As anthropologists we have often been confused by the use of the indigenous terms bardi and witchetty used to describe edible grubs in Australia. These terms are often used interchangeably to the point where bardi becomes defined as a witjuti grub and vice versa. How confusing is that?
The mythology associated with the owl and the supernatural powers that have been attributed to this iconic bird of the night, and in some cases still to this day, are highlighted.
To coastal and island Australian Aboriginal people the shark has long symbolized bravery, fearlessness and uncanny powers. Large sharks were perceived in mythology as the spirits of creation and destruction and were revered and feared.
An explanation of how one of the oldest cultures in the world used modified earth to stave off the pangs of hunger…..
Mudurup Rocks is one of the last known and surviving indigenous mythological, ceremonial and fishing sites located on the Western Australian metropolitan coast.
Root bark is a little understood bush tucker that was once consumed by the indigenous Nyoongar people of inland southwestern Australia.1 The bark was collected to extract nutritious plant sugars found in the inner bark and vascular cambium of the roots of certain species of Eucalyptus trees. The living inner bark and vascular tissue forms … Continued
THE JILTED SUITOR’S REVENGE The villagers looked up as they heard the frenetic shrieks and screams of a young woman running down the main street tripping over her sarong as she tried to take it off. Getting back onto her feet she pulled off her blouse exposing her naked breasts. She then ran on, screaming and laughing hysterically … Continued
The traditional Noongar people of south-western Australia developed over many thousands of years an effective means of detoxifying and enhancing the nutrient food value of the bright red outer seedcoat of the toxic Macrozamia plant.
‘Aboriginal culture and tradition is inseparable from the land. When land and its natural features are destroyed, a large part of Aboriginal history and culture is destroyed. The reality is that not only are Aboriginal people losing their physical space but they are losing the physical manifestations of their history, culture and identity – and … Continued
A Western Australian desert Shaman performing traditional healing massage.