Mating patterns of the Abbad tribe in Jordan.

The mating patterns of the Abbad tribe in Jordan are examined based on empirical data obtained from four male samples representing the different levels of the Abbad's substructure as well as on nonempirical information and pedigrees collected during field work. From the total matings in each sample, at least one-third were first-cousin marriages, and some 90 per cent were marriages within the Abbad. The estimated inbreeding coefficient (mean F = 0.018) was relatively high. Relatedness, geographic locality, maternal links, and the type of economy are suggested as the factors which influenced the mating behavior of the Abbad. The study also indicates the vital role of matings in the formation and make-up of the tribe. The Abbad tribe could be described as an endogamic population consisting of more or less inbreeding subunits.