Segmentary Lineages

Lineages constructed on the basis of acknowledged descent lines occur in various sizes according to their "generational depth", ranging from small, shallow lineages made up of the descendants of a single living grandfather or great-grandfather to extensive systems with histories of several dozen generations including thousands of members. In some cases, especially where there is substantial depth, larger units are subdivided into smaller components through a process of branching or segmentation.This arrangement involves the successive formation of smaller groups from parent lineages. Thus there is a single maximal lineage at the highest level of the system, which is divided into two or more branches or segments, which are in turn divided and redivided in a regularly recurring process. The number of branches at each point of division is dependent upon the number of sons or daughters attributed to the previous ancestor. The number of levels is theoretically unlimited. Biblical accounts of ancient Hebrew segmentation follow genealogies of up to 20 generations.

Segmentary processes and structures can be illustrated in the following diagrams.

Segmentary Descent
Descent Lines This schematic diagram depicts the generation of the system. A hypothetical ancestor (I), the founder of the entire group, has two sons (A and B), each of whom serves as a focal point for the division of the larger unit into two smaller subgroups. The process is reiterated as A and B have two sons each (1,2,3,4), who in turn have two sons and so on. The descent process sets up a plan for the formation of a series of nested descent groups. Roll mouse onto image to view unanimated version. Remove to view animation Mouse rollover may not work with some browsers
Segmentation All the the descendents of I are included in a maximal lineage, 4 generations deep, which will most likely bear the founder's name. A and B define two segments which partition the maximal lineage members according to the two divergent descent lines. This process is repeated in successive generations until minimal lineages, usually extended family households, are included. Roll mouse onto image to view unanimated version. Remove to view animation Mouse rollover may not work with some browsers
Group Membership From an individual participant's perspective the system can be viewed as a series of ever more inclusive groups. Thus i is a member of four groups: a minimal segment a a minor segment 1 a major segment A a maximal segment I each of which has a different scope and set of functions. Roll mouse onto image to view unanimated version. Remove to view animation Mouse rollover may not work with some browsers

There are several important examples of segmentary lineage systems in anthropology, including the classic studies of Evans-Pritchard on the Nuer and Paul Bohannon on the Tiv. We shall be analyzing this form of organization in an attempt to reconstruct the social order of the ancient Hebrews. We shall also take a look at a simpler segmentary system among the matrilineal Akan peoples.