The rootedness of trees

Lineage membership, however, is predominantly reckoned in the mother’s matriline through a common female ancestor, who is seen as a source of female regenerative powers. A number of related residential ‘fireplaces’, which are scattered over several villages, constitute a lineage or ‘womb’ ( PWZW), headed by an ‘elder of the womb’ who is normally one of ego’s mother’s brothers.