Ambilineality

Ambilineality is a system containing both unilineal descent groups, namely patrilineal and matrilineal, in which one belongs to one's father's and/or mother's descent group, or lineage. In traditional ambilineal cultures such as those listed below, the individual has the option of choosing their own lineage.

Societies practicing ambilineal descent are especially common in Southeast Asia and the Pacific. Polynesian cultures are generally ambilineal, including for example Samoans, Māori and Hawaiians. The indigenous peoples of Northwestern North America are also practitioners of ambilineality; it also often occurs among Jewish people living in the United States and Yoruba people residing in West Africa, particularly those of royal and/or noble descent.

See also

• Hawaiian kinship
• Unilineality
• Family
• Cultural anthropology