article

Yurok marriages

University Press • 35 (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.

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