Imitation of Kinship and Continuation of the Family Concept:A Case Study of the Hani Ethnic Group on the South Bank of the Red River
The imitation of kinship relationships plays a significant role in ensuring the continuity of family and society for many ethnic groups in the Southwest China.By simulating blood ties,the kinship connection between families and recognized individuals is established,thus fostering the continuation of the family concept and facilitating local social integration.This paper attempts to conduct an ethnographic study on the local practice of fictive kinship among the Hani ethnic group in Jinping,the southern bank of the Honghe River in Yunnan Province.It is found that the intrinsic motivations for the Hani people in choosing to imitate blood relatives include the continuation of the patrilineal naming system,the inheritance of material wealth such as land and houses,the transmission of spiritual power from household guardian spirits,the spiritual power of ancestor and the fulfillment of moral obligations and responsibilities through ritual ceremonies.Last but not least,this paper discusses the implications of the family concept underlying the construction of imitation of kinship among the Hani ethnic group on the south bank of the Red River,providing insights for anthropological studies on contemporary kinship systems.
Family conceptImitation of kinshipthe South bank of the Red Riverthe Hani ethnic group
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