“This trait reminds one of the Iberian maidens, who chose their husbands from amongst the bravest warriors.”
Descent on the mother’s side alone ennobles, and the children belong to the family of the wife.
For instance, the son of a nobly born woman and a slave is acknowledged as free born, whereas the son of a slave and a free man remains a slave. But, in favour of the latter, certain tribes have created a particular caste called “Iradjenat,” who, though yet slaves, are exempt from certain heavy labour.
It must be added that the women have entire control over their own property.
Inheritance in the tribes goes from a man to his brother, and, in default, to the son of a sister, but never to the direct progeny.
In such communities misconduct on the part of women is not tolerated, it is simply punished with death. Captain Bissuel relates that a native of the province of Setif killed his sister by order of his father, they having learnt that she was leading a dissolute life. Both father and brother mourned for the poor culprit, but were convinced that they had only done their duty.
On the other hand, according to Duveyrier, the Tuareg lawfully claim le droit du seigneur from their female slaves, before these marry.
The same custom is mentioned by Herodotus as obtaining amongst the Adyrmachidæ in the neighbourhood of Egypt.
The western Tuareg regard this custom as despicable.
The Tuareg have to give their wives a dowry, which varies in amount. The western Tuareg, for instance, give at least six camels, a negress, and a complete costume.