The Nayars

Paper Summary:

The Nayars are one of the few known matrilineal civilizations in existence. Matrilineal families are those where descent is traced in the female line, from mothers to daughters. In this unique society, women are valued members of the family. This paper presents an an anthropological study of the Nayars civilization of India. It compares and contrasts their beliefs with those of patriarchic societies like our own. The paper includes a photograph.

From the Paper:

"There are three times when the Nayar people in a clan will observe "pollution." Pollution is a time when certain traditional rituals will be performed. These times are after childbirth, menstruation, and death. After a woman has given birth, she observes pollution for fifteen days. She may not enter the kitchen and she eats separately from the rest of the family. She does not touch other members of the clan, other than her children under the age of six (Fuller 48). Fifty-eight days after childbirth she is allowed back into the temple."

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