Kinship and Marriage in Early Arabia

Originally published in 1885, this book examines the history of marriage and kinship relations within tribal groups in Arabia at the beginning of Islam.

William Robertson Smith (Author)

9781107622029, Cambridge University Press

Paperback / softback, published 6 March 2014

338 pages
19.8 x 12.9 x 1.8 cm, 0.33 kg

Originally published in 1885, this book by William Robertson Smith examines the history of marriage and kinship relations within tribal groups in Arabia at the beginning of Islam. The text explains the intricate links of heredity and dependence among various groups based on male descent, as well as taking an interesting look at the practice of polyandry in various groups. Highly influential in its own day as well as later, this book will be of use to anyone interested in anthropology and the state of Arabic tribal groups in the time of Mohammed.

Preface
1. The theory of genealogists as to the origin of Arabic tribal groups
2. The kindred group and its dependents or allies
3. The homogeneity of the kindred group in relation to the law of marriage and descent
4. Paternity
5. Paternity, polyandry with male kinship, and with kinship through women
6. Female kinship and bars to marriage
7. Totemism
8. Conclusion
Notes and illustrations
Index.

Subject Areas: Social & cultural anthropology, ethnography [JHMC]