Totemism and Exogamy- Volume 2

Abstract

From the foregoing survey we may infer that totemism and exogamy , in one form or another, are or have been practised by all the aboriginal tribes of Australia. Passing now from Australia to the islands of Torres Straits, which divide Australia on the north from New Guinea, we shall find both totemism and exogamy in vogue also among the Western Islanders; for these people are, like the Australians, divided into exogamous totem clans and believe themselves to be united by certain intimate ties to their totems.