Among the Seri, as among many other aboriginal tribes, the social
relations are largely esoteric; moreover, in this, as in other
savage groups, the social laws are not codified, nor even definitely
formulated, but exist mainly as mere habits of action arising in
instinct and sanctioned by usage; so that the tribesmen could not
define the law even if they would. Accordingly the Seri socialry[313]
is to be ascertained only by patient observation of conduct under
varying circumstances. Unfortunately, the opportunities for such
observation have been too meager to warrant extended description, or
anything more, indeed, than brief notice of salient points.
[313] A convenient term proposed by Patton.