MATRIARCH

A 'matriarch' or clan-mother or 'chief' is a mother, or other female person in a family who autocratically rules a clan or kinship.
The term is usually applied to the oldest female in an extended family, who by virtue of her position has a degree of granted authority because others have trust in her.
In many matriarchal societies she is responsible mainly for distributing food; she may also be the shaman of the clan. Some animals such as elephants are led by a female.

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See also

See also

★ matriarchy

★ patriarch