French Basque Women in California (1880-1940). Continuity or change in Their Inheritance Practices?

Abstract

The French Basques residing in Kern, California between 1880 and 1940 originated from the valley of Baigorry, in Basse Navarre in the French Basque Country and perpetuated their ancient inheritance traditions. Based on 240 genealogies, this paper shows great continuity in Basque inheritance traditions in rural California, and particularly the stem-family and the «house system». This paper also shows the manner in which the women used California law to expand their civil and political power as women, wives, and mothers.