Marriage Quote by Frank Bird Linderman
““Beyond the gift of horses or goods to the woman's father there was no ceremony, and little formality, in a plural marriage. A man's first wife was known as His-Sits-Beside-Him-Woman . Her place was near the "head" of the lodge on her husband's right. She superintended the lodge, and the work of the other wives, who were often her sisters; and she possessed special privileges. She might, at times, take part in the conversation of her husband and his guests, and she might, during informal meetings, even smoke the pipe when it was passed in her lodge. The other wives sat near the door, which is always directly opposite the "head" of the lodge.””
About This Quote
Source Book: "The Klamath Indians of Oregon" by Frank Bird Linderman, 1915
The passage describes the structure and roles within a plural marriage, emphasizing the senior wife's responsibilities and privileges compared to other wives.
In simple terms: Senior wife held authority and special duties in a plural marriage.
Key Takeaway
Understand hierarchical roles in historical marital practices.
Themes
culture
gender
family structure
Mood
reflective
informative
Type
anthropological
historical
When to use this quote
- anthropology
- historical study
- gender roles
Key Concepts
Plural marriage
social hierarchy
Questions to Reflect On
- How did these roles affect women's agency?
- What can we learn about gender dynamics from historical practices?
A Different Perspective
Modern societies may view such structures as unequal or oppressive.
![“I don't like being away from home. That's one reason why I don't work as much as I used to [when I started my career], because so many things are on the road. I just don't want to be away from my husband, my dogs and my home. I don't sing that much any more because that also takes you on the road.” quote by Jane Powell](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/07c/jane-powell-36243_away_i-don-t-like-being-away-from-home-that-s_278.jpg)
