Aboriginal First Contact
First Contact
1. The Traditional life of Aboriginal People pre-European Contact
Aboriginal life can be divided in 12 main categories:
1. KINSHIP
Aboriginal beliefs state that all Aborigines are related through the dreaming. Relationships between all Aborigines are sacred and respected. Each member of the family has a definite role (eg the Mother’s Brother prepares the boy for initiation).
Men aren’t allowed to speak to their mother-in-law and the childs education revolves around understanding these complex relationships. Everybody is accepted in society unless they break these laws.
2. THE LAND
Ancestors from the dreaming formed the land, hence Aborigines must respect it. Stars represent resting places for their ancestors, and the black streak in the Milky way is a resting place for a serpent-like ancestor. The Land is alive because the ancestors live in it.
3. OWNERSHIP
If one owns the land, they must take care of it. Land is a source of resources, but it is also the home of ancestors. An aboriginals share of the land is called their “Country”. If an aborigine travels in another persons country, and breaks their law, they are subject to severe punishment. Aborigines are intimately associated with their country.
4. ART
Art represents the aboriginal religion. It represents beliefs about the nature of the land, creation, and the universe. Exceptionally old paintings are said to belong to Ancestors. It represents dreamings and totems.
5. STORIES
Stories are passed orally between generations, hence vary in their versions. They are used to explain the more difficult questions in life, and these answers are accepted – no one challenges them. They are used to recall the activities of the Dreaming Ancestors.
6. SONGS
During rituals, songs are sung to recall the journeys of Ancestors. Respect is given to people who can dance and sing. Tribes own particular songs that are associated with their own.
7. SACRED OBJECTS
Incised stones and carved boards are used to reinforce teachings. They are heavily guarded and are highly valued by their owners.
8. CEREMONIES
Ceremonies are used to celebrate an event (eg initiation). They are formed either for enjoyment, or for the general wellbeing of a community. They can only be attended by initiated Aborigines.
9. INITIATION
Initiation is the most important aspect of ones life. It symbolises the transition from childhood into manhood. The boy is secluded from the group when certain rituals are performed. Initiation concludes an intensive education program.
10. DEATH AND BURIAL
After death, the spirit returns to the Dreaming place in which it came from. Aboriginals fear dead people, and restrain from mentioning them. People must be buried in their own country. People are cremated, mummified, or buried facing the sun.
11. COSMIC BALANCE RITES
Aboriginals hunt with awareness that they have to preserve the food source to ensure continuity. To ensure this preservation, they perform rites to ensure that the dreaming spirits preserve the [next page]