Family and Clans

The Tlingit and Haida had the most formal and structured society of any Alaskan Native group. Each person was a member of one of two moieties (social divisions). One group was Raven. The other group was Eagle or Wolf. Individuals had to marry a member of the opposite group. Unions were arranged by family members. 

Within each moiety, there was a group of clans based on kinship. There were about 70-80 Tlingit clans and 10 Kaigani (Alaskan) Haida clans.  Like Athabaskans, Tlingits traced their descent matrilineally, meaning the children trace their lineage and names from their mother (not their father as in the European system). At birth, a Tlingit became a member of their mother's moiety and clan.

After marriage, a woman went to live in her husband's home. However, since clan membership was matrilineal, children would return to live at their mother's clan house in mid-childhood. At this point, their mother's brother (uncle) would normally be responsible for their upbringing. 

Clans were the most important unit in society. They owned land and water territory, such as fishing areas, salmon streams, hunting grounds, berry patches, sealing rocks, and trading trails. Clans also owned the most important property, such as houses, canoes, slaves, fish traps, and other tools. 

Each clan's origins were traced back to a legendary incident or person. Clans were named after an animal or mythical being that became the clan's symbol. All clan property, from houses and canoes to spoons and clothing, was marked with the clan symbol and was not to be used by other clans. Each clan also had unique songs, dances, ceremonial garments, stories, and even spirits. The head of a clan guarded the clan's properties and directed trading activities.