Kumeyaay Society
By : Carol Banegas
Kumeyaay.com
The Kumeyaay social structure revolved around the Sh’mulq (or Clan) headed by the Kwaipai (Leader). In some cases several Sh’mulqs may form bands for extended periods for mutually beneficial purposes. One Band on the Eastside of Cuyamaca was known as Kwit-hal (possibly Marauders), another was Ikwainil Tipai (Blackwood People).
When needed Sh’mulqs may come together under a single leader, or judge, known as the Kachut Kwitai.
Winter village sites were much more likely to host multiple Sh’mulqs than the summer territories in the higher elevations where the Sh’mulqs would disperse along the drainages.
The Kwaipai would also have a council Kwasiai, who were specialists in resource and ritual management, as well as medicine.