Abstract
In many societies, names bestowed by kin denote membership in descent groups and thus, indexically, denote rights and statuses that are tied to descent. In such societies, names trace the role of descent in shaping social institutions; for example, marriage and ritual exchange. But, as Maybury-Lewis (1984:6-7) has observed, rights and statuses determined by names can also stand in contrast to those determined by descent group membership. When this occurs, naming does more than simply identify individuals; receipt of names transforms individuals into persons whose social identities augment identities derived from descent alone. This article discusses a naming system in which the idiom of descent is preserved but detached from substance, allowing descent-based rights and statuses to be bestowed upon members of other patrilines through naming. Among the Urat, veridical descent is clearly understood. Through name bestowal, however, all its sociological markers become available for use as tokens of exchange. Since naming typically determines residence, this exchange allows the naming system to emulate a marriage system in important functions, notably the formation of alliances between localities.
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Disclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.