A lineage is a
descent group characterized by
unilineal descent. There are three forms of lineage: matrilineal, patrilineal, and ambilineal. Children inherit lineage membership from their mother, and the lineage consists of a mother, her children, and her children's children who are all matrilineally related. The
Minangkabau people of
Indonesia, being a
Jew in the
Jewish religion, and the
Khasi people of
India are well-known examples of societies with prominent matrilineal structures. In
patrilineage, descent is traced exclusively through the paternal line. Children inherit lineage membership from their father, and the lineage consists of a father, his children, and his children's children who are all patrilineally related. Patrilineages are more common globally, with examples found in many cultures, such as much of
Southeast Asia. lineage In
ambilineal lineage, descent is traced through either the maternal and/or the paternal lines, usually meaning that the individuals choose whether to affiliate with their
mother or their father's group, or both. Ambilineal lineage can be bilineal or
bilateral. Ambilineal lineages are relatively rare in more under-developed societies, such as Southeast Asia, Examples of bilineal lineage include the
Yako people of
Nigeria. They influence
inheritance patterns, with
property and titles often passed down within the lineage. In addition, lineages often have religious significance, with one's ancestorial history often determining one's
religion and position in that religion. The structure of lineages also leads to stability, == See also ==