About 150 years ago L. H. Morgan compared relationship terminologies, societal forms, and ideas of property to recognize the interdependence of the three domains. From a new perspective, the book will re-examine, confirm and criticize, Morgans findings to conclude that reciprocal affinal relations determine most classificatory terminologies and regulate many non-state societies, their property notions, and their rituals. Apart from references to American and Australian features, such holistic socio-cultural constructs will be exemplified by elaborate descriptions of little-known contemporary indigenous societies in highland Middle India, altogether comprising many millions of members.
List of Figures and TablesAcknowledgements
Introduction
Chapter 1. Life and Work of Lewis Henry Morga
