Broaden Your Knowledge About Aboriginal Australia!

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The boomerang is a curved wooden tool used for hunting and recreation. The returning boomerang is designed to fly back to the thrower when thrown properly as it works based on aerodynamic principles. Traditionally crafted from the wood of fallen tree branches, it was used for hunting small animals such as ducks and birds. The boomerang is an important tool that was traded between tribes from all across Australia. Boomerangs can be carved or painted with intricate designs to symbolise themselves or the area they come from.

Aboriginal people are the Indigenous peoples of Australia, with a rich cultural history spanning over 65,000 years. They have over 250 diverse languages, traditions, and spiritual beliefs, all closely tied to the land. Many of their languages and the traditions have been lost over the last 150 years due to the colonisation of Australia, mass massacres of tribes and the forced removal of Aboriginal children from their families (also known as the 'Stolen Generation'). Their deep connection to nature, art, and storytelling has been passed down through generations, shaping their unique cultural identity and strengthening their ties to our old people (elders).

The Aboriginal flag is a symbol of the Indigenous Australian people. It consists of three horizontal stripes: black at the top representing the Aboriginal people, yellow in the center symbolizing the sun and its role in life, and red at the bottom representing the earth and the spiritual connection to the land. Designed in 1971 by artist Harold Thomas, the flag is a powerful representation of Indigenous identity and pride.

The Torres Strait Islander flag, created in 1992, represents the cultures of the Torres Strait Islands. It features green (representing the land), blue (symbolizing the sea), and black (representing the people), with a white Dhari (headdress) in the center, symbolizing the Torres Strait Islander people and their connection to the land and sea. The flag is a symbol of pride and identity for the Torres Strait Islander community.

The didgeridoo is a traditional Australian wind instrument made from hollowed out wood branches. This instrument is to be played only by males. It is played by vibrating the lips and using circular breathing, it produces a deep, resonant sound often mimicking animals such as kookaburras and kangaroos. Traditionally used in ceremonies such as a Welcome to Country. Didgeridoos can be painted, carved or just left plain.

Ochre is a natural pigment found in the earth, used  for thousands of years in art, body painting, and ceremonies. It comes in various colours, including reds, yellows, and white, and is made from iron-rich clay. Ochre holds cultural and spiritual significance, often representing connections to land, ancestry, and identity. Certain tribes will use specific colours for certain ceremonies or events and each tribe will paint the ochre on their body in unique techniques, each telling a story and connecting them to the earth physically. 

Aboriginal people used a variety of weapons to help them in battle and to hunt for food.  The spear is made from the wood of baby trees or branches. They are carved down to become smooth to hold and either an arrow head is attached or the wood is carved down to a point. The woomera is a tool used to help throw the spear further distances. When used most effectively  the spear can be throw up to 100m!

A club is made from the wood of thicker branches and trees. They are heavier and are designed to provide maximum damage in short distances. Clubs are used in battle and to attack larger animals. These weapons often are more linear in shape and that is a key difference in appearance from a boomerang.

There are over 250 tribes, they span across the entire country, from the northern to the southern areas including Tasmania. Each tribe has a deep spiritual and cultural connection to its land, with unique customs, ceremonies, and art passed down through generations. Each tribe have their own totems for the land.

Aboriginal totems are animals, plants, or natural elements that hold spiritual significance for Indigenous Australian clans or individuals. A person can have up to 4 totems assigned to them in their lifetime (nation, clan, family & individual). People have the responsibility to care for the land and totems individuals are assigned too. Totems are not to be eaten and in some cases totems are not to be killed. 

NAIDOC Week (National Aboriginal and Islanders Day Observance Committee) is an annual event celebrating the history, culture, and achievements of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. It highlights awareness of Indigenous issues and the contributions of Indigenous communities. It features a range of cultural activities, including art, music, and ceremonies, and provides an opportunity to recognise and honours Indigenous heritage.

Aboriginal art has been used a tool in storytelling and sharing knowledge for thousands of years. The style of using dot heavily was introduced in the early 1970's and the dots are used as way in to conceal the details of the story painted. Not all knowledge is to be shared with everyone in the tribe or community and the symbols and abstract patterns are used to pass down knowledge but in a hidden manner. 

Aboriginal dilly bags are traditional woven bags made from natural fibres such as Lomandra. They are crafted by Aboriginal women and used for carrying food, tools, and personal belongings. Dilly bags often feature intricate patterns and hold cultural significance, representing connection to the land and ancestral traditions. Bags can be plain (brown/yellowish colour) or multi-coloured. Colours are made by dying the fibres using natural resources such as flowers.