The Tiwi of North Australia

Hart, C. W. M. (Charles William Merton); Pilling, Arnold R.

Book

The Tiwi of North Australia

Henry Holt and Company • New York • Published In 1960 • Pages: xii, 118

By: Hart, C. W. M. (Charles William Merton), Pilling, Arnold R..

Abstract
This account of the Tiwi is based on field work undertaken independently by each of the authors at different times. The study deals primarily with status manipulation and political behavior among the Tiwi but includes in connection with this a wide range of material on social life, marriage patterns, burial ceremonies, feuds, antagonisms, etc. The nature of Tiwi household organization, its economic functions and organization, and the functional relationship of this organization to the status system is also discussed. There is also some attempt to relate the peculiar nature of Tiwi social structure to geographical factors of isolation and to the favorable environment and abundant food supply found in their area of habitation. Religious practices and beliefs receive some treatment as well. Finally the authors consider some of the changes that have occurred among Tiwi as a result of mission influence and European contact and show how the nature of the changes has been adapted to basic Tiwi cultural patterns. The document is weak however on material culture and socialization processes, except for puberty initiation and there is little concrete material on kinship relations, sib and band organization.

Puberty and initiation

Status and treatment of the aged

Burial practices and funerals

General character of religion

Status, role, and prestige

Missions