Direito e simbolismo: a propriedade nos povos primitivos

Abstract

The present study intends to discuss the existence of a concept of property among primitive people and, if there is one, to present its key points. Initially, the aspects that characterize a people as primitive were discussed, focusing on psychological aspects. Then, primitive people’s social organization was examined, when it was tried to address the most important institutes, with the aim of making clear to the reader the context in which primitive people have lived; among these institutes, there were family, marriage, succession, magic, religion and totemism. Finally, comes the study’s main point, that is the property’s issue; in the last chapter, the discussion was focused on the facts that characterize the existence of property among primitive people, and, from these facts, the relations between property and social organization were addressed, finishing the study with a theoretical foundation of the reasons that led to believe in the existence of this kind of property. Thus it is possible to conclude that primitive people have their own concept of property, but it is suitable for their reality.