In this paper, the author considers the spatial and social dynamics of the Akwen Xerente population and demonstrates the necessity of relying on both demographic and anthropological information. This population is characterised by a complex combination of distinct processes which at the same time maintain the ethnic identity and redistribute individuals among villages. Individuals moves in different villages following a rule of uxorilocal residence and as the result of the formation of new villages after conflicts between political factions, whereas the social belonging of the individual is organised by exogamous moieties and patrilineal clans. This work shows that these different dimensions of the organisation of the Xerente society can only be understood when considering together a group of villages: in this case, the village is not a functional unit.