Double descent, also called double unilineal descent, is a kinship system in which an individual belongs to both a patrilineage and a matrilineage at once, each carrying distinct rights and roles rather than being merged into one line. It is documented among the Yoruba of Nigeria, the Betsileo of Madagascar, the Herero of Namibia and the Yako of Nigeria, where patrilineal ties commonly govern land and political roles while matrilineal ties govern movable property and social or spiritual obligations.
Facts
Descent RuleDescent is reckoned through both parents' lines at once, with each line assigned separate rights: for example immovable property and political office through the patriline, and movable property and ritual or social ties through the matriline. 1 Typical RegionDocumented among the Yoruba of Nigeria, the Betsileo of Madagascar, the Herero of Namibia and the Yako of Nigeria. 1 Cross-Tradition Connections
Associated With
Double descent systems reckon descent matrilineally for some purposes, commonly ritual standing or personal identity, alongside a separate patrilineal line for others.
Double descent systems reckon descent patrilineally for some purposes, commonly property and political office, alongside a separate matrilineal line for others.
Sources
Reader Challenges (0 open reader challenges)
No disputes yet. Spotted an error or a better source? Open the first one.
Sign in to dispute this or suggest a correction.
View At A Past Year
The atlas records no dated fact of its own for this entry, so there is no other year to choose.