A Study Of Totemism's Functions In Australian Aboriginal Traditional Society

Totemism is the complex of ideas and practices based on the belief in kinship or mystical relationship between a group (or individual) and a natural object, such as an animal or plant. Australian Aborigines are the most primitive human races that we can observe in modern times and the Continent is called the classical terrain of totem worship. The target of the study includes the early Australian Aboriginal people and the modern ones living in traditional way. The study has a highly cognitive value for original civilization of human being.With methodology of induction and case study, the thesis studies totemism's functions in three aspects. First, it analyzes totemism's function in social control. Totemism is the earliest social organization system, which has three functions, namely, identifying different groups, maintaining social organization, and keeping peace and stability between different tribes. Totemism is also the legal system of Aboriginal people. It has the function of warning and protection, function of punishment, and the function of reconciliation and mediation.Then, it explains totemism is the primitive religion of Aboriginal people, and its social and psychological functions, which are teaching, morality, mental consolation, and social identity.Last, it analyzes the relationship between totemism and exogamy, and the three functions of exogamy. Exogamy prevents the ill effects of inbreeding and promotes evolution of human race. It also eliminates the tension caused by sexual rivalries and promotes social solidarity within a clan. Furthermore it serves as a social bond. Totemism is the behaving criterion of Australian Aboriginal people, which impenetrate almost every aspect of their life. The study of its function helps to know the original civilization of Aboriginal people and how totemism assists in maintaining their normal life.