How is a person’s moiety determined?

A person’s moiety is determined by their lineage, specifically through their mother’s or father’s side. Moiety is a foundational concept in many Indigenous Australian cultures, dividing people into two distinct social groups. This division is often based on patrilineal (father's side) or matrilineal (mother's side) descent, which helps maintain social structures, kinship ties, and cultural identity within the community.

Understanding moiety is essential within the framework of Indigenous cultural practices, as it influences marriage arrangements, responsibilities, and social interactions. The concept underscores the significance of ancestry in defining one’s social position and responsibilities within the community, distinguishing it from other options that do not relate directly to familial lineage. Age, personal achievements, or geographical location do not determine a person's moiety, emphasizing the cultural emphasis placed on heritage and ancestry in these societies.