ABSTRACT
Clan and Matrilineage As IS the case with many neighboring ethnic groups, the Valley Bisa are matrilineal in matters of descent, social status, inheritance, and succession. Each individual belongs to a matrilineal descent group, all members of which are descendants of the same founding ancestress traced back through the oldest living member of the group. The Valley Bisa use the term "lupwa" for this group, which is composed of related people who have the right to inherit property from each other and to choose a successor to fill a vacant position created by the death of one of its members. Members of this group accept responsibility for each other, and the men of the group may inherit each other's widows.
