Using the very latest archaeological evidence from stones and bones and also Aboriginal oral traditions, this volume examines the way in which the Aborigines adapted to and modified their environment, how their art and culture developed and were passed on, and how they coped with changes such as the rising seas after the last ice age.
Take a journey into the fascinating world of Australia's Aboriginal culture with this unique collection of 33 authentic, unaltered stories brought to you by three Aboriginal storyteller custodians! Unlike other compilations of tales that were modified and published without permission from the Aboriginal people, these stories are now presented with approval from Aboriginal elders in an effort to help foster a better understanding of the history and culture of the Aboriginal people. Gadi Mirrabooka, which means below the Southern Cross, introduces wonderful tales from the Dreamtime, the mystical period of Aboriginal beginning. Through these stories you can learn about customs and values, animal psychology, hunting and gathering skills, cultural norms, moral behavior, the spiritual belief system, survival skills, and food resources. A distinctive and absolutely compelling story collection, this book is an immensely valuable treasure for educators, parents, children, and adult readers. Grades K-A
Titles outside Australia; People of the Dream-time & the Australian Aborigines; General pictorial survey of Aboriginal life; explanation of Dreamtime concept, summary of evidence on prehistory & origin of Aborigines, brief description of hunter-gatherer existence, division of labour, clan system, medicine men, ritual combat; p.73-82; Art of the rock faces; photographs of paintings & method of painting (grinding pigments, brushes) from El Sherana, Yuendumu (Cave of the Rainbow Serpent), engravings in western New South Wales, paintings - Groote Eylandt, Chasm Is., Wessel Is., ; Kimberleys (Wandjina figure), Noarlangie (X-ray art), petroglyphs from Sydney region, rock shelter paintings (Cooktown); brief history of changes resulting from white contact (clashes over use of land, casual employment, discrimination), survey of official attitudes from Dampier to 1967 referendum, criticism of past policies also applied to present situation (lack of consultation, lack of adequate financial assistance, discrimination, institutionists), education seen as aid to future development; extensive illustrations (colour & black/white) of sub-racial physical types, rock engravings, ritual objects, stone implements, burials (Tiboobura), mens and womens implements, camp life, ceremonial body painting, Elcho & Melville Is. grave posts, stone arrangements, fringe dwellings employment, education, health services.