Awá Kwaiker - Kinship

Kin Groups and Descent. In general, the Awá Kwaiker are organized by kinship relationships based on marriage alliances that unite two families, which subsequently share land and work. This system is reflected in residence, inheritance, and property rules that tend to conserve the ecological balance. Kinship relationships are initiated when a group of brothers marries a group of sisters; in this way the family is enlarged, and ties of solidarity are created. At the present time kinship lacks the same importance because the majority have been forced to migrate, and, before leaving, they sell their land, according to Colombian law. Nevertheless, this kinship relationship can still be found, because in each settlement one or two surnames predominate as a result of marriage ties.

Kinship Terminology. Family-group members call each other "cousin," which is recognized until the third generation.