Descent and Houses in Rebgong (Reb gong)

Group Formation and Rules of Recruitment among Eastern Tibetan Tsho ba

Abstract

This chapter discusses how membership is regulated in the village groups known as tsho ba in the Rebgong area of eastern Qinghai. In doing so, it problematizes the descent-centered socio-typologies commonly used to describe these groups, and instead seeks to carve out a more conceptual space for alternative paths of group affiliation. Employing both ethnographic and historical methodology, it first illustrates the flexibility of group membership by demonstrating the various channels through which these units absorb non-agnates, all of which emphasize residence as a means of regulating membership. Combined with the tsho ba’s lack of both apical ancestry and group exogamy, this renders the portrayal of these units as “clans” or “patrilineal” descent groups as being quite problematic. The article subsequently moves on to loosely employ Lévi-Strauss’ notion of the housebased society, which instinctively helps highlight the conceptual relevance of individual households (rather than lineages or apical ancestors) in the way these units arise, as well as in the way they are subsequently named. Finally, the roles of active solidarity, shared ritual sites, traditions, heirlooms, and religious affiliation are also highlighted in a bid to offer a more variegated picture of the tsho-ba’s social make-up and cohesion.