article

Yurok marriages

University Press35 (1) • Published In 1934 • Pages: 1-14

By: Waterman, T. T. (Thomas Talbot), Kroeber, Alfred Louis.

Abstract
This study is an analysis of genealogical data concerning marriages collected by Waterman in 1909 while doing ethnogeographical work among the Yurok. Two types of marriage were found, 'full' and 'half', with the latter being much less esteemed. The designations refer to the amount of the brideprice paid by the groom. 'Half-marriage' is of interest as an essentially matrilineal institution in a society committed to patrilinear descent and control. No change in frequency of types of marriage was found between 1800 and 1900. In their marriage choice, the Yurok were mainly influenced by proximity of potential spouses, with alien speech being only a slight bar to marriage. The Yurok have no clan organization, incipient or otherwise. Both Kroeber and Waterman were professors at the University of California at the time of publication.
Subjects
Regulation of marriage
Residence
Termination of marriage
Status, role, and prestige
Classes
Sex and marital offenses
Medical personnel
Classes
Prayers and sacrifices
Ethos
Mythology
culture
Yurok
HRAF PubDate
2010
Region
North America
Sub Region
Northwest Coast and California
Document Type
article
Evaluation
Creator Type
Ethnologist
Document Rating
4: Excellent Secondary Data
5: Excellent Primary Data
Analyst
Timothy J. O'Leary ; 1958
Field Date
1909
Coverage Date
1900-1934
Coverage Place
Yurok Indians, USA
Notes
by T. T. Waterman and A. L. Kroeber
Includes bibliographical references
LCCN
06010799
LCSH
Yurok Indians