Tribes with two classes and male descent Kulin tribes

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Transcription - Page 2

SALE, VICTORIA,
188.

DEAR SIR,

Can you favor me with replies to the following
questions relating to the customs of the Australian
Aborigines?

(1.) Do the blacks in your neighbourhood
produce raised scars on parts of their bodies?

(2.) If so, please to describe the kind of scars
and the parts of the body upon which they are
situated

(3.) Is any meaning attached to these scars as
marks indicating the tribe, or the tribal subdivision to
which the wearer of them belongs?

(4.) Are any of the marks which are made
upon the skin-side of rugs the mark or "brand"
of the person making them. That is say, in other
words, has each man or has each family a peculiar
mark?

I am, Dear Sir,
Yours very truly,
A. W. HOWITT.

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Document Details

Date
Letter From
Letter To
Author Howitt, Mr Alfred William
Country Australia
Colony/State
Holding Institution Museums Victoria
Collection Name Alfred W. Howitt Collection
Registration Number XM 622
Medium Notes
Region
Locality
Summary Discussion of the two class system, and marriage and customs of the groups 'to which I have given the name of Kulin nation'. Description of Kulin classes - Bunjil and Waang. A.W. Howitt identifies Berak (Barak) as one of his informants. These pages are drafts for parts A.W. Howitt's 'Native Tribes of South-East Australia', 1904 Chapter V, Marriage Rules, pp.252-255.
Physical Description Draft notes, typed, undated. Four sheets, four pages. Handwritten annotations and corrections throughout. Condition: light foxing.