Clan Identity

The word clan is derived from the Scottish Gaelic word clan, which means offspring and children. Specifically, the term clan is originally linked with families belonging to the Highlands and Lowlands of Scotland. These families established a sense of identity with clan chiefs who controlled their regions. However, the term moved beyond the territory of Scotland and reemerged within tribal groups of other countries. Current notable clans are those of Rwanda and northeastern Kenya and the Navajo in the United States. Clan identity is linked to the ...