...The San Kinship System and Its Impact Upon San Culture Terry Barnes ANT 101 Prof. Cecil Hicks November 29, 2011 The San Kinship System and the It’s Impact upon San Culture The San Culture is interesting, and its kinship bbehaviors are varied. In this paper, I will first share information about the hunters and gathers know as the San or Bushman who live in the of the Kalahari Desert in South Africa. Second, I will Identify and describe their kinship system, briefly describe their culture, and identify three specific examples of how the San’s Kinship System impacts the way they behave, think, act, and live. Lastly, I will compare and contrast a specific San Kinship behavior to American society, and give details that describe whether or not this same behavior has an impact on my life. In Cultural Anthropology, by Nowark and Laid (2010), I learned about the unique aspects and structure of the San Kinship System. Kinship involves how people classify each other, the rules that affect people's behavior, and people's actual behavior. In the San kinship system, both family and kinship relationships are recognized and valued through the practice of marriage, sharing, and generalized reciprocity. Kinship also means time for socializing with kin and friends. Meals are prepared with the items from everyone’s hunting and gathering which allows everyone to share equally in what has been made available. Food is distributed until everyone is sufficiently supplied. Generalized...
Words: 1984 - Pages: 8
...The San ANT 101 Bruce Carruthers 16 July 2012 Kinship is an important part of survival, especially for foraging societies. Foraging, or hunting and gathering, is the oldest form of human society. The San, or “Bushman”, are one of the most known communities and they date back thousands of years. I will identify and describe the kinship system of the San, and I will describe how the culture is impacted by their kinship. Last, I will compare the San to my own society and the impact kinship has in my own life. The San have many kinship systems that are important to insure their continued existence. I will discuss the kinship system as it is related to food, conflict, and marriage. The San are hunters and gathers and food is part of surviving. The San follow a form of exchange in which no tabs are kept, or generalized reciprocity (Nowak & Laird, 2010). This means that all the food is collected and distributed equally through out the group. This means that no one will go hungry. This has a lot of impact on their culture as well. It prevents an excess of wealth, so no one is rich or poor. It insures everyone is healthy and reinforces social ties with their kin. “Kinship is the central organizing principle” (Nowak & Laird, 2010, Managing conflict, para. 1). There is limited property and everyone shares food so there are limited major conflicts among the San. Since the San’s kinships are so strong, arguments are the extent of their conflict...
Words: 755 - Pages: 4
...Instructor: Katie Custer October 1, 2012 San According to Cultural Anthropology by Nowak, B., & Laird, P. (2010) the San people, a foraging tribe in Africa, are traditionally a band society made up of family and relatives. Foraging bands such as the san survive by going where there is an abundance of food and water. They practice a gender based division of labor just like many other foraging bands, primarily with women caring for children and foraging for vegetation and men hunting and providing other skills such as tool making. The san people are also leisurely people who enjoy each other’s company and heavily rely on each other. Social ties are considered very important in band society because no one can simply be in it for his own benefit. The kinship system in this culture affects all things, but most clearly, how their marriage rituals work, how the people spend their free time, and even where the live during drought. Kinship determines if one band will be taken in by another in drought times when water is scarce and thankfully, the san have both the maternal and paternal sides of their families to go to. When a man in a san band chooses a bride, he is not only choosing her, but her family too, they are now his responsibility and because of their share and share a-like system, he is theirs as well. Family is so important and keeping up social ties is so high on the list that...
Words: 417 - Pages: 2
...San Kinship Organization Kaleb Michaels ANT 101 March 1, 2013 The San of Southwest Africa, located in the Kalahari Desert have a very basic yet powerful kinship within their culture and sub cultures. The entire culture is based on living harmoniously with each member or kin of the band as well as with nature. The very core of survival for the San is to take care and support their fellow kin. Having been around for thousands of years, they are the true meaning of the word community. They rely on this to be successful and to thrive as a culture. As the text book states: “Among foraging cultures, for example, high value is placed on working together and sharing, as opposed to competing with others to secure individual wealth.” Nowak, B. & Laird, P. (2010). The very survival of this culture is to rely on one another when it comes to the task of providing food for one’s family. However, the San are also known as the “original affluent society”. The culture forages together, taking and using the resources that they need to sustain life. This leaves them with plenty of time to socialize with members of their culture as well as indulge in day to day things that they enjoy to do. One of the things that make this culture very unique is their system of reciprocity that is used between kin and other bands. Because the San do not build storage units for harvests and game hunted, everything they acquire must be used. Furthermore...
Words: 1021 - Pages: 5
...SAN CULTURE: BOND OF KINSHIP Dorothy Nash Joslin ANT 101 Introduction to Anthropology Instructor James Turner October 1, 2012 Throughout the southern land of Africa live the native Bushmen, also known as the San (some have referred to them as Khwe or as the Basarwa, as well); they are recognized as one of the oldest cultural societies that still remain active. The term “San” was historically applied to Bushmen by their ethnic relatives and historic rivals, the Khoikhoi; this term mean “outsider” in the Khoikhoi language, and was derogatory. For this reason, some of this group still prefers to be called Bushmen, even though opinions vary on whether the term “Bushmen” is appropriate because the term can also sometimes be viewed as uncomplimentary. One of the strongest qualities possessed by the San society is their strong, unified support system that they operate in order to survive on a consistent basis (Godwin, 2000). As indicated by our text, the San are a foraging culture, meaning they generate only enough food and resources to consume for a day or two; lessening the amount of surplus and need for storage (Nowak & Laird, 2010). The San believe in maintaining strong unions within their nuclear families and often joining with related nuclear families to assemble their bands (Godwin, 2000). The nuclear family is the most common type of family in foraging societies because it is adaptive to diverse situations; it is composed of a mother and father and their children...
Words: 1396 - Pages: 6
...Australian Aborigines Kinship System Donalee Lund ANT101: Introduction to Cultural Anthropology Sashur Henninger January 7, 2013 Australian Aborigines Kinship System The Aborigines of Australia have a very complex kinship system and to be honest I am not sure I fully understand their kinship system. You wanted me to give three specific examples on how the kinship system impacts the Aborigines cultures. By the time I finished researching their kinship system my head was pounding. I will try to explain how their kinship system impacts their daily lives In their culture everyone is related to everyone. The Aborigines are a tight net family; they are divided into two moieties. These moieties are really based on the environment surroundings like animals and plants. This also reinforces social and economic exchanges between the two moieties. Each moiety is given a name and in each moiety they have four marriage class names. For example; moiety A and moiety B two groups and then with in those groups are marriage class names (a, b, c and d). So a man from moiety A can only marry women from moiety B and then their children will be b’s in the moiety A. Then if a “c” man can marry only from moiety A and their children will be d’s in moiety B (Descent Groups by Dennis O’Neil 2007). A lot of times the brothers of moiety A will marry the sisters of moiety B. By marry someone in opposite moiety this is called exogamous system (outside the group). The on law they do have...
Words: 1165 - Pages: 5
...Inuit of the Artic Kinship ANT 101: Introduction to Cultural Anthropology September 29, 2012 As we study anthropology we ask ourselves the question, what is anthropology and what is the meaning of cultural? In the studies we learn that anthropology is the study of people, their origins, and their cultures. We learned that cultural is the system of government, style of dress or even types of sexual behavior and food. So we put together the words cultural anthropology and the text tells us it is “the comparative study of human cultures with the objective of deepening our understanding of the human condition” (Laird, 2010). With all this to reflect on, this writer will discuss the kinship systems of the Inuit people and their cultural and how it affects them. “The kinship among people is described as is a relationship between any individuals who share a genealogical origin, through biological, cultural, or historical descent. It is one of the most basic principles for organizing individuals into social groups, roles, categories, and genealogy” (Versatile, 2011). The kinship system among the Inuit is describe as the lineal system of terminology emphasizes the nuclear family by specifically identifying mother, father, brother, and sister, while merging together all other relatives such as maternal and paternal aunts, uncles, and cousins, without differentiating among them. An example, one's father is distinguished from his father's brother (uncle) but one's father's brother...
Words: 757 - Pages: 4
...Iroquois Kinship Tiffany Wheeler ANT 101 Introduction to Cultural Anthropology Alfred Wilfong April 17, 2013 Iroquois Kinship The Iroquois people were very structured, with the women being the top dogs in their social setting. Iroquois women were in control of crops, particularly maize, and that gave them control over more than just a food source. Men were allowed to do their job as long as the women agreed with what they were doing. If women were against a particular raiding activity, they withheld maize from the warriors, which meant the men could not go (Nowak, 1979). Properties were inherited by females, such as land and tools. After marriage, men moved in with their wives to their longhouse. Marriage was encouraged between what the Iroquois considered cross cousins, which today would be what normal people consider to be their cousins. For example, if someone's maternal uncle married an unrelated woman and they had children, it would be encouraged for the cousins to marry one another. Marriage was a delicate thing, however, because the woman was capable of simply packing her husband's belongings and tossing them outside to get her point across that their marriage was over. Based on the above information, the biggest example of the way the Iroquois kinship system impacts the way they behave is their matriarchal system. The eldest woman in each longhouse has the authority to determine the rights to property and resources. Another example would be their belief...
Words: 635 - Pages: 3
...IROQUOIS KINSHIP 1 Iroquois Kinship ANT 101: Introduction to Cultural Anthropology November 4, 2012 IROQUOIS KINSHIP 2 IROQUOIS KINSHIP The origin of the Iroquois tribe dates back centuries, much before the Europeans settlers first arrived on North American soil. I will discuss the kinship system of the Iroquois tribe, describe three specific examples of how the kinship of the Iroquois culture impacts the way this culture behaves and compare this culture to my own society. Other names for the Iroquois are Haudenosaunee, People of the Longhouse, and the Six Nations. The Iroquois Indians lived in what is now New York State along the St. Lawrence River. “The Iroquois Indians were known as the "Five Nations". The league was formed before European contact. The original five nations are Cayuga, Mohawk, Oneida, Onondaga, and Seneca. The Tuscarora joined later, after European contact, and became the sixth nation.” (Miller, 2000-2001) The Iroquois originated from Up State New York. Throughout migration they gained control of most of the northeastern United States and eastern Canada. In 1680, “their empire extended west from the north shore of Chesapeake Bay through Kentucky to the junction of the Ohio and Mississippi Rivers; then north following the Illinois River to the south end of Lake Michigan; east across all of lower Michigan, southern Ontario and adjacent parts of southwestern Quebec; and finally south through northern New England west...
Words: 1432 - Pages: 6
...The Maori Kinship of New Zealand Jeramie Simpson Introduction to Cultural Anthrology 101 Justine Lemos December 26, 2011 The Maori Kinship of New Zealand In today’s world, tight-knit groups of people can be hard to come by. Many families and friends can be split up by quarrels, divorces, politics or governmental laws. However, the Maori of New Zealand are an exception to this statement. The Maori of New Zealand are a close-knit kinship that still have an impact on the New Zealand society and the country today. Over 700 years ago, people for Eastern Polynesia and Hawaii settled the land of New Zealand, many of the same groups that settled centuries ago, are there today, this includes the Maori of New Zealand. (Walter, Smith, & Jacomb, p 2006). It is thought and taught throughout the lands that the Maori came by canoe from European countries. This is a great argument among scholars, is this true or was this a fabrication from ancestors long ago? Scholars have researched and have yet to prove or disprove the group coming to their new land by canoes. (Hanson, 1989) After their settlement in their new lands, seven centuries ago, the Maori began as a small community that had several different villages and communities that were made up of extended family members consisting of a few dozen or more people. This group of people were known as a sub-tribe or “hapu..” ( Walter, Smith, &Jacomb, 2006) The Maorian kinship and its numbers would often vary; this was...
Words: 2079 - Pages: 9
...I. Introduction The Basseri are a nomadic, pastoral tribe of the Fars region of present-day Iran. They have formerly been part of the so-called Khamseh confederation. The areas that the Basseri migrate in are the steep mountains of South, East and North Shiraz. Due to their Pastoralist nature, there is no structure Basseri tribe follow in regards to their social and economic activities. There are several norms that play a key role in the different aspects of the tribe’s (existence, being, day to day life). II. Body Paragraph (Political Organization) –The Basseri are a clearly delineated group, defined as like most groups in the area by political rather than by ethnic or geographical criteria. The Basseri speak a dialect of Farsi. The majority knows only the Basseri dialect, but a few also speak Turkish or Arabic. Most of the groups with which the Basseri come in contact speak Farsi, Turkish, or Arabic. Some of these groups claim a common or collateral ancestral link with the Basseri. Many people among the settled populations in southern Iran claim to have Basseri origins. There are also other nomadic groups namely the Yazd-e-Khast, the Bugard-Basseri, and the Basseri near Semnan east of Tehran who is believed to be genetically connected with the Basseri of Fārs. III. Body Paragraph (Economic Organization) - The Basseri pastoral economy is supported by essential, extensive pastures. However, these pastures cannot continuously support flocks their flocks year-round...
Words: 665 - Pages: 3
...Basseri of Iran ANT 101 Instructor: Outline 1. Orientation 2. Tribeswomen of Iran (How are they viewed) 3. Tribesmen of Iran (how are they viewed) 4. Kinship 5. Political Organization 6. Beliefs and Values 7. Economy The Basseri of Iran is a nomadic, tent-dwelling people. They are a descendent of Arabic, Persian, Turkish, and gypsy ancestors. They have different views of men and women and different roles within their society. Their beliefs and values are different from our own, and they treat their economy different then we treat our own. This essay will take an in-depth look at the beliefs and values, sickness and healing, and the political organization of the Basseri of Iran. “The Basseri are traditional pastoral nomads who inhabit the Iranian province of Fārs and migrate along the steppes and mountains near the town of Shīrāz. The Basseri are a clearly delineated group, defined—as are most groups in the area—by political rather than by ethnic or geographical criteria. In the late 1950s there were an estimated 16,000 Basseri living in Iran” (Barth, Fredrik (1961). The Basseri speak a language of Farsi, and most only know this language, but there are a few that can speak Turkish or Arabic. They live in a hot and arid climate and inhabit approximately 18,000 to 21,000 square kilometers. The roles of tribeswomen in Iran are much different from the roles of...
Words: 1838 - Pages: 8
...Navajo Way of Life Kathleen E. St.Cyr ANT101 Jeffrey Ratcliffe July 16, 2012 Every culture has a primary mode of subsistence that makes them unique. Among the Navajo culture their primary mode of subsistence are pastoralists. Pastoralists have an impact on different aspects with in the culture. The aspects that I will be discussing will be the Navajo’s beliefs and values, sickness and healing, kinship, and their social organization. “Pastoralists are those who regularly move in search of naturally occurring grass and water.” (Nowak & Laird, 2010) Navajo’s are an Indian tribe that live on reservations and sometimes reside on public domains outside of the reservations. The Navajo nation is the largest reservation in North America. The Navajo tribe is the natives of what is called the Four Corners region that reside in Arizona, New Mexico, Utah, and Colorado. Navajo’s call themselves Dineh, meaning “the people.” “Up until 1848, the land on which the Navajos lived had belonged to Mexico. The Navajos had to continually fight not only the Spanish, but also other Indian tribes in order to live on this land.” (Oracle ThinkQuest, The Navajo People) They continued this fight up until the 1850’s and 1860’s when Americans built Fort Defiance for the Navajo country, near what is now called Window Rock, Arizona. Only soon to be captured and killed by the Americans. After having to surrender and forced to walk 300 miles to Fort Sumner in eastern New Mexico and years...
Words: 1213 - Pages: 5
...ant It is of an inevitable reality that cultures differ around the world every place and context has their own unique set of norms, beliefs and practices. These set of norms, beliefs and practices make up the identity of a culture. These make up the whole of their system . A particular culture produces a pattern of actions that a group of people will manifest as they live in this world. Because of the diversity of cultures of people from different places around the world, there exist conflicts due to differences if one culture is imposing its will to the other The Btsisi are considered a horticultural society. Horticultural societies were those that produced food. Unlike the Foraging society who collected wild grains and animals as their first stage of food production, “horticulturalists differ from foragers in their dependence on domesticated plants for most of their food energy. Horticulturalists may still collect wild foods and hunt even as they cultivate, but by and large their sustenance depends on domesticated plants.” (Nowak & Laird, 2010). “Btsisi' traditionally practice village exogamy; in other words, the bride and groom come from different villages” (Nowak & Laird, 2010).They do not practice polygamy or the marrying of kin. “Btsisi' say that upon marriage a newly married couple should first live matrilocally and then patrilocally” (Nowak & Laird, 2010).This is to provide the parents of the bride and groom some self assurance that the marriage...
Words: 788 - Pages: 4
...It is now known as Rapid City Indian Health Service Hospital. The video on what happened to the land of the Sioux San was very informative. While watching I asked some of the same question that the audience asked. Why can they not get the land that was taken illegally back? Why did they just allow their land to be taken without a fight? Why did they lose their homes when they should have been living on tax-free land? I am so sorry for the way they were and are being treated. It hurts my heart listening to people talking about being taken away from their homes thinking they were not wanted. I, as a parent, cannot imagine someone taking my children and I not seeing them for years. The more I study the more I understand why our reservations are the way they are. The reason why school is not as important as we may see it. The memories and stories that have been...
Words: 526 - Pages: 3
