Community and Beliefs

San hunter-gatherers

Lived mostly in small family groups without hierarchy, treating everyone equally.

Hierarchy

A system where people are ranked one above the other according to status or authority; absent in San society.

Arranged marriage

A marriage where the bride and groom are selected by their parents; first marriages often arranged in San culture.

Bride service

The requirement for the husband to join his wife's band and perform duties such as hunting and preparing skins for a certain period after marriage.

Nlore

The territory occupied by a band of San hunter-gatherers, usually consisting of three to four families.

Courtship

The period during which a young man proves his ability as a hunter by bringing gifts to his future parents-in-law.

Marble ceremony

Weddings in San culture lacked elaborate ceremonies; marriage became official when the couple shared the same shelter.

Polygamy

The practice of marrying more than one wife, permitted among the San, though few men practiced it.

Common band size

San bands typically comprised between 15 and 40 people.

Community sharing

In times of drought, bands would join together to share food and water resources.