economic contribution of men. Distribution of meat involves men in a wider sphere of influence. However, there is a tradition, which keeps men from having more power or prestige in distribution of meat. According this tradition, the owner of the arrow, which killed an animal, is the owner of the meat. Women can also be owners of arrows. So, the owner of the "successful" arrow therefore distributes the meat. Moreover, animal protein is not brought into the village only by men. Women collect lizards, snakes, eggs, insects and occasional small or immature mammals.
             Another aspect of women's importance is their relationship to the gift-giving network called hxaro. All members of the community are part of this network. Women's participation in hxaro is basically the same as that men, with no difference in the number of exchange partners or in the quality of exchanges.
             San women assume roles of great practical importance in the family. Women have maximum influence over decisions affecting their children for years, starting with birth. Kung express no preference for either sex before the child's birth. When children reach marriageable age, mothers play the major role in deciding whom they will marry and when. Women can get divorced if they wish, usually, it is the wife who initiates divorce.
             Mothers are responsible for close to 90% of child care, but fathers provide care for infants either. Both parents guide their children and children are comfortable with either parent.
             There are some taboos against women in Sun society, for example, prohibition to touch men's arrows, especially while menstruating, and to have sex during the menstrual flow. However these taboos do not exclude women from the social, political, or economic life of the community.
             San culture downplays many aspects that encourage male dominance in other societies. Competition, ranking of individuals, boastfulness, and self-...