Lineage (anthropology)

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]

Etymology

From Middle English linage, from Old French linage, from ligne, from Latin linea (“line”); equivalent to line + -age.

Characteristics

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]

An example of a Matrilineage over 4 generations

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]

An example of an Ambilineal lineage

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]

See also

• Genealogy – Study of individual descent and bloodline
• Kinship terminology