Final answer:
The land of Canaan was distributed among the tribes by the practice of casting lots, a method also reflected in some indigenous societies' communal land practices, differing greatly from later policies like the Dawes Severalty Act that enforced individual land ownership.
Step-by-step explanation:
The land of Canaan was parceled out to each tribe by the ancient practice of casting lots, which was a common method used in various societies to divide land among people or groups. This practice is mentioned in the Bible, specifically in the Book of Joshua, where the land is distributed among the twelve tribes of Israel after they entered Canaan following their Exodus from Egypt. The distribution of land using lots is an important element in understanding the historical context of property rights and land ownership in ancient times, which evolved significantly over centuries.
In many indigenous societies, including those in Africa and pre-colonization America, the concept of land as communal property and its allocation based on usufruct rights or family trust was prevalent. People had rights to use the land but not to own it outright or sell it. Newcomers would often request parcels to farm from local leaders, and such rights were typically passed down through the family bloodline. This differs from the assimilative policies enforced by laws like the Dawes Severalty Act, which altered native land ownership to individual allotments, a significant departure from communal land practices.