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Inanthropology, alineage is aunilineal descent group that traces itsancestry to a demonstrablyshared ancestor, known as theapical ancestor.[1][2][3] Lineages are formed throughrelationships 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, shapingsocial structures,inheritance patterns, and even rituals acrosssocieties.[5]
FromMiddle Englishlinage, fromOld Frenchlinage, fromligne, fromLatinlinea (“line”); equivalent toline +-age.
A lineage is adescent group characterized byunilineal descent.[1] This means that lineage membership is determined by tracingancestry through either a single line (unilineal), eithermaternal orpaternal,[3] or through a combination of both lines (ambilineal).[4] This differentiates lineages from otherdescent groups likeclans, which may have ashared ancestor but lack the demonstrably documented or traditionally acceptedapical ancestor from whom all members descend.[6] There are three forms of lineage,matrilineage,patrilineage, andambilineal.[4]
Inmatrilineage, descent is traced exclusively through thematernal 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 allmatrilineally related. TheMinangkabau people ofIndonesia, being aJew in theJewish religion,[8] and theKhasi people ofIndia are well-known examples of societies with prominent matrilineal structures.[9]
Inpatrilineage, descent is traced exclusively through thepaternal 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 allpatrilineally related.[11]Patrilineages are more common globally, with examples found in many cultures, such as much ofSouth East Asia.[12][13]
Inambilineal lineage, descent is traced through either thematernal and/or thepaternal lines, usually meaning that the individuals choose whether to affiliate with theirmother or their father's group, or both.[14][15] Ambilineal lineage can bebilineal orbilateral.[16][17][18]Ambilineal lineages are relatively rare in more under-developed societies, such asSouth East Asia,[4] and very common in modernized societies, such as theUnited States andWestern Europe.[19]
InBilineal lineage (also known as double descent), children are part of both theirmother and their father's groups.[20][21][17] This results in many more people in a lineage.[22] Examples ofbilineal lineage include theYako people ofNigeria.[23][21]
Lineages play a large role insocial organization acrosscultures.[24] They influenceinheritance patterns, withproperty and titles often passed down within the lineage.[25] In addition, lineages often have religious significance, with one'sancestorial history often determining one'sreligion and position in that religion.[26] The structure of lineages also leads to stability,[3]social obligations, andreciprocity among members, providing support networks and a sense of shared identity.[27]
Media related toKinship diagrams at Wikimedia Commons