Clan is a group of people who are related through a common ancestor. Some clans are matrilineal (related through the female line). Others are patrilineal (related through the male line). Although they may live far apart, members of a clan feel a close relationship to each other and usually have a strong spirit of unity. They often share property or special privileges. Most clans are exogamous. That is, the members must marry outside of the clan. Clans are often named after a totem (a symbolic animal or plant). American Indian tribes had clans such as the Bear clan or Tobacco clan.