Paper short abstract:

I examine Peterson’s insightful observation of the relationship between ecology and cultural blocs as it applies to the Riverine area of south eastern Australia, demonstrating how social and local relatedness are written on to the rivers and creeks, giving rise to distinctive cultural practices.

Paper long abstract:

When Nic Peterson proposed the relationship between ecology and cultural patterns three decades ago, he did so with a broad brush. Yet my historical and contemporary ethnography points to its applicability at a micro level as well. The Riverine region, identified as one of these cultural blocs, is constituted by many localised groupings and 'divisions' which support and give greater value to his thesis. Indeed, it is argued that cultural discriminations are inextricably linked with ecological distinctions and that, in the Riverine, water flows play a large part in these. I will argue that these waterways are kinship written on the land and propose an explanatory for both the distinctiveness of totemic matrimoieties as well as the curious absence of patriclans in the Riverine.