Visual Categories: An Approach to the Study of Representational Systems 1

Abstract

The graphic representations of the central Australian Walbiri and supplementary comparative data are used to explore the general thesis that categorical analysis can be applied to representational systems. Certain features of the meaning ranges of typical Walbiri elements are examined and compared with those of pictorial elements from other systems. It is suggested that Walbiri tolemic designs, consisting of combinations of these elements, can function to classify tolemic species by dissecting and reassembling them in a manner similar to that described by Lévi‐Strauss for other cultural systems.