Hunter‐Gatherer Territoriality: The Perspective from Australia¹

Abstract

The question of whether Australian hunter‐gatherer territoriality is natural or conventional is considered. The definition and function of territorial behavior is discussed and its consequences for population control emphasized. A functional analogy is drawn between Aboriginal greeting ceremonies and non‐human boundary maintenance, and it is concluded that even without an innate component in territorial aggression, spacing is basic to Aboriginal society survival and therefore of biological significance.