The basic difference between a lineage and clan is that the former is actual and real while the latter is fictitious. If we refer to the case of feudal rulers we find that each ruler had his genealogy which was updated by bards.
Similarly, the Hindus have their own genealogies which are maintained by the priests. Genealogies thus constitute the record of the previous generations. However, it is difficult to trace the ancestor who gave rise to a clan; therefore, the originator of a clan is lost in oblivion. John Lewis defines lineage as below:
Lineage is a group resulting from descent reckoned either from the father’s or the mother’s line. Whereas in a clan relationship it is assumed, in a lineage group it must be demonstrated, that is, the actual relationship must be specific and known.
Image Source: upload.wikimedia.org
ADVERTISEMENTS:
Lewis makes the differentiation between lineage and clan quite clear: the former is real, whereas the is assumed. It could be said that a clan is composed of a number of lineages. In other words, lineages or family genealogies constitute a clan.
Eriksen considers lineage an important part of kinship. Actually, kinship begins with the family and grows into a lineage. And lineage goes further to make a clan. He observes:
As a general rule, we may say that a lineage consists of persons who can indicate, by stating all the intermediate links, common descent from a shared ancestor or ancestress. A clan encompasses people who assume shared descent from an ancestor/ancestress without being able to enumerate all of these links.
ADVERTISEMENTS:
Though lineage and clan are technically defined as two different concepts, they are normally used as synonyms. For social anthropological purposes, Eriksen argues that lineage traces its origin from a known ancestor who has a name, a place of birth and an identity.
The clan, on the other hand, depends on the assumption of the ancestor who started it. Another observation made by Eriksen is that lineage is found in both the matriarchal and patriarchal societies. This applies to the occurrence of clan also.
The definition of lineage given by Jacobs and Stern is very pointed and precise:
Lineage is a subdivision of a clan composed of actual and not fictitious kin.
ADVERTISEMENTS:
Lowie has analyzed the importance of lineage in the clan in the tribal situation. He says that the status of an individual, for instance, among the Nootka Indians, is nothing without his lineage identity. It is the lineage which gives recognition to a person in the clan.
The position given to lineage in the clan system by Lowie is supported by Sapir also. Thus, for Lowie, lineage consists of all the members of a particular genealogical group.