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KINSHIP AND SOCIETY 1894 - 1900

    Contents

 

  Rec. no. Title
  161. The Kamilaroi Class System of the Australian Aborigines - 1894-95
  44. The Burbung of the New England tribes, New South Wales - 1896
  195. Australian Class Systems [Part 1] - 1896
  12. Aboriginal Customs in North Queensland - 1897
  30. Australian Class Systems [Part 2]  - 1897
  153. The Totemic Divisions of Australian Tribes - 1897
  59. Divisions of Australian Tribes - 1898
  61. Divisions of Queensland Aborigines - 1898
  76. The Group Divisions and Initiation Ceremonies of the Barkunjee Tribes - 1898
  89. The Kamilaroi Divisions - 1898
  60. Divisions of North Australian Tribes - 1899
  62. Divisions of Some Aboriginal Tribes, Queensland - 1899
  172. Aboriginal Customs in North Queensland - 1899
  196. Native Tribes of Queensland - 1899
  64. Divisions of the South Australian Aborigines - 1900
  103. Marriage and Descent among the Australian Aborigines - 1900
  111. Native Tribes of Western Australia - 1900
  120. The Organisation, Language and Initiation Ceremonies of the Aborigines of the South-East Coast of N. S. Wales - 1900
  123. The Origin, Organization and Ceremonies of the Australian Aborigines - 1900
  159. The Wombya Organization of the Australian Aborigines - 1900
  190. Divisions of Some West Australian Tribes - 1900
  68. Ethnological Notes on the Aboriginal Tribes of the Northern Territory - 1900-01
 

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Reference Type: Journal Article
Record Number: 161
Author: Mathews, R. H.
Year: 1894-95
Title: The Kamilaroi Class System of the Australian Aborigines
Journal: Proceedings and Transactions of the Queensland Branch of the Royal Geographical Society of Australasia
Volume: 10
Pages: 18-34
Date: 1895
Keywords: Kinship and marriage


Abstract: This was Mathews’ first article in the journal of the Royal Geographical Society, Queensland Branch, a publication to which he contributed throughout his anthropological career. It is also his first article to deal with Aboriginal kinship and marriage customs, an immensely controversial subject among Australian anthropologists of this period. Largely descriptive in approach, it names the primary moieties and their sub-divisions (Mathews calls them ‘classes’). Members of one class are expected to marry into another designated class, the classes being at all times exogamous. The article is divided into sections with the following subheadings: ‘Division into Classes’; ‘Tribal Divisions’; ‘Marriage and Descent’; ‘Relationship’; ‘Intermarriage of the Totems’; ‘Other Tribes’; ‘Equivalent Classes’; ‘Other Class Systems’. Although principally concerned with the Kamilaroi communities of New South Wales, the article mentions six other language groups. The article suggests (though does not actually state) that the information in this paper was collected directly from Aboriginal people. No correspondents or other writers are acknowledged. Mathews must have known Howitt and Fison’s significant book Kamilaroi and Kurnai (1880) but it is not mentioned here. This oversight may have contributed to Howitt and Fison’s differences with Mathews. He would later retract the claim, made on page 29 of this article, that the totems of the Kaiabara tribe in Queensland are determined by male descent. Howitt was apparently his authority on this matter, but is not quoted here. Mathews revealed that Howitt was his source in ‘Literature relating to Australian Aborigines [Letter to the Editor]’, published in Nature in 1907. In ‘Sociology of some Australian Tribes’ (1905) Mathews modified his view that the Australian moieties are exogamous. He requested that '[i]n any of my previous articles…in which it may be stated that an aboriginal community comprises "two exogamous divisions," the reader is requested to substitute "two principal divisions"’
Notes: TRIBES
1. Kamilaroi
2. Wiradjuri
3. Kuinmurbura
4. Barkinji
5. Kaiabara
6. Wakelbura
7. Yerrunthully

LOCATIONS MENTIONED
1. Lower Gwydir River
2. Hunter River
3. Maranoa River QLD
4. Moree
5. Namoi River
6. Rockhampton QLD
7. Barwon River
8. Murray River
9. Murrumbidgee River
10. Bunya Bunya Mountains QLD
11. Dalby QLD
12. Elgin Down
13. Belyando River QLD
14. Flinders River
15. Hughenden QLD
16. Darling River
17. Gulf of Carpentaria

INFORMANTS
Not applicable.

CORRESPONDENTS
Not applicable.

ILLUSTRATIONS
Nil.

REFERENCE TO OWN WORK
1. Bora/initiation ceremonies of the Kamilaroi - Journal of the Royal Society of New South Wales (18-9).
2. Burbung/initiation ceremonies of the Wiradjuri - Journal of the Anthropological Institute of Great Britain (10).

CROSS-REFERENCE

In 'Literature relating to Australian Aborigines [Letter to the Editor]' (Nature, 1907) Mathews describes the occasion when he used Howitt's work concerning the Kaiabara tribe in 1898. Established it was female descent, not male as Howitt claimed. 'Mr. Howitt, however, repeats his former error in his book at p. 229, where he says that "descent [in the Kaiabara] is in the male line."'

Possible reference to this in letter to Daisy Bates of 14 December 1905: 'I had some bitter experiences in that line myself some 10 years ago. I 'rushed into print' with some information, and I have been very sorry ever since. I would now, at the eleventh hour, advise you to say no more either on the platform or in any journal, until you have mastered this business of the divisions and totems.'

RELATED PUBLICATIONS
'The Kamilaroi Divisions' (1898)
'The Kamilaroi Class System of the Australian Aborigines' (1894-5)
'The Totemic Divisions of Australian Tribes' (1897)

 

 

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Reference Type: Journal Article**
Record Number: 44
Author: Mathews, R. H.
Year: 1896
Title: The Burbung of the New England tribes, New South Wales
Journal: Proceedings of the Royal Society of Victoria
Volume: 9 (new series)
Pages: 120-36
Keywords: Ceremonial objects - Bullroarers
Ceremonies - initiation
Kinship and marriage


Abstract: W. Baldwin Spencer communicated this article, read before the Royal Society of Victoria on 9 July 1896, before hostilities developed between Spencer and Mathews. The article is a detailed description of a Burbung ceremony of male initiation, practised by Aboriginal communities between Moonbi and Ben Lomond on the New England Tableland of northern New South Wales. Mathews states that these people speak dialects known as ‘Nowan’ and ‘Yunggai’ and that their organisation of marriage is similar to that of their western neighbours, the Kamilaroi. He acknowledges that even with the New England region, there is considerable diversity in the initiation ceremonies. Mathews states that he met many New England Aborigines in the course of his surveying work. The article, he claims, is ‘the result of my own observations, and from information obtained from the natives…’ He does not name his informants. The ceremony [is] described […]. Tooth avulsion was not practised—or had disappeared since European contact. The description of the ceremony is arranged under the following sub-headings: ‘The Main Camp and Burbung Ground’; ‘Mustering the Tribes’; ‘Taking away the Boys’; ‘Removal of the Main Camp’; ‘Ceremonies in the Bush’; ‘Final Ceremonies’; ‘Conclusion’. Mathews states that the coastal neighbours of the New England people practised an initiation ceremony known as Keeparra. This was described in his article ‘The Keeparra Ceremony of Initiation’ (1897).
Notes: TRIBES
1. Kamilaroi
2. Wiradthuri

LOCATIONS MENTIONED
1. Moonbi
2. Ben Lomond
3. Walcha
4. Hillgrove
5. Oban
6. Bendemeer
7. Bundarra
8. Inverell
9. Hunter River
10. Clarence River
11. Severn River
12. Macintyre River
13. Gwydir River
14. Namoi River

INFORMANTS
1. 'the natives' (120).
2. 'several natives with which [sic] I am acquainted' (on tooth extraction in other areas) (135).

CORRESPONDENTS
Not applicable.

ILLUSTRATIONS
Nil.

REFERENCE TO OWN WORK
1. Kamilaroi and Wiradthuri initiation ceremonies (121).
2. Tooth extraction (135).
3. Bora of Kamilaroi tribe (136).

RELATED PUBLICATIONS
'The Murrawin Ceremony' (1900)
 

 

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    Reference Type: Journal Article
Record Number: 195
Author: Mathews, R. H.
Year: 1896
Title: Australian Class Systems [Part 1]
Journal: American Anthropologist
Volume: 9
Pages: 411-16
Keywords: Kinship and marriage


Abstract: This article concerns the kinship and marriage customs observed by southern Wiradjuri people in New South Wales. Mathews describes a system of allocating spouses with two matrilineal moieties, each of which is divided into a further two ‘classes’. Members of one class must find a spouse from members of another designated class, the system being exogamous. In this four class system particular totems are associated with each class. What class an individual belongs to is determined by the class of their mother. Mathews provides a table showing four of the totems associated with each of the classes. Importantly, this early article refers to the existence of what Mathews described as ‘irregular’ marriages—those which do not conform to the standard rules but which are nonetheless considered legitimate under the kinship system. He briefly mentions the role played by the Burbung ceremony of initiation in educating boys in the marriage rules and other matters. This article was continued in a later contribution to American Anthropologist titled ‘Australian Class Systems [Part 2]’ (1897). In ‘Sociology of some Australian Tribes’ (1905) Mathews modified his view that the Australian moieties are exogamous. He requested that '[i]n any of my previous articles…in which it may be stated that an aboriginal community comprises "two exogamous divisions," the reader is requested to substitute "two principal divisions"’.
Notes: TRIBES
1. Kamilaroi
2. Wiradjuri

LOCATIONS MENTIONED
1. Murrumbidgee River above Jugiong and down as far as Hay, extending southwards to the Murray and north up the Lachlan as far as the effluxion of the Willandra Billabong.

CORRESPONDENTS
Not applicable.

ILLUSTRATIONS
Nil.

REFERENCE TO OWN WORK
1. 'The Kamilaroi Class System of the Australian Aborigines' (1894-95)
2. 'The Burbung of the Wiradthuri Tribes' (1896)
3. 'The Burbung of the Wiradthuri Tribes (Part II)' (1897)
4. 'Aboriginal Rock Paintings and Carvings in New South Wales' (1894)
5. 'Australian Rock Pictures' (1895)

RELATED ARTICLES
Australian Class Systems [Part 2] (1897) is a continuation of this article.
 

 

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Reference Type: Journal Article
Record Number: 12
Author: Mathews, R. H.
Year: 1897
Title: Aboriginal Customs in North Queensland
Journal: Proceedings of the Royal Society of Queensland
Volume: 13
Pages: 33-37
Keywords: Ceremonies - initiation
Kinship and marriage
Sand and ground designs
Subincision
Tree carvings
Abstract: This is the second of the three articles that Mathews published in the Proceedings of the Royal Society of Queensland. It was read at a meeting of the society on 11 September 1897. It is a short and very general article on North Queensland, evidently intended to encourage other settlers to take up ethnological research. The data are organised under the following headings: ‘Class Systems’ (viz kinship and marriage customs); ‘Initiation Ceremonies’; ‘Incision’ (viz subincision); ‘Rock Pictures’; ‘Ground Drawings’; and ‘Marked Trees’. Some historical sources are quoted, but otherwise it is not clear how Mathews obtained his information. Little, if any, was based on personal inquiry. Although a minor article, it is of some significance in that it reveals growing differences between Mathews and his Victorian rival A. W. Howitt. Describing the kinship and marriage laws of the tribes along the Leichhardt, Cloncurry, Flinders, Norman, Gilbert, Mitchell and Kennedy rivers, Mathews remarks: ‘[i]t has been said that some of these tribes have agnatic [patrilineal] descent; but I now think this is very doubtful.’ The question of whether an individual’s position in the kinship system was determined by their father or mother was a controversial question at this time. In the case of Queensland, Mathews tended to argue for matrilineal descent, whereas Howitt believed that descent was determined by the father. A later article, also titled ‘Aboriginal Customs in North Queensland’ (1899), is a near duplication of this one. In ‘Sociology of some Australian Tribes’ (1905) Mathews modified his view that the Australian moieties are exogamous. He requested that '[i]n any of my previous articles…in which it may be stated that an aboriginal community comprises "two exogamous divisions," the reader is requested to substitute "two principal divisions"’. In ‘Note on the Social Organisation of the Turrubul and adjacent Tribes’ (1907) Mathews pointed to Howitt’s continuing neglect of criticisms made in this article.
Notes: TRIBES
1. Kamilaroi
2. Wiradjuri

LOCATIONS MENTIONED
1. Gulf of Carpentaria
2. Leichhardt River
3. Cloncurry River
4. Flinders River
5. Norman River
6. Gilbert River
7. Mitchell River
8. Kennedy River
9. Cape York Peninsula
10. Princess Charlottes Bay
11. Main Dividing Range
12. Great Australian Bight
13. Port Lincoln
14. Mulligan River
15. Dawson River
16. Batavia River

INFORMANTS
1. 'an old blackfellow on the Dawson river who had seen the paintings done when he was a youth' (36).

CORRESPONDENTS
Not applicable.

ILLUSTRATIONS
Nil.

REFERENCE TO OWN WORK
1. General reference to work on customs (see 'other notes') (33).
2. Work on Kamilaroi organisation (33).
3. Initiation ceremonies in New South Wales (34).

RELATED PUBLICATIONS
'Aboriginal Customs in North Queensland', Science of Man (1899) is a near duplication of this article.
 

 

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Reference Type: Journal Article
Record Number: 30
Author: Mathews, R. H.
Year: 1897
Title: Australian Class Systems [Part 2]
Journal: American Anthropologist
Volume: 10
Pages: 345-47
Keywords: Kinship and marriage


Abstract: This brief article is an adjunct to ‘Australian Class Systems [Part 1]’ (1896). It concerns the kinship and marriage customs observed by southern Wiradjuri people in New South Wales. As Mathews says of the earlier article, the editor of American Anthropologist ‘found it necessary, in order to provide space for my paper, to abridge it in certain particulars, and, among other matter, excised some details relating to the descent of the children.’ The data provided here are intended to fit between lines 34 and 35 of page 414 of the earlier article. Naming sixteen totems, he states the totems of their mothers.
Notes: TRIBES
1. Wiradjuri

LOCATIONS MENTIONED
Not applicable.

INFORMANTS
Not applicable.

CORRESPONDENTS
Not applicable.

ILLUSTRATIONS
Nil.

REFERENCE TO OWN WORK
1. Refers to work published in American Anthropologist IX, 411-6, which was, by necessity, edited for space (345).

RELATED PUBLICATIONS
Australian Class Systems (1896)
Australian Class Systems (1897) (This article)

 

 

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Reference Type: Journal Article
Record Number: 153
Author: Mathews, R. H.
Year: 1897
Title: The Totemic Divisions of Australian Tribes
Journal: Journal and Proceedings of the Royal Society of New South Wales
Volume: 31
Pages: 154-76
Keywords: Kinship and marriage


Abstract: This comprehensive description of Kamilaroi and Wiradjuri totemic systems was read before the Royal Society of New South Wales on 7 July 1897. It is crucial to an understanding of Mathews’ opinions on the controversial subject of Aboriginal marriage customs. The article opens by surveying the work of other authors who have studied Aboriginal kinship including Ridley, Howitt and Fison. Mathews gives a particularly in-depth account of the Kamilaroi and Wiradjuri kinship systems and suggests some new terminology for describing it. Instead of the terms ‘class and sub-class’ (which he himself had previously used), he considers it more appropriate to use the terms ‘totemic group’ and ‘section’. He also suggests that the name of the totem is more important than that of the group or section. Describing the Kamilaroi marriage rules, Mathews explains that the community is divided into two exogamous groups named Dilbi and Kupathin. Each of these is divided into two groups or sections: Dilbi into Murri and Kubbi; and Kupathin into Ippai and Kumbo. Each individual must marry into a particular division of the opposing group. This has the effect of preventing consanguineous marriages. Every member of the community also has a totem: most commonly an animal, although it could be a plant, star or other object. The Dilbi and Kupathin groups each have a distinct and exclusive set of totems. Since Dilbi must marry Kupathin and vice versa, the totems of husband and wife will necessarily be different. Nevertheless, there is a separate and overriding prohibition of unions within totemic groups. This rule becomes relevant when Mathews raises the most controversial aspect of his views on the kinship system. This was the proposition that marriage within a group (eg Ippai marrying Ippai, etc)—obviously a violation of the previously stated rules—was actually condoned by the community. Such marriages were not the norm, but Mathews encountered enough of them in the course of his research that he concluded they were a legitimate part of the marriage system. Here he calls these alliances ‘family marriages’, although later he would use the term ‘irregular’. He found that these marriages were also regulated so as to prevent incest. It was strictly forbidden to marry within one’s totem. Since an individual always had the totem of his or her mother’s mother, incestuous alliances were still impossible. In ‘Sociology of some Australian Tribes’ (1905) Mathews modified his view that the Australian moieties are exogamous. He requested that '[i]n any of my previous articles…in which it may be stated that an aboriginal community comprises "two exogamous divisions," the reader is requested to substitute "two principal divisions"’.
Notes: TRIBES
1. Kamilaroi
2. Kurnai
3. Wiradjuri (Wirathuri)
4. Darkinung

LOCATIONS MENTIONED
1. Namoi River
2. Murrumbidgee district
3. Hunter River
4. Colo River
5. Macdonald River
6. Wollombi River
7. Jugiong
8. Hay

INFORMANTS
1. Miss Baker, daughter of Mr. W. T. Baker, Inspector of Police at Kempsey (176).
2. Mr. Charles A. Brewster, a Police Trooper at Mungindi, on the Barwon River (176).

ILLUSTRATIONS
Nil.

REFERENCE TO OWN WORK
1. 1894 paper to Royal Geographical Society of Australasia on Kamilaroi divisions (155).
2. 1896 paper to Anthropological Society of Washington on Wiradjuri divisions and marriage laws (156).

RELATED PUBLICATIONS
'The Kamilaroi Divisions' (1898)
'The Kamilaroi Class System of the Australian Aborigines' (1894-5)
'The Totemic Divisions of Australian Tribes' (1897)
'Note on the Social Organisation of the Turrubul and Adjacent Tribes' (1907)
'Australian Divisional Systems' (1898)
'The Murrawin Ceremony' (1900)
 

 

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Reference Type: Journal Article
Record Number: 59
Author: Mathews, R. H.
Year: 1898
Title: Divisions of Australian Tribes
Journal: Proceedings of the American Philosophical Society
Volume: 37
Pages: 151-54
Keywords: Kinship and marriage


Abstract: This article is characteristic of Mathews’ many short publications on kinship and marriage customs. It describes the system of organising marriages, common in South Australia and the Northern Territory, in which two primary groups or moieties are both divided into four ‘classes or divisions’. This he refers to as the eight-class kinship system. He also refers to the four-part system of the Murawari (Muruwari) people in northwest New South Wales which uses the same nomenclature as that of the Kamilaroi (on which he had previously reported). Two correspondents are acknowledged—S. N. Innes, a settler from the Northern Territory, and James S. Miller, a policeman from northwest New South Wales. Mathews would refer to this paper in his 1900 publication ‘The Wombya Organization of the Australian Aborigines’ in which he attaches the term ‘Wombya Organization’ to the eight-class system. In ‘Divisions of Some West Australian Tribes’ (1900) Mathews reported that the Wombya Organisation occurs more extensively in Western Australia than he had previously realised. In ‘Sociology of some Australian Tribes’ (1905) Mathews modified his view that the Australian moieties are exogamous. He requested that '[i]n any of my previous articles…in which it may be stated that an aboriginal community comprises "two exogamous divisions," the reader is requested to substitute "two principal divisions"’.
Notes: TRIBES
1. Kamilaroi
2. Moorawarri (Murawari - language)
3. Uollaroi (dialect)

LOCATIONS MENTIONED
1. Finke River, SA
2. Port Darwin
3. Gulf of Carpentaria
4. Culgoa River
5. Goodooga
6. Bokara River
7. Barringun
8. Warrego River

INFORMANTS
1. Mr. S. N. Innes, the owner of a station in the Northern Territory. According to Mathews, Innes had read a paper written by Mathews in 1894 on the class systems of other tribes and this had awoken Innes's interest. Mathews wrote to Innes and Innes 'willingly offered to collect particulars of the divisions among the natives in his district' (151).
2. Mr. J. E. Miller of Goodooga, who is thanked 'for his willing assistance' (154) in 'gathering particulars respecting the Moorawarrie tribe' (154).

CORRESPONDENTS
1. Mr. S. N. Innes (151)
2. Mr. J. E. Miller (154)

ILLUSTRATIONS
Nil.

REFERENCE TO OWN WORK
1. Refers to paper written in 1894 on the class systems of other tribes (151).
2. States that this article provides the first-ever published description of Moorawarrie sectional divisions (154)

RELATED PUBLICATIONS
‘The Kamilaroi Class System of the Australian Aborigines’ (1894-95)
‘Australian Class Systems [Part 1]’ (1896)
‘Australian Class Systems [Part 2]’ (1897)
‘The Totemic Divisions of Australian Tribes’ (1897)
‘Australian Divisional Systems’ (1898)
'The Wombya Organization of the Australian Aborigines' (1900)
‘Divisions of Some West Australian Tribes’ (1900)
 

 

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Reference Type: Journal Article
Record Number: 61
Author: Mathews, R. H.
Year: 1898
Title: Divisions of Queensland Aborigines
Journal: Proceedings of the American Philosophical Society
Volume: 37
Pages: 327-36
Keywords: Kinship and marriage


Abstract: This article on kinship and marriage customs in Queensland and part of northern New South Wales concerns three adjoining Aboriginal communities (or ‘nations’ in Mathews’ terminology): the Dippil; the Kogai-Yuipera; and the Kooinmerburra. Mathews provides a map showing their boundaries. The territory covered extends from the New South Wales border to Townsville. In the case of each ‘nation’, Mathews describes the primary ‘groups’ or moieties and their divisions, as well as the role of totems. Mathews seeks to establish whether descent of each kinship system occurs through the mother or the father. On this subject Mathews disagrees with published statements by A. W. Howitt who Mathews claims had ‘evidently been misinformed’. He says that he was formerly misled by Howitt’s conclusions on the line of descent of the Kaiabara tribe, but now he has established ‘from personal inquiry’ that descent occurs ‘through the mother’. Although Mathews’ tone is polite, it is possible that this article contributed to the rift that soon became apparent between him and Howitt. Beyond the reference cited above to ‘personal inquiry’, Mathews says little about how he obtained his data. The contribution of one correspondent, William H. Flowers, is acknowledged. In ‘Sociology of some Australian Tribes’ (1905) Mathews modified his view that the Australian moieties are exogamous. He requested that '[i]n any of my previous articles…in which it may be stated that an aboriginal community comprises "two exogamous divisions," the reader is requested to substitute "two principal divisions"’. In ‘Notes on the Aborigines of the Northern Territory, Western Australia and Queensland’ (1906-07) Mathews revealed his suspicion that Howitt’s purportedly erroneous views on patrilineal descent originated from Harry E. Aldridge, a Queensland settler with whom both Mathews and Howitt had corresponded. In ‘Note on the Social Organisation of the Turrubul and adjacent Tribes’ (1907) Mathews pointed to Howitt’s continuing neglect of criticisms made in this article.
Notes: TRIBES
1. Dippil nation
2. Dippil
3. Turrubul
4. Paiamba
5. Kitabool
6. Kaiabara
7. Kooranga
8. Goonine
9. Murrungama
10. Kamilaroi
11. Kogai-Yuipera nation
12. Kooinmerburra
13. Barkunjee
14. Gnoree
15. Murgoan
16. Moothaburra
17. Birria
18. Koonkerri
19. Kurrawulla
20. Manthamurra

LOCATIONS MENTIONED
1. Upper Clarence River NSW
2. Port Curtis QLD
3. Brisbane River
4. Mary River
5. Burnett River
6. Dawson River
7. Upper Condamine River
8. Moreton Island
9. Stradbroke Island
10. Fraser Island
11. Condamine River
12. Moreton Bay
13. Wide Bay
14. Clarence River
15. Dumaresq River
16. Keppel Bay
17. Port Bowen
18. Cape Townshend
19. Shoalwater Bay
20. Broad Sound
21. Long Island
22. Curtis Island
23. Mackay
24. Fitzroy River
25. Warrego River
26. Paroo River
27. Bulloo River
28. Barcoo River
29. Thomson River
30. Diamantina River

INFORMANTS
1. Mr. William H. Flowers, 'one of my most valued correspondents, who took a deal of trouble in replying to my inquiries' (334).

CORRESPONDENTS
1. Mr. William H. Flowers.

ILLUSTRATIONS
1. Map - boundaries of some Queensland nations (335).

REFERENCE TO OWN WORK
1. Work on initiation ceremonies (327).
2. Previous paper which detailed work done by Rev. William Ridley, Mr. R. B. Smyth, Mr. E. M. Curr and Mr. E. Palmer (331).
3. Gives his informant, Mr. William H. Flowers, a credit: 'In 1894 … I incidentally referred to the Kooinmerburra divisions reported by Mr. Flowers' (334).
4. Work on Kamilaroi and Barkunjee initiation ceremonies (336).

RELATED PUBLICATIONS
‘The Kamilaroi Class System of the Australian Aborigines’ (1894-95)
'The Group Divisions and Initation Ceremonies of the Barkunjee Tribes' (Appendix) (1898)
‘Aboriginal Customs in North Queensland’ (1897)
 

 

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Reference Type: Journal Article**
Record Number: 76
Author: Mathews, R. H.
Year: 1898
Title: The Group Divisions and Initiation Ceremonies of the Barkunjee Tribes
Journal: Journal and Proceedings of the Royal Society of New South Wales
Volume: 32
Pages: 241-55
Keywords: Ceremonies - initiation
Kinship and marriage


Abstract: Uncharacteristically, Mathews decided on this occasion to discuss male initiation ceremonies and the rules of kinship in a single article. The community discussed is the 'Barkunjee Nation', the territory of which is delineated on an accompanying map (which gets a three page explanation at the conclusion of the article). The Barkunjee Nation, according to Mathews, is situated along the Darling River north of Wentworth. It encompasses Menindie (Menindee), Wilcannia, Louth, Tibooburra and other localities. The map also depicts the surrounding Aboriginal 'nations' which are mentioned in the article. The section concerning marriage rules, presented under the heading 'Group Divisions', is brief. It states that the community is divided into two groups, Muckwarra and Keelparra, who are required to marry each other. Mathews acknowledges that E. M. Curr in The Australian Race was the first to publish this information. Mathews states that there are specific totems associated with each of the Barkunjee moieties. He also claims that the differing marriage rules of Wiradjuri and Wimmera people are well understood by the Barkunjee 'who have generally been on friendly terms' with their neighbours. There was frequent intermarriage with members of both these communities. The section of the article headed 'Initiation Ceremonies' is more extensive. It reports divergent forms of male initiation within the Barkunjee territory including depilation along the Darling River south of Menindee and circumcision in other areas. Mathews states that data was provided by 'old blackfellows of the Silverton, Broken Hill, and adjacent districts.' Various settlers are also acknowledged including one of Mathews' sons who resided in Queensland. The article also contains a four-page appendix. Titled 'Divisions of Some North Queensland Tribes', it does not concern the Barkunjee. Rather, it describes marriage customs in the Mycoolon, Myappe and Kalkadoon tribes of North Queensland, elaborating on data presented in the paper 'Australian Divisional Systems' (1898). In 'Divisions of Some Aboriginal Tribes, Queensland' (1899) Mathews extrapolated on the Queensland data in the appendix. In 'Ethnological Notes on the Aboriginal Tribes of Queensland' (1905) Mathews elaborated on the kinship system of the Inchalachee or Inchalanchee tribe. In 'Sociology of some Australian Tribes' (1905) Mathews modified his view that the Australian moieties are exogamous. He requested that '[i]n any of my previous articles…in which it may be stated that an aboriginal community comprises "two exogamous divisions," the reader is requested to substitute "two principal divisions."'
Notes: TRIBES
1. Barkunjee
2. Wiradjuri
3. Kamilaroi
4. Kogai-Yuipera nation
5. Narrinyeri
6. Unelgo
7. Koonoo
8. Bahroonjee
9. Byjerri
10. Marowera
11. Tungarlee
12. Karingma
13. Tatatha
14. Yerri Yerri
15. Latyoo Latyoo
16. Watthi Watthi
17. Yakayok
18. Inteck
19. Takadok
20. Merri language
21. Tongaranka
22. Mulyanappa
23. Endawarra
24. Berluppa
25. Kunatatchee
26. Kerrengappa
27. Wirramaya
28. Mycoolon
29. Myappe
30. Kalkadoon
31. Koogobathy
32. Warkeeman
33. Booburam
34. Shanganburra
35. Kookoowarra
36. Mularitchee
37. Chungi
38. Koochulburra
39. Koorabunna
40. Kooinmerburra
41. Wokelburra
42. Bangarang
43. Booandik
44. Dippil nation

LOCATIONS MENTIONED
1. Murray River
2. Lower Murray River
3. Mount Murchison
4. Darling River
5. Menindie
6. Lower Paroo River
7. Lower Darling River
8. Wentworth
9. Swan Hill
10. Gnalta
11. White Cliffs
12. Lake Cobham
13. Milparinka
14. Lake Boolka
15. Tilcha
16. Lake Bulloo
17. Tibooburra
18. Delalah Downs
19. Balranald
20. Euston
21. Lake Tyrell
22. Wimmera
23. Lake Hindmarsh
24. Avoca River
25. Silverton
26. Broken Hill
27. Moorundie
28. Overland Corner
29. Yorkes Peninsula SA
30. Upper Mitchell River
31. Gilberton
32. Mitchell River
33. Gamboola Station
34. Hodgkinson River
35. Walsh River
36. Tate River
37. Lynd River
38. Einasleigh River
39. Etheridge River
40. Copperfield River
41. Gilbert River
42. Gulf of Carpentaria
43. Barron River
44. Herbert River
45. Burdekin River
46. Nicholson River
47. Johnstone River
48. Cairns
49. Cardwell
50. Halifax Bay
51. Hinchinbrook
52. Palm Isles
53. Broad Sound
54. Port Curtis
55. Dawson River
56. Fitzroy River
57. Medway Station
58. Bogantungan
59. Belyando River
60. Kennedy River
61. Princess Charlotte Bay
62. Moulamein
63. Balranald
64. Murrumbidgee River
65. Port Phillip
66. Mount Gambier
67. Euston
68. Avon River
69. Wimmera River
70. Lake Alexandrina
71. Coopers Creek
72. Dawson River
73. Upper Condamine River

INFORMANTS
1. Mr. Charles Lockhart 'told me that about the same period he drew attention to the plucking out of the hair growing on the persons of the men' (243).
2. 'old blackfellows of the Silverton, Broken Hill, and adjacent districts (246).

CORRESPONDENTS
1. Mr. Dickson (251).
2. Mr. Shadforth (252).
3. Mr. W. H. Flowers of Medway Station, Bogantungan (253).
4. Information provided by Mathews' son in North Queensland (252).

ILLUSTRATIONS
1. Map - Plan of the Barkunjee Nation

REFERENCE TO OWN WORK
1. Kamilaroi and Wiradjuri initiation ceremonies (247).
2. Divisions of Mycoolon, Myappe and Kalkadoon tribes (250).
3. Boundaries in Queensland (255).

CROSS REFERENCES
In ‘Divisions of Some Aboriginal Tribes, Queensland’ (1899) Mathews extrapolated on the Queensland data in the appendix.
In ‘Ethnological Notes on the Aboriginal Tribes of Queensland’ (1905) Mathews elaborated on the kinship system of the Inchalachee or Inchalanchee tribe.

RELATED ARTICLES
'Divisions of Queensland Aborigines' (1898)
‘Divisions of Some Aboriginal Tribes, Queensland’ (1899)
 

 

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Reference Type: Journal Article
Record Number: 89
Author: Mathews, R. H.
Year: 1898
Title: The Kamilaroi Divisions
Journal: Science of Man
Volume: 1 (new series)
Issue: 7
Pages: 155-58
Keywords: Kinship and marriage


Abstract: Like the majority of Mathews' contributions to the magazine Science of Man, this article replicates data Mathews had previously published. He acknowledges that this article is largely copied from 'The Totemic Divisions of Australian Tribes' (1897) (refer to abstract). A few differences from the earlier publication are notable. The discussion of Wiradjuri customs has not been included, and the earlier acknowledgment of Howitt and Fison's work on this subject has been omitted. In 'Sociology of some Australian Tribes' (1905) Mathews modified his view that the Australian moieties are exogamous. He requested that '[i]n any of my previous articles…in which it may be stated that an aboriginal community comprises "two exogamous divisions," the reader is requested to substitute "two principal divisions."'
Notes: TRIBES
1. Kamilaroi
2. Wiradjuri

LOCATIONS MENTIONED
Not applicable.

INFORMANTS
Not applicable.

CORRESPONDENTS
Not applicable.

ILLUSTRATIONS
Nil.

REFERENCE TO OWN WORK
1. 1894 article on Kamilaroi system to Royal Geographical Society at Brisbane (155).
2. 1897 article on Kamilaroi system to Royal Society of New South Wales (155).

RELATED PUBLICATIONS
'The Kamilaroi Class System of the Australian Aborigines' (1894-5)
'The Totemic Divisions of Australian Tribes' (1897)
 

 

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Reference Type: Journal Article
Record Number: 60
Author: Mathews, R. H.
Year: 1899
Title: Divisions of North Australian Tribes
Journal: Proceedings of the American Philosophical Society
Volume: 38
Pages: 75-79
Keywords: Kinship and marriage


Abstract: The data in this short article on Northern Territory marriage customs were supplied by an unnamed correspondent. Mathews provides five tables explaining the moiety and divisional systems of various communities: the Arrinda (Arranda) tribe of the Todd and Finke rivers; the Warramong tribe of Tennant's Creek; the Yuckamurri, Yanular, Leanawa, Yookala and Kurrawar tribes of the McCarthur, Kangaroo and Calvert rivers; tribes along the Victoria River; and the southern Arrinda tribe of the Middle Finke River and Charlotte Waters. The first table is intended to replace one printed on page 72 of 'Australian Divisional Systems' (1898). In that regard the paper is symptomatic of Mathews' often eccentric publishing practice, since he is using the Philadelphia-based Proceedings of the American Philosophical Society to amend a paper that had appeared in the Journal and Proceedings of the Royal Society of New South Wales. Eight years later he made the following correction to this article: 'In volume XXXVIII of this journal, page 77, table II, then publishing the eight intermarrying sections of the Warramonga tribe at Tennant's Creek, Northern Territory, I regret that some errors crept in during my rearrangement of the section names from one of my previous tables. Since then I have published several correct tables, but it is only necessary to refer the reader to one of them, given in The American Antiquarian, Vol. XXVIII, pp. 87 seq., table IV, which supplies full details of the intermarrying laws in force among the Warramonga natives.' (See 'Languages of Some Tribes of Western Australia' [1907]). In 'The Arran'da Language, Central Australia' (1906) Mathews declared that he had obtained information published in this article from the Northern Territory policeman W. H. Willshire 'and other men who had resided many years in the district and were well acquainted with the natives...' In 'Sociology of some Australian Tribes' (1905) Mathews modified his view that the Australian moieties are exogamous. He requested that '[i]n any of my previous articles…in which it may be stated that an aboriginal community comprises "two exogamous divisions," the reader is requested to substitute "two principal divisions."' In 'Matrilineal Descent in the Arranda and Chingalee Tribes' (1911) Mathews revealed that the 'a correspondent [who] furnished me with additional information' (page 76 of this article) was 'Mr. Jackson, a friend who visited various parts of that district in 1895 in connection with mining'.
Notes: TRIBES
1. Arrinda [Arranta]
2. Warramonga
3. Yuckamurri
4. Yanular
5. Leanawa
6. Yookala

LOCATIONS MENTIONED
1. Gulf of Carpentaria
2. Wentworth River
3. Nicholson River
4. Gregory River
5. Upper Georgina River
6. Finke River
7. Todd River
8. Georgina River
9. Tennants Creek
10. McArthur River
11. Kangaroo River
12. Calvert River
13. Upper Finke River
14. Daly River
15. Victoria River
16. Middle Finke waters
17. Charlotte waters
18. Macumba River

INFORMANTS
1. 'a correspondent [who] furnished me with additional information' (76); 'my correspondent also made some further investigations' (76).

CORRESPONDENTS
1. Mathews refers to 'a correspondent [who] furnished me with additional information' (76).

ILLUSTRATIONS
Nil.

REFERENCE TO OWN WORK
1. Refers to previous article on this subject, published in the Proceedings of the American Philosophical Society (75).
2. Also refers to having reported on 'a similar eight-section system' (75) in the northwest corner of Queensland.
3. Refers to article contributed to the Royal Society of New South Wales in 1898, describing the eight sections of the Arrinda.

CROSS-REFERENCES
Mathews later conceded that he had again made errors on this subject, writing: 'In volume XXXVIII of this journal, page 77, table II, then publishing the eight intermarrying sections of the Warramonga tribe at Tennant's Creek, Northern Territory, I regret that some errors crept in during my rearrangement of the section names from one of my previous tables. Since then I have published several correct tables, but it is only necessary to refer the reader to one of them, given in The American Antiquarian, Vol. XXVIII, pp. 87 seq., table IV, which supplies full details of the intermarrying laws in force among the Warramonga natives.' This stated in 'Languages of Some Tribes of Western Australia' (1907), p. 368.

In 'The Arran'da Language, Central Australia' (1906) Mathews declared that he had obtained information published in this article from the notorious Northern Territory policeman W. H. Willshire 'and other men who had resided many years in the district and were well acquainted with the natives...'

RELATED PUBLICATIONS
'The Arran'da Language, Central Australia' (1906)
 

 

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Reference Type: Journal Article
Record Number: 62
Author: Mathews, R. H.
Year: 1899
Title: Divisions of Some Aboriginal Tribes, Queensland
Journal: Journal and Proceedings of the Royal Society of New South Wales
Volume: 33
Pages: 103-11
Keywords: Kinship and marriage


Abstract: As stated in the opening lines, the purpose of this article is to 'furnish similar information respecting a few other [Queensland] tribes' adjoining those communities discussed in two earlier Mathews papers: 'Australian Divisional Systems' (1898) and 'The Group Divisions and Initiation Ceremonies of the Barkunjee Tribes' (1898). A number of tribal groups are named (see list of tribes below). The following areas are mentioned: Lower Wilson River, Cooper's Creek and part of the Diamantina; Mulligan River, Saltpetre Creek, Pituri Creek and the Upper Georgina River; Norman and Yapper rivers, Spear Creek, Carron Creek, Walker's Creek, the Lower Gilbert, Byerley's Creek, Pelican Creek, Staaten River, Nassau River and the lower parts of the Einasleigh and Lynd rivers; country around the Dawson and Fitzroy rivers, extending west to Arthur's Bluff; the junction of the Rankine and Georgina rivers, Barklay's Tableland, and the sources of the Gregory River and its tributaries. All of the communities mentioned are divided into two phratries (or moieties), all of which are further subdivided into 'sections'. In some areas each moiety has two sections, in others four. All are exogamous. Mathews provides tables showing which sections are permitted to intermarry. He does not claim to have acquired this information from direct communication with Aboriginal people. He acknowledges one settler correspondent, Mr W. Beattie, and he cites other authors including E. Palmer, W. E. Roth and L. Schultze. Nearly half the article consists of an appendix titled 'Divisions of Tribes in the Northern Territory'. Like the main section of the article, it supplements data reported in the 1898 paper 'Australian Divisional Systems'. Again using tables showing marriage and descent, Mathews outlines the kinship system for large parts of the Northern Territory. In 'Ethnological Notes on the Aboriginal Tribes of Queensland' (1905) Mathews elaborated on the kinship system of the Inchalachee or Inchalanchee tribe. In 'Sociology of some Australian Tribes' (1905) Mathews modified his view that the Australian moieties are exogamous. He requested that '[i]n any of my previous articles…in which it may be stated that an aboriginal community comprises "two exogamous divisions," the reader is requested to substitute "two principal divisions."'
Notes: TRIBES
1. Wonkamurra
2. Yandrawontha
3. Yowerawarrika
4. Barkunjee
5. Yoolanlanya
6. Yanindo
7. Yorrawinga
8. Goothanto
9. Ariba
10. Koogobathy
11. Goongarra
12. Owoikulla
13. Wallungarma
14. Barantee
15. Nahwangan
16. Warkeemon nation
17. Kogai-Yuipera
18. Mycoolon
19. Koonjan
20. Goonamon
21. Kangoollo
22. Dippil
23. Kooinmerburra
24. Inchalachee
25. Warkya
26. Yangarilla
27. Wahnyee
28. Yookala
29. Wombya
30. Ulperra nation
31. Neening
32. Jarroo
33. Munga
34. Warramonga


LOCATIONS MENTIONED
1. Lower Wilson River
2. Coopers Creek
3. Diamantina River
4. Mulligan River
5. Saltpetre Creek
6. Pituri Creek
7. Upper Georgina River
8. Norman River
9. Yapper River
10. Speak Creek
11. Carron Creek
12. Staaten River
13. Nassau River
14. Einasleigh River
15. Lynd River
16. Woodstock Station
17. Gulf of Carpentaria
18. Flinders River
19. Gilbert River
20. Normanton
21. Lower Mitchell River
22. Alice River
23. Coleman River
24. Palmer River
25. Dawson
26. Arthurs Bluff
27. Rankine River
28. Georgina River
29. Barklays Tableland
30. Lake Sylvester
31. Nicholson River
32. Creswell Downs
33. Katherine River
34. Tennants Creek
35. Alice Springs
36. Victoria River
37. Daly River
38. Sturt Creek
39. Lander River
40. Barrows Creek
41. Anson Bay
42. Limmen Bight
43. Termination Lake
44. Wyndham

INFORMANTS
1. Mr. W. Beattie: 'In preparing the amended list of names of sections, and rules of intermarriage of the Warramonga tribe, I wish to acknowledge the willing help afforded by Mr. W. Beattie' (113).

CORRESPONDENTS
Not applicable.

ILLUSTRATIONS
Nil.

REFERENCE TO OWN WORK
1. Articles on social organisation of tribes of Queensland (108).
2. Warkya and Wombya divisions, Royal Society of New South Wales (111-2).
3. Refers to Rev. L. Schulze's work on eight divisions only to refer to his own: 'I tabulated this gentleman's investigations, with some modifications, last year' (113).
4. Divisional systems (114).

RELATED ARTICLES
‘Australian Divisional Systems’ (1898)
‘The Group Divisions and Initiation Ceremonies of the Barkunjee Tribes’ (1898)

CROSS-REFERENCES
In ‘Ethnological Notes on the Aboriginal Tribes of Queensland’ (1905) Mathews elaborated on the kinship system of the Inchalachee or Inchalanchee tribe.
 

 

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Reference Type: Journal Article
Record Number: 172
Author: Mathews, R. H.
Year: 1899
Title: Aboriginal Customs in North Queensland
Journal: Science of Man
Volume: 1 (new series)
Issue: 12
Pages: 262-64
Date: 21 January 1899
Keywords: Ceremonies - initiation
Kinship and marriage
Rock art
Sand and ground designs
Tree carvings


Abstract: This article appeared in Science of Man, a magazine published by the Anthropological Association of Australasia. Mathews seems to have regarded this publication less seriously than the scientific journals in which he mostly published. In the bulk of his Science of Man contributions he reworked material published elsewhere. This is true of this publication, as Mathews acknowledges when he states that '[t]he foregoing article was read at a meeting of the Royal Society of Queensland…and is now revised and republished.' The article is brief and fairly general. The material is organised under the following headings: 'Class Systems'; 'Initiation Ceremonies'; 'Rock Pictures'; 'Ground Drawings'; and 'Marked Trees'. (Refer to abstract of 'Aboriginal Customs in North Queensland' [1897] for a more detailed account.) The article is accompanied by a photograph of Aboriginal hand stencils on the Dawson River which did not appear in the earlier publication. Mathews obtained the photo from B. W. Palms, the owner of 'Cracow' Station on Cracow Creek, a tributary to the Dawson.
Notes: TRIBES
1. Kamilaroi
2. Wiradjuri
3. Mycoolon
4. Myappe
5. Kalkadoon

LOCATIONS MENTIONED
1. Gulf of Carpentaria
2. Leichardt River
3. Cloncurry River
4. Flinders River
5. Norman River
6. Gilbert River
7. Mitchell River
8. Kennedy River
9. Cape York Peninsula
10. Princess Charlottes Bay
11. Main Dividing Range
12. Dawson River
13. Batavia River
14. Staater River
15. Cracow Station
16. Cracow Creek
17. Dawson River

INFORMANTS
1. 'an old blackfellow on the Dawson river who had seen the paintings done when he was a youth' (263).
2. 'My friend, Mr. B. W. Palms, owner of Cracow Station, on Cracow Creek' (264).

CORRESPONDENTS
1. 'My friend, Mr. B. W. Palms, owner of Cracow Station, on Cracow Creek' (264).

ILLUSTRATIONS
1. Photograph - Aboriginal rock drawings, Dawson River

REFERENCE TO OWN WORK
1. Work on Kamilaroi organisation (262).

RELATED PUBLICATIONS
'Aborignal Customs in North Queensland' (1897)
 

 

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Reference Type: Journal Article
Record Number: 196
Author: Mathews, R. H.
Year: 1899
Title: Native Tribes of Queensland
Journal: American Anthropologist
Volume: 1 (new series)
Pages: 595-97
Keywords: Kinship and marriage


Abstract: This is a brief report which gives the masculine and feminine forms of the eight section names used in the kinship system by Aboriginal tribes in Queensland who occupy the Gulf of Carpentaria and extend 'a long way inland'. Mathews argues that descent in this system is determined matrilineally. The groups he designates 'A' and 'B' are equivalent to the moieties of the Warramonga tribe which he has previously described. He attributes the information published here to a settler correspondent, R. H. Shadforth. In 'Sociology of some Australian Tribes' (1905) Mathews modified his view that the Australian moieties are exogamous. He requested that '[i]n any of my previous articles…in which it may be stated that an aboriginal community comprises "two exogamous divisions," the reader is requested to substitute "two principal divisions."'
Notes: TRIBES
1. Tribes in the northwestern corner of Queensland fronting the Gulf of Carpentaria and extending inland for a long way.
2. Warramonga

LOCATIONS MENTIONED
1. Northwestern corner of Queensland fronting the Gulf of Carpentaria

INFORMANTS
Not applicable.

CORRESPONDENTS
1. Mr R. H. Shadforth

ILLUSTRATIONS
Not applicable.

REFERENCE TO OWN WORK
1. 'Australian Divisional Systems' (1898)
 

 

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Reference Type: Journal Article
Record Number: 64
Author: Mathews, R. H.
Year: 1900
Title: Divisions of the South Australian Aborigines
Journal: Proceedings of the American Philosophical Society
Volume: 39
Pages: 78-93
Keywords: Kinship and marriage


Abstract: This is the first Mathews article to deal exclusively with the Aboriginal traditions of South Australia. He describes the marriage and kinship systems of eight Aboriginal 'nations' within the colony: the Parnkalla Nation; the Yowerawarrika Nation; the Barjunjee Nation; the Adjadurah Nation; the Narrinyeri Nation; the Booandik Nation; the Kookatha Nation; and the Andigarina Nation. Mathews defines Aboriginal nations as 'certain aggregates of tribes possessing the same divisional names and practicing similar initiatory rites'. Through the use of tables, Mathews names the phratries (moieties), the sections with phratries (where they occur) and totemic names associated with the kinship system. The article is illustrated by a map of South Australia which shows the boundaries of the nations and the areas were subincision and circumcision are practised. This map was the cause of controversy when, in 'Literature relating to Australian Aborigines [Letter to the Editor]' (1907), Mathews accused A. W. Howitt of reproducing it in his book Native Tribes of South-East Australia (1904). In 'Sociology of some Australian Tribes' (1905) Mathews modified his view that the Australian moieties are exogamous. He requested that '[i]n any of my previous articles…in which it may be stated that an aboriginal community comprises "two exogamous divisions," the reader is requested to substitute "two principal divisions."'
Notes: TRIBES
1. Parnkalla
2. Nukunna
3. Nauo
4. Nowo
5. Willeuroo
6. Kooapunda
7. Noocoona
8. Alury
9. Kooyeeunna
10. Eeleeree
11. Karraru
12. Hillary
13. Dieyerie
14. Kutchnamootha
15. Pulladapa
16. Ahminnie
17. Wonkaoora
18. Wonkamudla
19. Arrabunna
20. Andigarina
21. Kookatha nation
22. Kakarrura
23. Yallingarra
24. Yowerawarrika
25. Pilladapa
26. Wirramayo
27. Adelaide tribes
28. Narrinyeri nation
29. Barkunjee
30. Booandik
31. Geebera
32. Wirrunga
33. Yilrea
34. Warnabinnie
35. Loorudgee
36. Yorrawinga
37. Arrinda
38. Yandrawontha
39. Mullinchie
40. Kullally
41. Kooapinda
42. Willewroo
43. Nookoona
44. Kakkararu
45. Warnabirrie
46. Joongoonjee

LOCATIONS MENTIONED
1. Murray River
2. Yorke Peninsula
3. Port Lincoln
4. Spencer Gulf
5. Port Augusta
6. Venus Bay
7. Koppawanata station
8. Yardea station
9. Franklin Harbour
10. Bundlear
11. Coonatto
12. Flinders Ranges
13. Crystal Brook
14. Lake Eyre
15. Turret Range
16. Chambers Creek
17. Screech-Owl creek
18. Lake Torrens
19. Nilpena Station
20. Willochra creek
21. Mount Freeling
22. Lake Frome
23. Lake Blanche
24. Lake Callabonna
25. Coopers Creek
26. Lake Hope
27. Kale Perigundi
28. Diamantina River
29. Lake Eyre
30. Goyders Lagoon
31. Kalamurina station
32. Cowarie station
33. Mungarane station
34. Berlino station
35. Macumba River
36. Alton Downs
37. Kallakoopa Creek
38. Annandale (station?)
39. Margaret Creek
40. Neale Creek
41. Peake Creek
42. Stuarts Range
43. Red Lake
44. Patchawarra Creek
45. Strzelecki Creek
46. Innamincka station
47. Tinga Tingana station
48. Kanowinna station
49. Ontoo station
50. Adelaide
51. Lacepede Bay
52. Cape Jervis
53. Darling River
54. Lake Phillipson
55. Mount Eba Station
56. Wilgena Station
57. Mount Finke
58. Lake Bring
59. Lake Gairdner
60. Gawler Ranges
61. Great Australian Bight
62. Musgrave Range
63. Alberga River
64. Petermann Ranges
65. Lake Amadeus
66. Macumba
67. Dalhousie
68. Charlotte Waters
69. Lower Finke River
70. Field River
71. Wodroffe River
72. Georgina River
73. Israelite Bay
74. Batavia River
75. Tilcha

INFORMANTS
1. 'old residents' around Parnkalla country (79).
2. 'A friend of mine who resided a long time on Willochra creek, in the heart of the country occupied by the Alury tribe' (80).
3. 'old residents of that part of the country' - Yorke Peninsula (86).
4. 'natives of adjacent tribes' Yorke Peninsula (86).

CORRESPONDENTS
Not applicable.

ILLUSTRATIONS
1. Drawing - Map showing Divisions of South Australian Aborigines (91).

REFERENCE TO OWN WORK
1. Work on distribution of tribes in NSW, VIC and QLD (78).
2. Work on tribes of NSW, VIC, QLD (82).
3. Description of social organisation of Booandik nation (87).
4. Reference to a future article on the eight-section organisation of tribes around Gulf of Carpentaria and Cambridge Gulf (90).
5. Circumcision rituals from NSW boundary to Gulf of Carpentaria (93).

RELATED PUBLICATIONS
'Literature relating to Australian Aborigines [Letter to the Editor]' (1907)
Phallic Rites and Initiation Ceremonies of the South Australian Aborigines (1900)
 

 

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Reference Type: Journal Article
Record Number: 103
Author: Mathews, R. H.
Year: 1900
Title: Marriage and Descent among the Australian Aborigines
Journal: Journal and Proceedings of the Royal Society of New South Wales
Volume: 34
Pages: 120-35
Keywords: Kinship and marriage


Abstract: In this discussion of marriage and kinship systems, Mathews argues that 'the social structure of a native Australian community' can be organised in one of four ways:-

(1) The community is divided into two phratries (moieties) without any further subdivision. This he calls the 'Parnkalla system'.
(2) The community is divided into two phratries (moieties), each of which is divided into two sections to make a total of four sections per tribe. This he calls the 'Kamilaroi system'.
(3) The community is divided into two phratries (moieties), each of which is divided into four sections, to make a total of eight sections per tribe. This he calls the 'Wombya system'.
(4) There are no strictly defined phratries or sections. Instead, marriages are arranged by the elders of the tribe 'who are well acquainted with the genealogy of the people around them.' This he calls the 'Tooar organisation'.

Each system is described in detail using tables and diagrams. Mathews also describes the existence of '"alternative" marriages'-those that do not conform to the standard rules, but are nonetheless sanctioned by the community. The paper concludes with an appendix titled 'Some Tribes of Cape York Peninsula, Queensland' in which Mathews describes the marriage and kinship system of Aboriginal people around Mapoon. The data were supplied by a correspondent, Rev. N. Hey. Various other ethnographic observations follow, including sketchy information on totems, initiation, bullroarers and message sticks. In 'Sociology of some Australian Tribes' (1905) Mathews modified his view that the Australian moieties are exogamous. He requested that '[i]n any of my previous articles…in which it may be stated that an aboriginal community comprises "two exogamous divisions," the reader is requested to substitute "two principal divisions."' In 'Notes on the Arranda Tribe' (1907), Mathews corrected his account of how Arranda totems related to the kinship system.
Notes: TRIBES
1. Parnkalla
2. Kamilaroi
3. Wombya
4. Yungmunnee
5. Charmong
6. Mungerry
7. Yookull
8. Hongalla
9. Koorungo
10. Yandigan
11. Merrikaba
12. Kowanatty
13. Gametty
14. Joonkoonjee
15. Tannagootee
16. Yeldivo
17. Kokinno
18. Kamdheu
19. Kookeealla
20. Dippil
21. Koombanggary
22. Koonjan
23. Warkeemon
24. Goothanto
25. Mykoolon
26. Kogai

LOCATIONS MENTIONED
1. Elsey Creek
2. Katherine River
3. Roper River
4. Wilton River
5. Goyder River
6. Glydes Inlet
7. Arnheims land / Arnhemland
8. Cape York Peninsula
9. Batavia River
10. Pioneer Downs

INFORMANTS
1. Rev. N. Hey, of Mapoon (132).
2. 'and other gentlemen on the peninsula' (Cape York Peninsula) (132).

CORRESPONDENTS
1. Rev. N. Hey, of Mapoon? (132).

ILLUSTRATIONS
Nil.

REFERENCE TO OWN WORK
1. Article on Tooar organisation (120 and 124).
2. Articles on initiation ceremonies of Kamilaroi, Dippil and Koombanggary (133-4).

CROSS REFERENCES
In 'Notes on the Arranda tribe' (1907) Mathews revised statements made in 'Marriage and Descent among the Australian Aborigines' (1900) (this paper) and 'Some Aboriginal Tribes of Western Australia' (1901). Mathews said he had

Mathews gathered information from Mr. Innes, Mr. Stretch, Mr. Wilson and other residents of those regions regarding the attachment of totems, and accordingly revised his views. He concluded that totems were determined by the locality where the mother first became aware of her pregnancy, as reported in his work on the Chau-an tribe in this Journal, vol. XL, pp. 107-111. 'Notes on Some Native Tribes of Australia' (1906).
 

 

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Reference Type: Journal Article
Record Number: 111
Author: Mathews, R. H.
Year: 1900
Title: Native Tribes of Western Australia
Journal: Proceedings of the American Philosophical Society
Volume: 39
Pages: 123-25
Keywords: Ceremonies - initiation
Kinship and marriage
Subincision


Abstract: This brief contribution to the Proceedings of the American Philosophical Society was Mathews' first publication to deal exclusively with Western Australia. It describes the kinship and marriage system of 'the native tribes sparsely distributed over the whole of that portion of western Australia lying to the north of the twenty-eighth parallel of south latitude.' He states that on the Murchison, Greenough, Sanford, Roderick, Wooramel, Gascoyne and Lyons rivers, each tribe is divided into four sections. In a table he names the sections and states which ones are entitled to intermarry. The article concludes with some brief comments on the areas where circumcision and subincision are practised. He also describes how the inhabitants of desert areas scoop out a depression in the sand in which they sleep. Mathews does not state how he obtained the information presented in this article, but it is unlikely that it was obtained from personal observation. There is no evidence that Mathews ever visited Western Australia. In 'Sociology of some Australian Tribes' (1905) Mathews modified his view that the Australian moieties are exogamous. He requested that '[i]n any of my previous articles…in which it may be stated that an aboriginal community comprises "two exogamous divisions," the reader is requested to substitute "two principal divisions."'
Notes: TRIBES
1. Andikarina
2. Arrinda

LOCATIONS MENTIONED
1. Coolgardie
2. Cue
3. Marble Bar
4. Kimberley
5. Murchison River
6. Greenough River
7. Sanford River
8. Roderick River
9. Wooramel River
10. Gascoyne River
11. Lyons River
12. Weld Spring
13. Bonython Creek
14. Lake Throssell
15. Elder Creek
16. Glen Cumming
17. Ashburton River
18. Fortescue River
19. Yule River
20. Shaw River
21. De Grey River
22. Oakover River
23. Fitzroy River
24. Ord River
25. Sturt Creek
26. Margaret River
27. Upper Fitzroy River
28. Geraldton
29. Onslow

INFORMANTS
Not applicable.

CORRESPONDENTS
Not applicable.

ILLUSTRATIONS
Nil.

REFERENCE TO OWN WORK
1. Previous work on tribes of northeastern corner of WA 'particulars of whose divisions and the limits of their territory are described in papers which I have communicated to different journals' (125).
 

 

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Reference Type: Journal Article**
Record Number: 120
Author: Mathews, R. H.; Everitt, M. M.
Year: 1900
Title: The Organisation, Language and Initiation Ceremonies of the Aborigines of the South-East Coast of N. S. Wales
Journal: Journal and Proceedings of the Royal Society of New South Wales
Volume: 34
Pages: 262-81
Keywords: Ceremonies - initiation
Kinship and marriage
Language elicitation


Abstract: This was the second of the two articles in which Mathews collaborated with another author. It was co-written with Miss M. M. Everitt, a Sydney schoolteacher with an interest in Aboriginal languages. The article describes kinship and marriage systems, language, initiation ceremonies and other customs of southeast New South Wales. Although informants from various language groups were consulted, most of the data concern the Gundungurra tribes who lived in the Blue Mountains and Southern Highlands. The marriage customs reported are unlike the moiety and section-based systems common across most of Australia. The authors describe a practice of arranged marriages similar to that which Mathews elsewhere described as the 'Tooar organisation'. Gundungurra grammar is described in some detail. There is also information on the 'Kudsha' or 'Narramang', an abridged form of initiation ceremony. (Initiates then attend the 'Bunan', described in Mathews' 1896 publication 'The Bunan Ceremony of New South Wales'.) Several songs associated with the ceremony are transcribed. The following Aboriginal informants assisted the authors: Jerry Murphy of Bega; Steve of Braidwood; Budthong of the Shoalhaven; Timberry (usually spelled Timbery) of Wollongong; Ned Carroll of Goulburn; the late Jimmy Lownds; and Billy Russell and Bessie Smith, both of the Burragorang. It is probable that Everitt provided the linguistic material while Mathews provided data on initiations and other customs. An erratum to this article appeared in volume 35 of the Journal and Proceedings of the Royal Society of New South Wales which indicates that Everitt did not accompany Mathews on camping trip(s) to the Burragorang Valley.
Notes: TRIBES
1. Gundungurra language
2. Dharrook dialect
3. Wiradjuri

LOCATIONS MENTIONED
1. Hawkesbury River, NSW
2. Cape Howe, NSW
3. Blue Mountains, NSW
4. Hartley, NSW
5. Crookwell, NSW
6. Yass, NSW
7. Kiandra, NSW
8. Cooma, NSW
9. Braidwood, NSW
10. Bega, NSW
11. Shoalhaven, NSW
12. Wollongong, NSW
13. Goulbourn, NSW
14. Burragorang, on the Wollondilly River
15. Picton
16. Crockwell
17. Campbelltown, NSW
18. Liverpool, NSW
19. Camden, NSW
20. Sydney, NSW

INFORMANTS
1. 'a large number of different natives' (262).
2. 'Jerry Murphy', 'a native of Bega, and also a resident for many years at Cooma' (262).
3. 'Steve' of Braidwood (262).
4. 'Budthong' of Shoalhaven (262).
5. 'Timberry' of Wollongong (262).
6. 'Ned Carroll' of Goulburn (262).
7. 'many others including some old women' (262).
8. 'Billy Russell', one of the natives of Burragorang (263).
9. 'Bessie Smith', one of the natives of Burragorang (263).
10. 'A very old blackfellow, named 'Jimmy Lownds,' only recently deceased' (265).

CORRESPONDENTS
Not applicable.

ILLUSTRATIONS
Nil.

REFERENCE TO OWN WORK
1. State that some errors in orthography 'will receive attention in a future article' (276).
2. Mathews cheekily manages to slip in a reference to his own work on the Bunan: '[t]he foregoing is a very brief outline of the initiation ceremonies, the reader being referred for fuller details to the article on the Bunan, written by one of us in 1896' (280).

CROSS-REFERENCES
The next issue, volume 35 of the Journal and Proceedings of the Royal Society of New South Wales contained a correction to this article indicating that Mathews alone camped in the Burragorang. It reads: 'Page 263, insert after 'and,' and before 'camped' on line 2, 'one of us [R. H. Mathews] having.'

RELATED ARTICLES
'The Bunan Ceremony of New South Wales' (1896)
'The Origin, Organization and Ceremonies of the Australian Aborigines' (1900).
'The Gundungurra Language' (1901).
'The Thurrawal Language' (1901).
'Some Mythology of the Gundungurra Tribe, New South Wales' (1908).
'Some Rock Engravings of the Aborigines of New South Wales' (1910).
Thurrawal Grammar: Part I (1901)
 

 

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Reference Type: Journal Article**
Record Number: 123
Author: Mathews, R. H.
Year: 1900
Title: The Origin, Organization and Ceremonies of the Australian Aborigines
Journal: Proceedings of the American Philosophical Society
Volume: 39
Pages: 556-78
Keywords: Aboriginal settlement of Australia
Ceremonies - initiation
Circumcision
Kinship and marriage
Subincision
Territories and boundaries


Abstract: This is a significant article that synthesises and interprets much of the data on kinship and initiation that Mathews had published since 1893. Considering the entire Australian continent, Mathews provides a speculative account of the arrival of the 'aboriginal races of Australia', proposing that the various moieties and sections were once separate tribes that amalgamated during successive periods of invasion. He argues that aspects of this history are also reflected in the initiatory rites. The article is a considered rebuttal of the 'group marriage' theory, favoured by Mathews' rivals W. B. Spencer, A. W. Howitt and Lorimer Fison. The article is accompanied by an important colour map that shows the position of various Aboriginal 'nations' (defined as groupings that share the same kinship systems and names). The map shows the distribution of the two section marriage system as well as the four and eight part systems. It also shows those 'remnant' nations that do not have sections or phratries, instead using the 'Tooar' system of allocating spouses. The map also reveals the boundaries of the various initiatory rites: tooth avulsion; circumcision only; and circumcision followed by subincision. In 'Sociology of some Australian Tribes' (1905) Mathews modified his view that the Australian moieties are exogamous. He requested that '[i]n any of my previous articles…in which it may be stated that an aboriginal community comprises "two exogamous divisions," the reader is requested to substitute "two principal divisions."'
Notes: TRIBES
1. Barkunjee
2. Yowerawarrika
3. Warkeemon community (also Warkemon?)
4. Wombya
5. Inchalachee
6. Wiradjuri
7. Kamilaroi
8. Darkinung
9. Thangatty
10. Dippil
11. Kooinmerburra
12. Kogai
13. Mycoolon
14. Goothanto
15. Koonjan
16. Joongonnjie
17. Arrinda
18. Yeeda
19. Ulperra
20. Adjadurah
21. Narrinyeri
22. Kurnai
23. Thurrawal

LOCATIONS MENTIONED
1. Port Lincoln
2. Western Victoria
3. Barwon River and its tributaries
4. Southwest (?) corner of Queensland
5. Victoria River
6. Gulf of Carpentaria
7. Newcastle Waters in the Northern Territory
8. Spencer Gulf
9. Lower Murray River

INFORMANTS
Not applicable.

CORRESPONDENTS
1. Rev. N. Hey 'for his willing assistance' (576)

ILLUSTRATIONS
1. Map of Australia, showing boundaries of the several nations of Australia.

REFERENCE TO OWN WORK
1. Refers to work on organisation of Warkeemon community in north-eastern Queensland, 1898 (564).
2. Refers to work on organisation (specifically having discovered the eight divisions) of Wombya tribe (565-6).
3. Mentions having contributed to descriptions of initiation ceremonies to 'different learned societies' (570).

CROSS-REFERENCES
In 'The Bora of the Kamilaroi Tribes' (1896) he says: […].' (153)

In 'Marriage and Descent in the Arranda Tribe, Central Australia' (1908) on p. 99 (note) Mathews accused N. W. Thomas of plagiarising from the map in this article in Kinship Organization and Group Marriage (1906).

RELATED PUBLICATIONS
'The Wombya Organization of the Australian Aborigines' (1900)
 

 

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Reference Type: Journal Article
Record Number: 159
Author: Mathews, R. H.
Year: 1900
Title: The Wombya Organization of the Australian Aborigines
Journal: American Anthropologist
Volume: 2 (new series)
Pages: 494-501
Keywords: Kinship and marriage


Abstract: This article describes the kinship and marriage organisation of the Aboriginal communities residing in the northern and central parts of the Northern Territory and extending into the adjoining northerly areas of Western Australia and Queensland. This large area contains a great many tribal groupings which are identified on a map with accompanying notes. Mathew gives this kinship system the general name 'Wombya Organisation' because of its similarity to that of the Wombya tribe whose sectional divisions were 'accurately reported and described' himself in the article 'Divisions of Australian Tribes' (1898). Mathews does not explain how he gathered the information presented in this article, but it was almost certainly obtained with the aid of white correspondents. He says that communities with the Wombya Organisation are divided into two exogamous phratries (or moieties). Each phratry is divided into four sections, making eight sections in total. Marriage is only permitted between members of designated sections. Totems, consisting of animals, plants and inanimate objects, are attached to certain pairs of sections. Mathews says that 'these totems descend generally from a father to his sons and daughters, but this rule is subject to modification.' In his 1908 article 'Marriage and Descent in the Arranda Tribe, Central Australia' Mathews revised his views on totemism in this part of the country. In 'Divisions of Some West Australian Tribes' (1900) Mathews reported that the Wombya Organisation occurs more extensively in Western Australia than he had previously realised. In 'Ethnological Notes on the Aboriginal Tribes of Queensland' (1905) Mathews amended the table on page 498 of this article. In 'Sociology of some Australian Tribes' (1905) Mathews modified his view that the Australian moieties are exogamous. He requested that '[i]n any of my previous articles…in which it may be stated that an aboriginal community comprises "two exogamous divisions," the reader is requested to substitute "two principal divisions."'
Notes: TRIBES
1. Wombya
2. Chingalee
3. Inchalachee
4. Warkya
5. Yookala
6. Karrawar
7. Wonyee
8. Yangarilla
9. Yanyular
10. Willangan
11. Binbingha
12. Yuggamurra
13. Yungmanni
14. Koodangie
15. Koorangie
16. Mudburra
17. Tooinbol
18. Geelowng
19. Oolwunga
20. Wartaman
21. Hallurra
22. Nigena
23. Keha
24. Lunga
25. Mayoo
26. Meening
27. Jarroo
28. Munga
29. Ulperra
30. Illyowra
31. Warramonga
32. Kaitish
33. Wolpirra

LOCATIONS MENTIONED
1. Creswell Creek, NT
2. Burnett Creek, NT
3. Corella Downs, NT
4. Eva Downs, NT
5. Beetalo Downs, NT
6. Walhollow Downs, NT
7. Gregory River
8. Georgina River
9. Camooweal
10. Lake Sylvester
11. Gulf of Carpentaria
12. Calvert River
13. Nicholson River
14. Roper River
15. McArthur River
16. Upper Victoria River
17. Lower Victoria River
18. Ord River
19. Fitzroy River
20. Margaret River
21. Sturt Creek
22. Tennants Creek
23. Alice Springs
24. Adelaide
25. Port Darwin

INFORMANTS
Not applicable.

CORRESPONDENTS
Not applicable.

ILLUSTRATIONS
1. Map.

REFERENCE TO OWN WORK
1. Refers to having already described the particulars of intermarrying divisions of Koorangie, Mudburra and Tooinbol tribes (498).
2. Refers to having already described the particulars of the eight sections of Geelowng, Oolwunga, Wartaman and Hallurra tribes (498).
3. Refers to having already described the particulars of the eight sections of Nigena, Keha, Lunga and Mayoo tribes (498).
4. Refers to having already described the particulars of intermarrying divisions and the names of sections of Ulperra, Illyowra, Warramonga, Kaitish and Wolpirra tribes (499).

CROSS-REFERENCES
On p. 102 of 'Marriage and Descent in the Arranda Tribe, Central Australia' Mathews retracted views expressed in this article. In 'The Wombya Organization of the Australian Aborigines' (1900) he reported on the totems in areas of Sturt creek and adjacent country in the Northern Territory and Western Australia. The information was supplied by Mr Stretch, Mr Wilson and other residents. He now concludes 'that the totems are not definitely attached to the pairs of sections mentioned in my paper, nor yet to the quartettes of sections, but are dispersed through the tribal territory.' Repeats his opinion that the totem is determined by the locality where the mother became aware she was pregnant.

In ‘Ethnological Notes on the Aboriginal Tribes of Queensland’ (1905) Mathews amended the table on page 498 of this article.

RELATED PUBLICATIONS
'Divisions of Australian tribes' (1898)
‘Divisions of Some West Australian Tribes’ (1900)
 

 

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Reference Type: Journal Article
Record Number: 190
Author: Mathews, R. H.
Year: 1900
Title: Divisions of Some West Australian Tribes
Journal: American Anthropologist
Volume: 2 (new series)
Pages: 185-87
Keywords: Kinship and marriage


Abstract: This is a brief report concerning the eight-section kinship and marriage system that Mathews had previously called the 'Wombya Organisation'. In earlier articles Mathews had stated that this form of social organisation was operative through much of the Northern Territory and part of Queensland. He is now convinced that it also exists 'among some large and important tribes in West Australia.' These include the communities around the Ord, Denham, King, Forrest and other rivers, and the country drained by Stirling Creek, Sturt Creek, Margaret River and sections of the Fitzroy River. In a table he states the eight section names and indicates which sections are permitted to intermarry. In 'Sociology of some Australian Tribes' (1905) Mathews modified his view that the Australian moieties are exogamous. He requested that '[i]n any of my previous articles…in which it may be stated that an aboriginal community comprises "two exogamous divisions," the reader is requested to substitute "two principal divisions."'
Notes: TRIBES
1. Lunga
2. Keha
3. Perrakee
4. Mayu
5. Goonien
6. Nigena
7. Booneba
8. Jarrou
9. Wolmaharry

LOCATIONS MENTIONED
1. Cambridge Gulf
2. Ord River
3. Dehham River
4. King River
5. Forrest River
6. Stirling Creek
7. Sturt Creek
8. Margaret River
9. Fitzroy River
10. Minnie Pool

INFORMANTS
Not applicable.

CORRESPONDENTS
Not applicable.

ILLUSTRATIONS
Not applicable.

REFERENCE TO OWN WORK
1. 'Divisions of Australian Tribes', Am. Phil. Soc, vol 37, pp. 131-54 [sic]. Actually 151-54.

RELATED PUBLICATIONS
‘Divisions of Australian Tribes’ (1898)
‘The Wombya Organization of the Australian Aborigines’ (1900)
 

 

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Reference Type: Journal Article**
Record Number: 68
Author: Mathews, R. H.
Year: 1900-01
Title: Ethnological Notes on the Aboriginal Tribes of the Northern Territory
Journal: Queensland Geographical Journal
Volume: 16
Pages: 69-90
Keywords: Cannibalism
Ceremonies - initiation
Circumcision
Kinship and marriage
Language elicitation
Rock art
Subincision
Technology - implements/tools


Abstract: Like many of the Mathews articles titled 'Ethnological Notes…', this is a mixed bag of ethnographic data. Referring to a succession of six tables, Mathews firstly describes kinship and marriage organisation in various parts of the Northern Territory. He then describes initiatory customs including circumcision, subincision […]. There are also descriptions of hunting, fishing, food gathering and notes concerning aspects of material culture including waterbags, containers, rock paintings, rock carvings and burial customs. In addition, Mathews remarks on shamanism and cannibalism. The data were not collected personally, but supplied to him by 'friends who have resided in that part of the country'. He also cites the work of various other writers including W. E. Roth and Spencer and Gillen. The article includes a 210 word vocabulary of the language of the Chingalee tribe. There is also an appendix titled 'Aboriginal Rock Carvings' which describes rock art around the Burnett River, Queensland, one of which was cut from the rock by a resident and sent to Mathews. In 'Ethnological Notes on the Aboriginal Tribes of Western Australia' (1903-04) Mathews made a minor correction to page 70 of this article. In 'Ethnological Notes on the Aboriginal Tribes of Queensland' (1905) Mathews made alterations to Table 1 of this article. In 'Sociology of some Australian Tribes' (1905) Mathews modified his view that the Australian moieties are exogamous. He requested that '[i]n any of my previous articles…in which it may be stated that an aboriginal community comprises "two exogamous divisions," the reader is requested to substitute "two principal divisions."' In 'Vocabulary of the Ngarrugu Tribe N. S. W.' (1908) Mathews acknowledges there were 'some clerical errors' in the table given on page 73 of his article 'Australian Divisional Systems' (1898). The correct table appears on page 74 of this paper.
Notes: TRIBES
1. Chingalee
2. Mayoo
3. Jeelowng
4. Neening
5. Jaroo
6. Munga
7. Moodburra
8. Kangarraga
9. Cheeal
10. Tewinbol
11. Bilyanarra
12. Wartaman
13. Oolawunga
14. Muttangulla
15. Kwaranjee
16. Koodanjee
17. Wanyee
18. Kurrawar
19. Yookala
20. Warramonga
21. Yorrawinga
22. Yoolanlanya
23. Yanindo
24. Arrinda
25. Andigarina
26. Loorudgie

LOCATIONS MENTIONED
1. MacDonnell Ranges
2. Alice Springs
3. Finke River
4. Davenport Range
5. Macumba River
6. Daly Waters
7. Powells Creek
8. Elsey Creek
9. Negri River
10. Behm River
11. Sturts Creek
12. Stirling Creek
13. Sturt Creek
14. Victoria River
15. Ord River
16. Fitzmaurice River
17. Flora River
18. Newcastle Waters
19. Upper Roper River
20. Katherine River
21. Goyder River
22. Gulf of Carpentaria
23. Rankine River
24. Georgina River
25. Elkedra
26. Alroy Downs
27. Tennants Creek
28. Upper Georgina River
29. Woodroffe River
30. Field River
31. Hay River
32. Port Darwin
33. Liverpool River
34. Lake Amadeus
35. Roper River
36. Gordon Creek
37. Jasper Creek
38. Valley of Springs Station
39. Limmen River
40. Mount Thomas
41. Mount John
42. Mount Charles
43. Mount David
44. Birdum Creek
45. Delamere
46. Gregory Creek
47. Wickham River
48. Auvergne on the Baines
49. Camfield Creek
50. Playford Creek
51. Cresswell Creek
52. Calvert River
53. McArthur River
54. Hodgson River
55. Strangways River
56. Burnett River
57. Parish of South Kolan
58. County of Cook
59. Pine Creek

INFORMANTS
1. 'friends who have resided in that part of the country' (69).
2. Mr. Michael Costello (82).
3. 'a friend' (90).

ILLUSTRATIONS
Nil.

REFERENCE TO OWN WORK
1. States that he is 'now engaged in obtaining particulars of the tongues spoken in different parts of the Northern Territory, which I hope to submit to this Society on an early date' (69).
2. Refers to having described 'the social organisation of all the different communities' of South Australia (75).
3. States that he contributed in 1894 an article to this journal on 'Aboriginal Rock Pictures of Australia' (90).

CROSS-REFERENCES
In ‘Ethnological Notes on the Aboriginal Tribes of Western Australia’ (1903-04) Mathews makes the following correction to the fouth line from the bottom of page 70: 'after the word "Nambitijana," add "or Chapota and Nemira, or Changary and Nhermana." These words were inadvertently omitted.'
In ‘Ethnological Notes on the Aboriginal Tribes of Queensland’ (1905) Mathews made alterations to Table 1 of this article.
In 'Vocabulary of the Ngarrugu Tribe N. S. W.' (1908) Mathews acknowledges there were 'some clerical errors' in the table given on page 73 of the article 'Australian Divisional Systems' (1898). The correct table appears on page 74 of this paper.

RELATED PUBLICATIONS
'Some Rock Pictures and Ceremonial Stones of the Australian Aborigines' (1910) repeated description of Burnett River carvings and their partial removal.
 

   

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