If I recall correctly, native american societies were somewhat the same way. If someone needed or wanted something a tribe-mate had, or another tribe had for that matter, they just took it. Not much of a private property ethic in those days, more of a share and share alike mentality with frequent potlatches. In the absence of government assistance programs, the impulse to share with one's neighbors is admirable; unfortunately, it has devolved into the entitlement mentality not only towards government largesse, but also toward other people's property. Certainly not compatible with concepts of private property, as you point out.
