Individual initiative and strong personal characteristics were highly valued by the Lipans. Men who gained prominence through individual performance and personal qualities became chiefs. Lipan chiefs were advisors, differing from chiefs often seen on TV in that they did not act as dictators. Most chiefs were followed by families because these people believed in the chiefs� wisdom and successful exploits. If a chief became too old or ineffective, then that chief would be replaced by another family head. If a chief�s son commanded respect, then the title would be passed down to him; but chieftanship was in no sense hereditary.

Among the Lipan Apache, the mother determined the membership in the tribe or local group. When a man married, he was expected to enter fully into the work of the tribe which he had joined. He owed special courtesy and consideration to his in-laws. Although the married man had a separate household, he and his wife lived within an extended family house cluster, and he, with his father-in-law, his wife�s unmarried brothers, and the husbands of his wife�s sisters, cooperated in economical tasks. His wife continued to help her mother and sisters in gathering food and other household tasks for which women were responsible. In return for her contributions and those of her husband, she received food from the family pantry. She helped prepare food at her mother�s abode and then carried portions of it to her dwelling for her husband and children.