Functions and Limitations of Alaskan Eskimo Wife Trading

Abstract

Analyzes the wife-trading institution among North Alaska Eskimos from data collected 1961, 1962, and 1967. The practice ended during the 1890s. Informants were consistent on two points, viz: since a stranger was an enemy to be killed on sight, a man protected himself by building a network of helpful relationships, thereby reducing the number of "strangers" in his environment. Also strong levirate and sororate taboos caused wife trading and marriage partners to be chosen from socially distant and potentially dangerous families. Wife trading was recognized as legitimate for settling marital disputes, reinforcing important people's status and producing kinsmen for one's children. The practice also served to reinforce tight standards of sexual morality. A parent had to inform his own children who their half siblings were, lest ingroup homicide or incest result. Premarital pregnancies were rare and young people who exchanged spouses within the community on their own initiative were condemned. In discussion of the kinship system, Eskimo terminology is given, as are examples related by living informants.