3 levls of kinship Flashcards
What is the concept of moiety?
Moiety refers to the idea that everything is split into halves that mirror each other, including individuals and their environment.
How do the halves in moiety come together?
To understand the whole universe, the two halves must come together and form a whole.
What is the significance of moiety in Aboriginal kinship?
In Aboriginal kinship, moiety is present through unilineal descent, either matrilineal or patrilineal.
What does unilineal descent mean?
Unilineal descent means that individuals belong to one of the two moiety groups by birth, based on either their mother or father.
What is the marriage practice related to moiety?
All marriages take place between members of opposite moieties.
What does it mean if people share the same moiety?
People who share the same moiety are considered siblings and have a duty to support each other.
Are people of the same moiety allowed to marry each other?
No, people of the same moiety are forbidden to marry each other.
What are Totems in Aboriginal communities?
Totems are symbols held by individuals representing their nation, clan, family group, and personal totem.
How many Totems does an individual hold?
An individual holds at least four Totems.
What do Totems link individuals to?
Totems link individuals to the universe via land, air, water, and geographical features.
How are Nation and clan totems determined?
Nation and clan totems are preordained.
What do personal Totems represent?
Personal Totems are links to individual strengths and weaknesses.
What is the responsibility of individuals regarding their Totems?
Individuals are responsible for their totems to ensure they are protected and passed onto the next generation.
How are Totems split?
Totems are split between Moieties to create a balance of use and protection.
What do Aboriginal skin names indicate?
Aboriginal skin names indicate a person’s bloodline and their connection to past and future generations.
How are skin names passed down?
Skin names are usually passed down through a sequential system across a cycle of generations.
What is the structure of the Aboriginal kinship system?
The structure is set so that everyone is part of an extended family, with multiple parents, siblings, aunts, and uncles.
