The Social Organization of Australian Tribes

The Place of the Australian Aboriginal in the Evolution of Society

“…In other words, although the Dieri have only two lineages, the prerequisites exist for an eight-lineage society if circumstances should allow it. The brother/sister taboo loses its significance after the female has passed middle age ( (P), p. 71).…”

“…These societies exist in the northern and central regions of Australia (38). I n them the nearcousin taboo has become a full taboo and fixed law.…”

“…(ii) Two-lineage matriIineal societies exist or existed in the following localities (64) : (iv) Four-lineage matrilineal societies exist in the following localitiea (64) : (a) West from the Mueller Ranges in the Kimberleys, West Australia, and along the Indian Ocean seaboard of Western Australia to about Carnarvon. To the east knowledge of the aboriginals has been curtailed by the desert.…”

“…(v) Eight-lineage matrilineal societies (64). This type of society is found in one area only, occupying most of the Northern Territory including Arnhem Land and a part of the Kimberleys, Western Australia, from Wyndham to the Mueller Ranges.…”

“…These are described by RdcliffeBrown (64) and are situated on the south-west coast of the Gulf of Carpentaria.…”