in the shape of some bird, beast, fish, reptile, insect, or
substance. Between individuals of the same tribe no marriage can
take place." Among the Narrinyeri kindred is reckoned (p. 10) on
the father's side. See also (p. 46) ngaitge = Samoan aitu. "No
man or woman will kill their ngaitge," except with precautions, for
food.

[2] Op. cit., p. 28.

[3] Ibid., ii. 220.


Our conclusion is that the belief in "one flesh" (a kinship shared
with the animals) must be a thoroughly binding idea, as the notion
is sanctioned by capital punishment.

Another important feature in Australian totemism strengthens our
position. The idea of the animal kinship must be an ancient one in
the race, because the family surname, Emu, Bandicoot, or what not,
and the crest, kobong, or protecting and kindred animal, are
inherited through the mother's side in the majority of stocks.
This custom, therefore, belongs to that early period of human
society in which the woman is the permanent and recognised factor
in the family while male parentage is uncertain.[1] One other
feature of Australian totemism must be mentioned before we leave
the subject. There is some evidence that in certain tribes the
wingong or totem of each man is indicated by a tattooed
representation of it upon his flesh. The natives are very
licentious, but men would shrink from an amour with a woman who
neither belonged to their own district nor spoke their language,