A segmentary lineage society is a type of tribal society. A close family is usually the smallest and closest segment and will generally stand together. That family is also a part of a larger segment of more distant cousins and their families, who will stand with each other when attacked by outsiders.

What is a good way to describe a Segmentary lineage?

Segmentary lineages are typically bilineal A famous Middle Eastern proverb sums up the basic idea of segmentary lineage: "I against my brother, my brothers and I against my cousins, my brother and I against the world D. Segmentary.

What is a lineage system?

Lineage systems are characterized by groups defined by descent from a common ancestor. Small groups trace their descent to close ancestors, whereas large groups (encompassing many small groups) trace their descent to distant ancestors.