by Zabitah Resha
In a patriarchal world, where most societies are organized around male dominance and patrilineal systems, matrilineal societies stand out as alternative social structures that challenge traditional gender roles and power dynamics.
Matrilineal societies exist within patriarchal contexts, meaning that they coexist with or are surrounded by societies that predominantly follow patrilineal norms. Often people misunderstand Matrilineal to be opposite of Patriarchy. The term Matrilineal describes the lineage in the family. Matriarchy and Matrilineal are different concepts and practices, often many mistake it to be synonym to each other. There are few societies which follows Matrilineal Practices around the globe.
MOSUO, China
The Mosuo people are an ethnic group residing primarily in the Yunnan and Sichuan provinces of southwestern China, near the border with Tibet. They are known for their unique social structure, which is often referred to as a "matrilineal society." Here are some key features of the Mosuo matrilineal system:
Matrilineal Kinship: In Mosuo society, kinship and family ties are traced through the female line. Descent, inheritance, and family lineage are passed down from mother to daughter, and the family name is also inherited through the female line.
No Traditional Marriage: The Mosuo do not practice formal marriage as it is commonly understood. Instead, they have what is called "walking marriage" or "zouhun" in Chinese. In a walking marriage, individuals are free to choose their partners and can have multiple partners throughout their lives. Couples do not live together, and men typically visit women in their homes during the night, returning to their own homes in the morning.
The Role of Mothers and Grandmothers: Mosuo women hold significant authority and decision-making power within the family. Mothers are often the central figures in raising children and managing the household, while grandmothers play a prominent role in passing down cultural traditions and knowledge.
Female Ownership of Property: Property and land ownership are typically held by women in Mosuo society. When a Mosuo woman has children, her brothers are responsible for helping raise them, and they may also contribute to the household expenses. In this way, the property remains within the female lineage.
Matriarchal Household Structure: The household is typically organised around a matriarch, who is the eldest woman in the family. She holds considerable authority and makes important decisions for the family, such as inheritance and property management.
Photo Courtesy : Choo Waihong
BRIBRI ,Costa Rica
The Bribri people are an indigenous group located in Costa Rica, primarily in the Talamanca region of the country. They have a rich cultural heritage and maintain many traditional practices, including their unique social structure, which is matrilineal in nature.
In Bribri society, descent and inheritance are traced through the female line. This means that family ties, property, and social status are primarily determined by the mother's side of the family. Children belong to their mother's clan or lineage, and family identity is passed down from mother to child. The Bribri place a strong emphasis on the role of women in their community and recognize the important contributions they make to the social fabric.
In matrilineal societies like the Bribri, women often hold positions of authority and influence within the community. They may play significant roles in decision-making processes, leadership positions, and religious ceremonies. The Bribri also have a system of communal land ownership, where land is typically owned and managed by the maternal lineages. This collective ownership helps ensure the sustainability and preservation of their territories.
It's important to note that while the Bribri have a matrilineal social structure, this does not mean that men are completely excluded from positions of power or that they have no rights or responsibilities within the community. Men still have important roles within Bribri society, and gender roles and responsibilities are varied and interconnected.
Overall, the Bribri's matrilineal social structure shapes their community dynamics, kinship systems, and land tenure practices. It represents a unique aspect of their cultural identity and reflects their historical traditions and values.
Photo Courtesy : Soultrotting
UMOJA Village , Kenya
Umoja meant ‘Unity’ in Swahili. This village is located near town of Archers Port in Samburu,in captital of Kenya ie, Nairobi.This village was by women for women, to protect each other. The Women live by making and selling traditional jewellery on roads to tourist.The women of the village also opened school for their own children as well as children from near around villages having men as they believed education is most important.Only education can make their life better and stop these old practices.The village is a kind of refugee to women who have run away from male dominated villages.Angry husbands often visit at night to the village to search for their run away wives ,where women stay late night to protect each other.
Photo Courtesy : Youtube
MINANGKABAU, Indonesia
In the Minangkabau matrilineal system, women play a central role in family and community affairs. They are often the decision-makers and have significant influence in matters such as marriage, family relationships, and the allocation of resources. The household is typically organized around the female head of the family, known as the "ibu rumah tangga," who is the primary figure in managing family affairs.
One important concept within the Minangkabau matrilineal society is called "adat," which refers to a set of customary laws and traditions. Adat governs various aspects of Minangkabau life, including marriage, inheritance, and social interactions. Under the adat system, women have a prominent role in maintaining and preserving the customs and traditions of the community.
Despite the matrilineal structure, it is important to note that Minangkabau society is not matriarchal. Men still hold important roles in areas such as religious leadership and political representation. However, the power and authority within the family and community tend to be more balanced between men and women compared to societies with patrilineal systems.
Photo Courtesy: Modern studies
AKAN ,Ghana
The Akan people of Ghana have a predominantly patrilineal society, meaning that descent, inheritance, and property are typically traced through the male line. However, it is important to note that within the Akan cultural context, there are also elements of matrilineality present in certain aspects of their social organization.
Among the Akan, family and kinship ties are highly valued and play a crucial role in their social structure. The Akan people are organized into matrilineal clans, known as "abusua," which are typically led by the oldest living male member of the lineage. Despite the clan leadership being patrilineal, the overall social structure has important matrilineal aspects.
In Akan society, a child is considered to belong to the mother's lineage and is primarily identified by their mother's family. Inheritance of certain property, such as land, is often passed down through the matrilineal line. Matrilineal ties are further reinforced through rituals, ceremonies, and social obligations that connect individuals to their maternal lineage.
One important ceremony that highlights the matrilineal aspect of Akan society is the "outdooring" or "naming" ceremony. During this event, a newborn baby is formally introduced to their extended family and community, and they receive their first name, which is often derived from the mother's lineage.
While the Akan society is predominantly patrilineal, the influence and importance of the maternal lineage in aspects of identity, inheritance, and social ties highlight the coexistence of matrilineal elements within their cultural practices. This blending of matrilineal and patrilineal aspects creates a complex social system that reflects the cultural richness and diversity of the Akan people in Ghana.
Photo Courtesy : Buzz Ghana
KHASI, Meghalaya, India The Khasi people, an indigenous community primarily residing in the northeastern Indian state of Meghalaya, have a unique and well-documented matrilineal society. Among the Khasi, descent, inheritance, and property are traced through the female line, making it one of the few matrilineal societies in the world.
In Khasi society, the family lineage is passed down from mother to daughter, and children take their mother's surname. The family unit is typically centered around the mother, and she holds significant authority and decision-making power within the household. Women in Khasi society enjoy a high social status and have a strong influence in matters such as property ownership, family affairs, and lineage connections.
One notable aspect of Khasi matrilineal society is the concept of "khatduh," which refers to the youngest daughter of the family. The youngest daughter is considered the custodian of ancestral property and is responsible for carrying forward the family lineage. Upon marriage, the husband typically moves into the wife's household, and their children continue the matrilineal line.
Inheritance in Khasi society also follows the matrilineal pattern, where property and wealth are passed down from mother to daughter. Sons may receive some movable property, but the bulk of the family's assets are inherited by the daughters. This practice helps ensure the economic stability and continuity of the maternal lineage.
Despite the matrilineal structure, it is important to note that the Khasi society is not matriarchal. Men still hold important roles in areas such as political leadership and religious ceremonies. However, the overall social and economic power tends to rest with women and the maternal lineage.
Photo Courtesy : Media India Group
GARO, Meghalaya, India The Garo people, another indigenous community living in the northeastern Indian states of Meghalaya and Assam, also have a matrilineal society, although it is not as pronounced or widespread as among the Khasi people. The Garo matrilineal system is characterised by tracing descent, inheritance, and property through the female line, similar to the Khasi.
In Garo society, the family is organised around the mother, and children take their mother's surname. The mother holds a central role in the household and has decision-making authority. The youngest daughter in the family often inherits the ancestral property and carries forward the lineage. Upon marriage, it is common for the husband to move into the wife's household.
However, it is important to note that the matrilineal system among the Garo people is not as strict or pervasive as in some other matrilineal societies. There are instances where property can be passed down through the male line, and some families may follow patrilineal practices to varying degrees.
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