Wantoat - Kinship



Kin Groups and Descent. The largest functioning unit in Wantoat society is the patrilineal, exogamous clan, whose members claim descent from a common mythical founder. The clan was the context for religious activities. In times of conflict or stress the individual turned to the clan for refuge and support. Today the clan still functions in this way, although increased individualism has weakened the authority of the elders.

Kinship Terminology. The system is characterized by bifurcate-merging terms for aunts and uncles and Iroquois terms for cousins.

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