Studies in Ancient History (Classic Reprint): The Second Series Comprising an Inquiry Into the Origin of Exogamy: The Second Series Comprising an Inquiry Into the Origin of Exogamy (Classic Reprint) - Softcover

Inhaltsangabe

How kinship and law shaped ancient societies across continents A clear, approachable look at how exogamy, clan ties, and totemism governed marriage and social life in early civilizations. This study uses examples from North America and Australia to explain why families, tribes, and chiefs enforced rules about who could marry whom.

This edition traces the evolution of kinship systems—from female-centered networks to male-traced lineages—and shows how marriage laws helped bind or separate groups. It describes the roles of chiefs, the meaning of totems, and the ways communities balanced revenge, alliance, and reunion after conflicts. Throughout, the author ties traditions to social structures, offering a grounded view of how law and custom together built social unity.

• How totemic clans and kinship shape marriage prohibitions and alliances.


• Case studies of tribes and their shifting family structures and leadership.


• Explanations of how exogamy functions to unite people across villages and nations.


• Discussion of how traditions reflect broader social and political organization.

Ideal for readers of anthropology and history who want a careful, evidence-based look at how ancient peoples organized themselves around kin, marriage, and community.

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