marga

…exogamous patrilineal clans known as marga. They practice a form of bridewealth, in which a husband’s family gives gifts and services to the wife’s family; once a particular proportion of the agreed-upon gifts is reached, the bride becomes an official member of her husband’s group. Among the Toba Batak a…

…the larger tribal unit, the marga, headed by a chief. The Lampong are organized patrilineally; inheritance passes only to the eldest son, who must support the family if the father dies. A few noble or wealthy Lampong preserve a matriarchal arrangement in which only women can own property. Marriage is…