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Australia Aboriginal Culture |
 Far from being one homogenous race, at the time of European settlement in the 18th century, the estimated 750,000 Aborigines in Australia had atleast 300 different languages and a wide variety of lifestyles, depending on where they lived. For thousands of years Aborigines were hunters leading a nomadic life. The extent of their wandering differed from region to region depending on the supply available in that area. This way of life finally ended when English settlers claimed vast tracts of land, but other aspects of their culture still survive.
In Aboriginal community senior members are still held in great respect, and are responsible for maintaining laws and meeting out punishments to those who break them. Such rituals are part of the Aboriginal belief system called 'Dreamtime'.
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Aboriginal songs tell stories of Dreamtime ancestors and are intrinsically linked to the worship of spirits - the words of the songs are often incomprehensible due to the secrecy of many ancestral stories. Simple instruments accompany the songs, including the didgeridoo, a 1m long wind instrument with a deep sound. Aborigines also use dance as a means of communicating with their ancestors.
The revival of Aboriginal art was at the forefront of seeing Aboriginal culture is a more positive light by the Australians. Aboriginal artists such as Emily Kame Kngwarreye combine traditional materials such as bark and ochre with acrylics and canvas, while telling Dreamtime stories in a modern idiom. |
Many Aborigines have now moved away from their traditional lifestyle and live within the modern cities but continue to remain distinctly Aboriginal. The growing awareness of the Aboriginal culture and tradition is gradually leading to a more harmonious coexistence between them and the Australian residents. |
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