Although Somalis sometimes compare the functions of their genealogies to a person's address in Europe, to understand their true significance it has to be realized that far more is at stake here than mere pride of pedigree. These genealogies define the basic political and legal status of the individual in Somali society at large and assign him a specific place in the social system.

I.M. Lewis, I. M. Lewis, A Modern History of the Som…, loc. 67