The social
organization of aboriginal Australians is more complex than most, if not all,
tribes. The tribes of indigenous Australians are more commonly called “language
groups.” The natives are in these groups based on mainly the language they
speak, but also their customs and beliefs. Because there is such differences in
the languages and customs these groups like to think of themselves as being
their own individual nations.
Within these
individual groups, family is extremely extended even beyond blood lines;
everyone within the tribe is considered related. The women, young and old, are
expected to perform motherly duties to all children within their tribe. Friends
and even cousins, can be considered brothers or sisters because of the
closeness the individuals feel. But as friendly as the Aborigines are, there is
a mother-in-law rule that all aborigines have to follow. The rule is that an
individual, male or female, is forbidden to talk directly to their
mother-in-law. This rule is said to have been generated to keep the peace
between families and is still effective today.
The tribes
are separated by the different moieties associated with each group. Moieties
are titles for tribes based on certain plants, animals, or environmental
properties. People are born into their moieties and only woman can leave them
only after they marry; they furthermore have to marry someone of the opposite
moiety to their own. Aborigines also identify themselves by totemic groups.
These are plants and animals as well, but are thought to be ancestrally related
to an individual person.
Different
tribes’ will sometimes band together to hunt; this group is called to a horde.
A horde consist of many different individuals from different families,
moieties, and totemic groups that come together to hunt for their group. After
the hunt, however, the individuals separate back into their groups and eat with
their own kind.
I really enjoyed learning about all of the different social structures of the aboriginal Australians. There are so many ways to classify ones self, family, and tribe that all provide a sense of unity with others and the environment. I love that they have so much respect for plants and animals to the point they all believe they hold a common ancestor with them. I also love that the tribes treat everyone as immediate family. I have a small family and would have loved some extra people in my life to help teach and guide me.
ReplyDeleteBrittni. this is good, YOu can add some more in your reflection related to course work, and do not forget to add your source after your ethnographic post. Thanks
ReplyDeleteI like how the tribes will band together to hunt. I think it's really interesting that although they are from different tribes they can still come together as one.
ReplyDeleteThe social structure of the Aboriginals is very interesting, especially the rule about not speaking to the mother-in-law. It is amazing that the tribes stick together so much that they are considered relatives, even if not blood related. Western society is so different and segregated compared to the closeness displayed by Aboriginal tribes. The unity between man and nature that they have is something that is truly valuable.
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