In some contemporary marriage rituals, the parties involved pledge to remain united “until death do us part.” However, in many preliterate cultures, even death does not dissolve the alliances formed between families or groups through marriage. When a husband passes away, his brother is typically obligated to marry the widow, a practice known as levirate (from the Latin word “levir,” meaning husband’s brother). Conversely, if a wife dies, her family or group of kindred is required, if possible, to provide another woman to assume her role, which is referred to as the sororate. The sororate is often linked to the practice of bride price; if the husband’s family has “purchased” a wife for him and she dies, her family or kin must supply a replacement.

The institutions of levitate and sororate are very widespread in primitive society, and in many instances a tribe will observe both customs. The levitate and sororate give signifi- cant support to the theories advanced ( i ) marriage is, or may be, primarily an alliance between groups of kindred; and (2) so important is this mutual-aid compact in the conduct of life that society cannot afford to allow it to be terminated even by death.