Sister Exchange, Bridewealth, Dowry

Tausug men bring bridewealth to the home of the bride, Philippines, mid 20th century

The movement of people is half of marriage.

The movement of wealth the other half.

Wealth movement follows three patterns:

Sister Exchange: person from one kin group is exchanged for a person from another.

Bridewealth: a payment from family of husband to family of wife.

Dowry: a payment from family of wife to family of husband.

Next: The logic of and motivations for wealth exchange

picture: Tausug men bring bridewealth to the home of the bride. The Tausug are an ethnic group of the Southwest Philippines. This pic was taken on Jolo island, probably mid 20th century.