Fraternity Institution in the Caucasian Highlanders

Abstract

During the so-called brother adopting custom among the Caucasian highlanders two members of a clan not related by blood would become related with each other. Mostly the habit was spread between men. Both in Georgian and Caucasian highlanders’ life various rules of fraternity were stated. As a result of negotiations an oathmaking and rulesharing with one another took place. The oathbreaker was declared a traitor and was tried by customary law.
The rule was spread among the Georgian highlanders: Mtiulis, Khevsurians, Pshavs, Tushes; among non-Georgian highlanders: Kists, Ossetians, Khundzibs, Andis, Dargvels, Kabardians, Kumyks, and etc.
The aim of the custom implied establishing a connection among neighbouring peoples and defence against the outer enemy.
There were different rules in different ethnic groups - the so-called “Pits-Vertskhli eating”, “blood mixing” in a cup of drink “from cutfingers”. Sometimes by making identical signs on wooden sticks and then their bureal at the fence of the church.
Brother adoption performed a significant function. It brought the neighbouring peoples together who economically and physically helped each other, and when hostilities, defended each other.
The work is based on own field ecthnographical materials and literary sources.