The Native Tribes of South-East Australia

A. W. Howitt's investigation of the practices and customs of the indigenous peoples he encountered during his forty years exploring Australia.

Alfred William Howitt (Author)

9781108006323, Cambridge University Press

Paperback / softback, published 25 November 2010

878 pages, 8 maps
21.6 x 14 x 5 cm, 1.1 kg

A. W. Howitt's classic two-volume study, first published in 1904, investigates the organisation, practices and customs of the indigenous peoples he encountered during his forty years exploring Australia. He describes how he made 'close and friendly contact' with tribes who were, in his words, in a condition of 'complete savagery'. Howitt achieved considerable status among the Aborigines, and was even permitted to witness some of their sacred ceremonies. Focusing particularly on the social organisation of the tribes, their kinship systems and marriage rules, his book is a captivating account of a now-vanished civilisation.

Volume I: Preface
1. On the origin of the aborigines of Australia and Tasmania
2. Tribal organisation
3. Social organisation
4. Relationship terms
5. Marriage rules
6. Tribal government
Volume II: 7. Medicine-men and magic
8. Beliefs and burial practices
9. Initiation ceremonies, eastern type
10. Initiation ceremonies, western type
11. Messengers and message-sticks
12. Various customs
Appendix
Index.

Subject Areas: Anthropology [JHM]