Avoidance Relationships
Relationships that require physical and social distance.
Certain kinship relationships require avoidance - not speaking directly, not looking at each other, maintaining physical distance. These avoidance rules prevent inappropriate intimacy and maintain proper respect.
Some people we must not look at or speak to directly. This is not disrespect but deep respect.
Avoidance relationships create sacred space between certain kin.
Oral Tradition
Written about in
- What Aboriginal tradition says about what to leave unsaid
Certain kin must not be addressed directly, or even looked at. The tradition insists this silence is deep respect rather than coldness — a relationship maintained precisely by the distance kept inside it.