Method in the Study of Totemism

In this thought‑provoking study the author tackles the puzzle of totemism, asking whether the practice can be defined at all and how scholars might uncover its “normal” form. By focusing on two features that appear universally—totemic names that mark clan identity and the exogamous marriage rules that bind those groups—the work builds a logical framework for comparing societies across continents. The argument unfolds as a careful dialogue with contemporary critics, especially the challenges raised by H. H. Goldenweizer, whose sharp objections sharpen the author’s own case.

The text explores how apparent deviations, such as clans without totemic names or groups that have dropped exogamy, actually illuminate the underlying pattern rather than disprove it. It also reflects on the limits of historical evidence, acknowledging the difficulty of tracing cultural borrowing and diffusion in societies whose myths reach back to flood legends or Dream‑time narratives. Listeners will appreciate the blend of rigorous analysis and accessible prose that makes a complex anthropological debate feel both lively and relevant.