Surprisingly, there are several lesser-known matrilineal societies scattered around the world. The following list highlights ten of these existing matrilineal societies, presented in no particular order of significance. The majority of societies worldwide adhere to a patrilineal structure, where descent and inheritance are determined through the male line, with men holding dominant roles across various societal units.
The 10 Surviving Matrilineal Societies in the world:
1. The Akans of Ghana
The majority of societies worldwide adhere to a patrilineal structure, where descent and inheritance are determined through the male line, with men holding dominant roles across various societal units. However, surprisingly, there are several lesser-known matrilineal societies scattered around the world. The following list highlights ten of these existing matrilineal societies, presented in no particular order of significance.
2. The Balue of Cameroon
The Akan tribes of Ghana, comprising groups such as the Asantes, the Fantis, the Akims, and others, constitute the largest ethnic community in Ghana and are currently recognized as one of the prominent matrilineal societies in Africa. In their unique inheritance system, a man’s immediate heirs are his sister’s children rather than his own offspring. However, it’s important to note that, currently, this matrilineal system of inheritance is applicable specifically to customary marriages within the Akan tribes.
3. The Khasi of India
The Khasi tribe stands out as one of the remaining matrilineal societies in India, specifically located in the Meghalaya province. Within this tribe, clans are defined by the lineage of the mother’s family. Children are predominantly identified as members of the mother’s family lineage or clan, rather than the father’s. In customary practices, it is the female children who typically inherit tangible assets like land within the community.
4. The Owambos of Namibia
The Owambo tribe, constituting the largest ethnic group in Namibia, is dispersed across eight regions of the country. Historically, the Owambos have observed a matrilineal system of succession and inheritance. Despite recent Western influence leading to a transition toward patrilineal inheritance within the community, the tradition of matrilineal inheritance remains prevalent, particularly in the rural areas of the tribe.
5. The Mosuo of China
For centuries, the Garo tribe has embraced a matrilineal societal structure. Situated in northeast India, this ethnic group upholds customs wherein the wife is acknowledged as the household head. In the event of the matriarch’s demise, the right of inheritance is bestowed upon the female child. Additionally, according to Garo native law, property ownership is predominantly vested in the hands of women.
6. The Garo of India
For centuries, the Garo tribe has adhered to a matrilineal societal structure. Situated in northeast India, this ethnic community follows customs that designate the wife as the head of the household. In the event of the matriarch’s passing, the right of inheritance is granted to the female child. Furthermore, according to Garo native law, property ownership is predominantly entrusted to women.
7. The Minangkabau of Indonesia
Undoubtedly the largest matrilineal society globally, this community is situated in western Sumatra, Indonesia. Within this society, properties are under the ownership of women, and customary laws mandate the transfer of kinship or family property from mother to daughter. The people of Minangkabau highly esteem mothers, considering them the most significant figures in their society.
8. The Bijagos of Guinea Bissau
Comprising four matrilineal clans situated on the Island of Orango Grande, Guinea Bissau, the Bijagos adhere to a customary law that deems their matrilineal system essential for the unity of the entire community. This law allows each man the right to collectively utilize the property or land belonging to his specific matrilineal clan without any division of land. The matriarch holds the ultimate authority in every household.
9. The Amis of Taiwan
Matrilineal inheritance is a fundamental tradition among the Amis, where family property is typically passed down to the eldest daughter in each household. The Amis community operates under a matrilineal structure, with each household being led by a matriarch. Additionally, within the community, both older males and women are accorded high levels of respect. In adherence to the tribe’s native laws, traditional roles dictate that women own property, while men are engaged in military routines.
10. The Lao of Thailand
Situated in northeastern Thailand, this ethnic group follows a unique practice where, upon marriage, the man is legally obligated to relocate to his wife’s family home, becoming a new member of that household. Furthermore, the youngest daughter in a family holds exclusive rights to inherit the family’s tangible property. Consequently, this community stands as one of the remaining societies globally where both matrilocal kinship and matrilineal inheritance persist.
Regrettably, the ongoing existence of the matrilineal inheritance system faces constant challenges from modern legislations in the mentioned countries.
