83:3.4 The [[idea]] of a dowry was to convey the impression of the bride's [[independence]], to suggest far removal from the times of [[slave]] [[wives]] and [[property]] companions. A man could not [[divorce]] a dowered wife without paying back the [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dowry dowry] in full. Among some [[tribes]] a [[mutual]] deposit was made with the [[parents]] of both bride and groom to be forfeited in case either deserted the other, in [[reality]] a marriage bond. During the period of [[transition]] from purchase to dowry, if the [[wife]] were purchased, the [[children]] belonged to the [[father]]; if not, they belonged to the [[wife]]'s [[family]]. | 83:3.4 The [[idea]] of a dowry was to convey the impression of the bride's [[independence]], to suggest far removal from the times of [[slave]] [[wives]] and [[property]] companions. A man could not [[divorce]] a dowered wife without paying back the [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dowry dowry] in full. Among some [[tribes]] a [[mutual]] deposit was made with the [[parents]] of both bride and groom to be forfeited in case either deserted the other, in [[reality]] a marriage bond. During the period of [[transition]] from purchase to dowry, if the [[wife]] were purchased, the [[children]] belonged to the [[father]]; if not, they belonged to the [[wife]]'s [[family]]. |