MOTHERRIGHT 319 



with another man, preferably a member of the family* 

 At his return the husband takes her back, together 

 with any children born during his absence. 1 The 

 Krumen of Sassandra reckon descent on both sides, 

 but we are told that the female side is of little im- 

 portance. The descendants of a common ancestor in 

 the male line dwell together in the same village and 

 form a clan. Since polygamy is here as elsewhere 

 among the Negroes practically unlimited, infidelity to 

 one wife leads to no more serious consequence than 

 little tiffs. Adultery by the wife herself is hardly 

 graver, the French official report tells us ; and every- 

 thing is comfortably arranged, if she only share with 

 her husband the presents she has received from her 

 lover. Some husbands, indeed, especially old; chiefs 

 who are inclined to violence, revenge themselves ; but 

 it is rare to find a really jealous husband. Sometimes, 

 but very seldom, the husband demands a divorce when 

 the wife is thoroughly abandoned. Conformably with 

 these easy-going morals the law declares no distinction 

 between legitimate illegitimate and adulterine children. 

 Is pater quern nuptice demonstrant admits of no excep- 

 tion. The husband is considered the father, even 

 though he has been absent for ten years, of any 

 children his wife may have borne in the meantime. 2 

 The Krumen of Cavally reckon descent only on the male 

 side. There is no distinction between legitimate and 

 illegitimate children. The children are the wealth of 

 the family and they are always welcome, even when 

 the husband knows he is not the real father. They 

 belong to him in all cases. He may however inflict 

 1 Clozel, 330, 331. Women may inherit in certain cases (Id. 

 335)- 2 Id - 495. 497, 49$. 



