matriarchy

Mr. Abuduresula, the Uighur archaeologist, made a trip in late September to the desert site at Xiaohe, where 350 graves have been discovered. The bottom layer of graves dates back nearly 4,000 years. More recent graves point to a matriarchal herding society that worshiped cows, Mr. Abuduresula said.


matriarchal
a.Of or pertaining to a matriarch; governed by a matriarch or matriarchs; as, a matriarchal society.


Family authority resting with the woman's family. Thus matriarchy, rule by women.