [13]
In ambilineal lineage, descent is traced through either the maternal and/or the paternal lines, usually meaning that the individuals choose whether to affiliate with their mother or their father's group, or both. [14] [15] Ambilineal lineage can be bilineal or bilateral. [16] [17] [18] Ambilineal lineages are relatively rare in more under-developed societies, such as South East Asia, [4] and very common in modernized societies, such as the United States and Western Europe. [19]
In Bilineal lineage (also known as double descent), children are part of both their mother and their father's groups. [20] [21] [17] This results in many more people in a lineage. [22] Examples of bilineal lineage include the Yako people of Nigeria. [23] [21]
Lineages play a large role in social organization across cultures. [24] They influence inheritance patterns, with property and titles often passed down within the lineage. [25] In addition, lineages often have religious significance, with one's ancestorial history often determining one's religion and position in that religion. [26] The structure of lineages also leads to stability, [3] social obligations, and reciprocity among members, providing support networks and a sense of shared identity. [27]