Pillars of Aboriginal Society
Law
The system of rules which a particular country or community recognises as regulating the actions of its members and which it may enforce by the imposition of penalties.
Lore
Lore is a system of traditions and knowledge on a subject held by particular groups, typically passed from person to person by way of mouth. Lore is often the politeness that keeps society running smoothly.
Language
Language is the method of human communication, both spoken and written and including body language, consisting of words and movements that are use to communicate. Aboriginal people often had very complex nonverbal languages.
Land
Land refers to the parcel of land an Aboriginal person has cultural and historical ties to. Aboriginal People refer to themselves as custodians of land rather than owners in European Sense. Custodians may also be referred to as traditional owners.
Kin
The kinship system consists of prescribed relationships between people, animals, plants, and spiritual beings. In some Aboriginal cultures, kinship may include the stars and planets as well. Through this system, each person knows who they are related to, how they are related and what is expected of the socially.
Reciprocity
Reciprocity is the practice of exchanging things with others for mutual benefits. Reciprocity is the underpinning economy of aboriginal society. People share in culturally determined ways dictated by aboriginal law. The practice of reciprocity underpinned the economic system for the cultures.
