The social organization of the Trobriand Islanders of Melane-
sia is characterized by matrilineal descent, free and familiar rela-
tions between father and son, and a marked antagonism between
maternal uncle and nephew.³¹ On the other hand, the patrilineal
Cherkess of the Caucasus place the hostility between father and
son, while the maternal uncle assists his nephew and gives him a
horse when he marries.³²