History
Australias deserts are hot, dry and formiddable, yet they have been inhabited long before white settlement. Aboriginals have been living in them for over 40,000 years, making them one of the oldest civilisations on earth.
Languages
Before the invasion by Europeans, there were over 250 different languages spoken by different tribes. today only 145 remain.
For a map of the Aboriginal languages of Australia click here.
Fire and Water
Fire and water were virtually essential the aboriginal people. Without water they cannot survive, and neither can their food. Water also could be dangerous. During storms, the water could change the landscape dramatically, meaning these tribes could get lost. In the grassier and more treed areas, the aboriginal used fire to control growth, and to regulate feeding grounds for kangaroos. Australia has often been called ‘The World’s Largest Estate’ because of the careful management that went into keeping the bush and animals alive.
Aboriginal Tribes
A few Aboriginal tribes in and around the Simpson are:
1. The Arrente, who speak the Arrernte language (not a typo!). They traditionally lived around Alice Springs, although all the tribes moved around depending on availability of water and food;
2. The Wangkamana people, who speak Wankamadla. They live in the Simpson desert to the south of mount Isa;
3. The Pitjantjatjara People, who live in the desert around Uluru.
1. The Arrente, who speak the Arrernte language (not a typo!). They traditionally lived around Alice Springs, although all the tribes moved around depending on availability of water and food;
2. The Wangkamana people, who speak Wankamadla. They live in the Simpson desert to the south of mount Isa;
3. The Pitjantjatjara People, who live in the desert around Uluru.
Food
The Australian aboriginals in the deserts lived completely off the land as there was no trading between tribes unless there was a very bountiful harvest. Men hunted large game, birds and fish. They hunted the kangaroo in groups which allowed them to herd the animal, making it easier to catch. Kangaroo, emu, crocodile, goanna and witchetty grubs were among the main foods hunted by the inland tribes. On the coast, berries and fruits were more abundant and fish and shellfish were included in the diet.
They hunted the kangaroo in groups which allowed them to herd the animal, making it easier to catch.
A few of the hunters spread out to herd the animals towards a net. The net was stretched across a clearing in the forest near the animals’ feeding area. Another group hid themselves near the net to catch and kill the game.
The women traditionally had the job of gathering fruits, berries and nuts from bush and scrub.
They hunted the kangaroo in groups which allowed them to herd the animal, making it easier to catch.
A few of the hunters spread out to herd the animals towards a net. The net was stretched across a clearing in the forest near the animals’ feeding area. Another group hid themselves near the net to catch and kill the game.
The women traditionally had the job of gathering fruits, berries and nuts from bush and scrub.
Paintings
Painting was and still is a big part of aboriginal culture; especially dot painting – the use of tiny coloured dots to create a larger image.
This painting symbolises unity between six groups of people. The centre circle is a water hole, and the outside circles are their tribes. (The ‘U’ shapes are people.) Between the centre circle and the other circles are wide lines with foot prints. These symbolise the trails or journeys between the groups and the water hole.
Painting by Jeff Roberts.
This painting symbolises unity between six groups of people. The centre circle is a water hole, and the outside circles are their tribes. (The ‘U’ shapes are people.) Between the centre circle and the other circles are wide lines with foot prints. These symbolise the trails or journeys between the groups and the water hole.
Painting by Jeff Roberts.