article

Natchez political evolution

American anthropologist, n.s.26 • Published In 1962 • Pages: 201-229

By: Macleod, William Christie.

Abstract
This is a comparative study of Natchez sociopolitical organization. The social classes represented in the historical records are Suns, Nobles, Honored Men, and the Stinkards or commoners. The author argues that the Suns were not a class but a matrilineal royal family, whose male descendants fell in rank to Noble, then Honored Men, and finally to Stinkards in succeeding generations. Elevation from Stinkard to Honored Men or Honored Men (probably only descendants of Nobles) to Noble might be achieved through wartime valor. The Nobles were exogamous, taking their wives from among commoners.
Subjects
Historical and archival research
Status, role, and prestige
Classes
Regulation of marriage
Territorial hierarchy
Military organization
Discipline and morale
culture
Natchez
Region
North America
Sub Region
Eastern Woodlands
Document Type
article
Evaluation
Creator Type
Ethnologist
Document Rating
4: Excellent Secondary Data
Analyst
Ian Skoggard; 2019
Field Date
not applicable
Coverage Date
1680-1730
Coverage Place
Adams, Jefferson and Claiborne counties, Mississippi, United States
Notes
By William Christie MacLeod
Reprinted by permission of the original publishers
Includes bibliographical references
LCCN
17015424
LCSH
Natchez Indians