ABSTRACT
The family among the Tswana is founded upon marriage. A discussion of family law is therefore best introduced by an analysis of the conditions and forms of marriage. Apart from various rules governing the selection of a wife, the main essentials of the marriage contract among the Tswana are: mutual agreement between the two families concerned, as reflected in the formalities of betrothal; and the transfer of certain livestock, generally cattle, to the bride's family by the family of the bridegroom. The marriage most preferred is with the ntsala, i.e. the daughter of a maternal uncle or of a paternal aunt, and particularly with the former. Marriage with a paternal uncle's daughter is also fairly common. Marriages in the olden days were always arranged by the parents of the young people concerned. The ceremonies just outlined were those found among tribes where the bogadi had to be paid before the marriage could be consummated.
