tho there were (not sure if there still are) societies within just the "recent" historical period that were matriachal - at least in inheritance and tracing of lineage.

My mother grew up in Japan and China - and said one of the strongest dichotomies observed in both cultures was that publicly women had no power or respect - but within homes and families it was the eldest woman who had the last say, the most respect, and always the final word.