[Note: this transcription was produced by an automatic OCR engine]

7

through other and distinct methodologies, this not only con.firrns the results, but also assigns
some validity to the method developed here and encourages further investigation.

This methodology is largely non-interpretative, and in this sense diflers from current
anthropological approaches influenced by cultural studies and their interpretative and symbolic
styles. It begins with a simple statistical test investigating the relationship between coordinates
in space and structural variations of the section terminology. The results are descriptions of
numerical correlations, not accounts or interpretations of Indigenous discourses as such. Once
these necessary and rather formal first tests are overcome, analysis proceeds into less certain
and more hypothetical and discursive terrains. If there are logical correlates within section
system diffusion, they must be tied to actual ethnographic material through particular case
studies, and to the social and historical background in which diffusion is embedded. The
second part of this study, starting with chapter IV, The spatial distribution of logical systems,
is therefore of a diflerent nature. It proposes scenarios and interprets pragmatic situations,
leaving room for discussion, verification and falsification.

As well as investigating the history of some of the social structures in use in the Western
Desert, I believe this study meticulously demonstrates two important facts that are crucial
in the contemporary political situation. The first is that continuity and change are not
contradictory aspects of social structure. The second underlines the coexistence of diversity
and similarity within the cultural bloc. The pattern of sections’ diffusion demonstrates the
existence of vast social networks that criss—cross the Western Desert. These networks are
based on local identities, in which particular groups do or can distinguish themselves from
other groups through, for example, their particular section system. However, these networks
also demonstrate that a pan-regional identification and understanding is a necessary condition
for the maintenance of these vast social exchange systems. The local and global aspects
of social organisation are not contradictory elements, but are integrated within a complex
understanding of social process and interaction. Moreover, while the diffusion of section
systems demonstrates a social capacity for change, it also relies on the continuity of the social
networks that carry them. Continuity and change, local diversity and global similitude, are not
contradictory aspects of social reality and process, but mutually structuring and interdependent
principles.

While the original hypothesis and preliminary investigations were formulated and
undertaken some years ago, it is only since 2000 that the project has approached completion.
This has been made possible by my position as a postdoctoral research fellow at The University
of Western Australia, and, since the beginning of 2002, by an ARC postdoctoral fellowship.
Financial assistance is indispensable, and I am more than grateful to all those who have directly
or indirectly supported my applications. Input and criticisms from, or conversations with,
scholars are a condition for persevering with projects about whose purpose one needs every
now and then to be convinced. Bob Tonkinson, Patrick McConvell and Maurice Godelier were
among the first to read early drafls, Their help and comments, and sometimes strong criticisms,
are immensely appreciated. Not always didl follow their advice, however—which is probably
responsible for any gaps and misconceptions in this study. Years ago, Will Christensen kindly