Tribe

Quick Facts: Who was Tribe?

Subject:

Tribe

Known for:

A contested anthropological term for a large human social group, distinct from clans or nations.

Verified Source:

2Day Chrono-Wiki & Primary Historical Archives

Origins & Early Life

The term tribe is used in many different contexts to refer to a category of human social group. The predominant worldwide use of the term in English is in the discipline of anthropology. The definition is contested, in part due to conflicting theoretical understandings of social and kinship structures, and also reflecting the problematic application of this concept to extremely diverse human societies.

Career & Major Achievements

Its concept is often contrasted by anthropologists with other social and kinship groups, being hierarchically larger than a lineage or clan, but smaller than a chiefdom, ethnicity, nation or state. These terms are similarly disputed. In some cases, tribes have legal recognition and some degree of political autonomy from national or federal government, but this legalistic usage of the term may conflict with anthropological definitions.

Enduring Legacy & Impact

In the United States (US), Native American tribes are legally considered to have "domestic dependent nation" status within the territorial United States, with a government-to-government relationship with the federal government. The modern English word tribe stems from Middle English tribu, which ultimately derives from Latin tribus.

Notable Quotes by Tribe

“The concept of 'tribe' is often used problematically across diverse human societies.”

Historical Fact-Check Quiz: Tribe

True or False: “Is the concept of 'tribe' universally and definitively recognized by all modern anthropological theories?”

Answer (FALSE ❌): No, the concept is highly contested. Anthropologists debate its boundaries because it is applied to such a diverse range of human social structures, leading to conflicting theoretical understandings.

Contemporary Figures & Related Historical Timelines

• Tribhuwana Wijayatunggadewi — Chrono-Wiki Encyclopedia Entry: Javanese Queen Regnant and Empress, the third monarch of the Majapahit Empire.
• Tribonian — Chrono-Wiki Encyclopedia Entry: Influential Byzantine jurist who headed the compilation of the Codex Justinianus.
• Tribune of the Plebs — Chrono-Wiki Encyclopedia Entry: Ancient Roman office protecting plebeians, serving as a vital check on senatorial and magisterial power.
• Tribuni militum consulari potestate — Chrono-Wiki Encyclopedia Entry: Archaic Roman magistracy, traditionally held during the Conflict of the Orders.
• Tributary system of China — Chrono-Wiki Encyclopedia Entry: A historical network of relations centered on China, acknowledging its cultural and political preeminence.
• Trident — Chrono-Wiki Encyclopedia Entry: A three-pronged spear, symbolizing power over the sea and divinity.

Frequently Asked Questions about Tribe