Women, Rites and Sites

Aboriginal women's cultural knowledge

Nonfiction, History, Australia & Oceania
Cover of the book Women, Rites and Sites by Peggy Brock, Allen & Unwin
View on Amazon View on AbeBooks View on Kobo View on B.Depository View on eBay View on Walmart
Author: Peggy Brock ISBN: 9781742697031
Publisher: Allen & Unwin Publication: August 1, 1989
Imprint: Allen & Unwin Language: English
Author: Peggy Brock
ISBN: 9781742697031
Publisher: Allen & Unwin
Publication: August 1, 1989
Imprint: Allen & Unwin
Language: English

This book challenges a number of widespread preconceptions about Aboriginal society and its interaction with the wider non-Aboriginal society. It builds on recent scholarship that has drastically changed the view of Aboriginal women propagated by nineteenth and early twentieth century reports. These reporters unconsciously based their assessments on their knowledge of their own society; they could not conceive of women undertaking autonomous economic activity. These observations were made by men, and some women, imposing their cultural values on Aboriginal society, and dealing primarily with Aboriginal men. They were influenced by the fact that in white society political and religious power was in the hands of men; they shared the common assumption that the female roles of wife and mother carried as little power and authority in Aboriginal society as they did in western society.

This collection of essays, which includes accounts ranging from traditional societies to societies reacting to decades of interaction with non-Aboriginal culture, explores the active role of women in Aboriginal cultural and religious life.

It demonstrates the cultural authority possessed by women; it records the pivotal role of women as repositories of cultural knowledge and in the struggle to maintain or rebuild the means of passing on that knowledge.

Women, Rites & Sites should be read by all people interested in Aboriginal-white relations, in Aboriginal culture and women's studies.

View on Amazon View on AbeBooks View on Kobo View on B.Depository View on eBay View on Walmart

This book challenges a number of widespread preconceptions about Aboriginal society and its interaction with the wider non-Aboriginal society. It builds on recent scholarship that has drastically changed the view of Aboriginal women propagated by nineteenth and early twentieth century reports. These reporters unconsciously based their assessments on their knowledge of their own society; they could not conceive of women undertaking autonomous economic activity. These observations were made by men, and some women, imposing their cultural values on Aboriginal society, and dealing primarily with Aboriginal men. They were influenced by the fact that in white society political and religious power was in the hands of men; they shared the common assumption that the female roles of wife and mother carried as little power and authority in Aboriginal society as they did in western society.

This collection of essays, which includes accounts ranging from traditional societies to societies reacting to decades of interaction with non-Aboriginal culture, explores the active role of women in Aboriginal cultural and religious life.

It demonstrates the cultural authority possessed by women; it records the pivotal role of women as repositories of cultural knowledge and in the struggle to maintain or rebuild the means of passing on that knowledge.

Women, Rites & Sites should be read by all people interested in Aboriginal-white relations, in Aboriginal culture and women's studies.

More books from Allen & Unwin

Cover of the book Moo and Moo and the Little Calf too by Peggy Brock
Cover of the book Little Pip Eats the Colours of the Rainbow by Peggy Brock
Cover of the book Soffritto by Peggy Brock
Cover of the book Headstrong Daughters by Peggy Brock
Cover of the book Mr Wilkinson's Favourite Vegetables: Spring by Peggy Brock
Cover of the book Partners and Crime: The true stories of eight women and their lives with notorious men by Peggy Brock
Cover of the book The Practice of Case Management by Peggy Brock
Cover of the book The Cleo Stories 1: The Necklace and the Present by Peggy Brock
Cover of the book Backyard Bees by Peggy Brock
Cover of the book Access to Excess by Peggy Brock
Cover of the book Life with Rosie by Peggy Brock
Cover of the book The Idea Generator by Peggy Brock
Cover of the book The Siege Scare: Sword Girl Book 4 by Peggy Brock
Cover of the book Zumbo: Desserts by Peggy Brock
Cover of the book The Naughtiest Reindeer at the Zoo by Peggy Brock
We use our own "cookies" and third party cookies to improve services and to see statistical information. By using this website, you agree to our Privacy Policy