Anthropological Study of the Phenomenon of "Khunbas" in the Seydun Region of Khuzestan

Khunbas is part of the traditional customs of some tribe of the country to solve ethnic conflicts and it is a social contract with indigenous mechanisms to overcome the gaps that have been created between races and to restore tribal cohesion and solidarity. In this tribal tradition, women are part of the blood money. This social phenomenon is also occurring among Bahmei clan, who lives in the Seydun area of Khuzestan and within the Geographical area of Southwest Iran. This phenomenon’s essence, factors, actors, functions, and social effects are among the issues that require serious study.
The present paper is based on a comprehensive research aimed at answering the above-mentioned questions. It conducted in 2017, using an anthropological approach and a field method and utilizing techniques of interview, observation, written documents review, and non-paper contracts.
Based on the findings of the study, territorial constraints, tribal contracts, and tribalism system are among the contexts of this phenomenon and the murder, wounding and damaging are one of its important factors, and it has functions such as tribal unity, resolution of disagreements, population and family system expansion, preservation of integrity, and it has actors such as elders, headmen, and women. The "Khunbas", although having short-term ethnic effects, in the long run, has had adverse consequences for some actors, while some aspects of it are inconsistent with the teachings of Islam