Quechan - Kinship

Kin Groups and Descent. The Quechan recognize a Series of exogamous patrilineal clans. Clan functions besides regulating marriage are no longer clearly known. Each has one or more namesakes (totemic animals or plants) associated with it (such as frog, maize, snake, red ant). Some clan names are considered foreign to the Quechan, indicating Perhaps some earlier incorporation of alien groups into the tribal structure. Presently younger tribal members are only vaguely aware of the clan names and do not follow the rule of Exogamy.

Kinship Terminology. The traditional kinship terms followed the bifurcate collateral avuncular and Iroquois cousin patterns, with major terminological emphasis on age and Gender distinctions.