Matrilineal kinship systems are different from those with which we are more familiar, In this discussion, use the Minangkabau proverb, “Crossing wood in the hearth makes the fire glow,” to explore the meaningof matrilineality among this group. Describe one example of howthis equality is manifest with the Minangkabau, Speculateon what it might mean to live in a gender egalitarian society, or in apolygynous or polyandrous marriage. Do we have any proverbs with the same idea?
