History of the Aborigines of Australia

Australia is one of the last landmasses in the world to be discovered by Europeans, who were in search of new territory to claim, explore, and trade with. A country of mystery, Australia was always appealing to the Europeans, who did not know at the time that indigenous tribes had been living on the land for thousands of years before their discovery. Archaeologists claim that the first humans migrated from Southeast Asia into Australia approximately 70,000 years ago. These humans were larger, and had wider, thicker bones. Approximately 50,000 years ago, a smaller type of human called “Gracile” migrated to Australia.The water levels were much lower then, and so the aboriginal people were able to move and travel to the new land mass much more easily. Vast deserts were formed after the sea levels rose and receded, and the Aborigines settled both in the desert and along the coastline, as well as in Tasmania.

Because of Australia’s rich natural resources of both plants and wildlife, the Aborigines were able to thrive. Roots, fruit, leaves, shellfish, fish, reptiles, and other small animals were all staples of the Aborigine diet. They have very dark skin, hair, and eyes, which have been characteristic of the Aboriginal people for thousands of years.Over 500 tribes of Aborigines have been recorded, including the Bidjandjadjara, Aranda , Gunwinggu, Gurindji, Murngin, Kamilaroi, Tiwi, Wurora, Wailbri, and Yir-yoront tribes, to name a few. The people were nomads, so they moved constantly in groups and families, in search of water and food. The men of the tribe hunted and protected the family, while the women cooked and tended to the children. Aborigines were well-known as traders, and often traded items like stones, shells, weapons, and freshly hunted food.

Until 1788, the Aboriginal tribes of Australia were completely isolated. However, when the English arrived, they were soon discovered and were often forced out of their homes because of the influx of sheep farming. Tribal paintings became commodities for British and other European traders. There was no government, no monetary system, and no land ownership by the Aborigines, so the British took over much of the land, forcing the Aborigines to move. Many people became sick and contracted venereal disease, whooping cough, pneumonia, or tuberculosis. Their rights were stripped away from them until much later in 1967, when the Australian people voted to make them citizens. Today, the remaining Aboriginal tribes are respected, their paintings are considered historical and real art, and they are now afforded the same rights as other Australian people.

For more information about the history of Aborigines in Australia, refer to the following websites:

• History and Culture – This article takes a look at the Aborigines historical past and their culture.
• Changes in Culture – An article discussing how their culture has changed and evolved over time.
• For Students – Easy to understand guide about Aborigines designed for school students.
• Art – While this page features more information about the history, the site also features some Aboriginal artwork.
• Discovered Art – An interesting article about lost artwork as well as new works created by children of Aboriginal backgrounds.
• History of Australia – This page features a timeline of Australia from an aboriginal perspective.
• Fraser Island – The aboriginal history of Fraser Island.
• Aborigines in Australia – An article about how the Aborigines have developed and adapted to life in modern Australia, as well as in the past.
• Religion – Information on how religion played a role in Aboriginal life.
• National History and Heritage – A council developed to remember the heritage of the Aborigines.
• Gender Roles – How women played a part in the Aborigines’ lives.
• Hunting and Weapons – Information about the types of tools and weapons used for hunting.
• Occupation – This article describes where the Aborigines occupied Australia, as well as where they had trade routes.
• Customs and Traditions – Discusses traditions and customs that the Aborigines held close to their hearts.
• More on Culture – Some more information about the native cultures and traditions of the Aboriginal people.
• Clothing – Basic information and photos regarding Aboriginal clothing.
• Traditional Music – You can learn more about the music of the Aborigines and listen to a sample here.
• Instruments & Music – More about instruments and music played by the Aborigines.
• Aboriginal History – An excellent page that explains the Aboriginal history in Australia.