Final answer:
Audrey Richards used the term "matrilineal puzzle" to refer to the complex dynamics and societal implications of matrilineal descent patterns.
Step-by-step explanation:
Audrey Richards used the term "matrilineal puzzle" to refer to the complex dynamics and societal implications of matrilineal descent patterns. In matrilineal societies, familial relations and inheritance are traced through the mother's family, with property and status being conferred through the female line. This system contrasts with patrilineal societies, where descent and inheritance are traced through the father's family.
One of the main advantages of matrilineal descent is that it provides certainty regarding a child's clan affiliation and lineage. Matrilineality is relatively common among indigenous peoples of North America and Southeastern peoples.
Overall, the concept of the "matrilineal puzzle" explores the complexities and dynamics of matrilineal societies, including the role of women in leadership and decision-making, the importance of maternal relatives, and the societal implications of tracing descent through the female line.