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 1 covers topics including tribal government, relationship terms and tribal organisation. It includes illustrations of people and weapons, maps outlining the locality inhabited by each tribe and diagrams explaining family structures.
- ISBN10 1153410311
- ISBN13 9781153410311
- Publish Date 1 May 2012 (first published 11 February 2010)
- Publish Status Unknown
- Out of Print 27 October 2016
- Publish Country US
- Imprint Rarebooksclub.com
- Format Paperback (US Trade)
- Language English