Author(s): Alasdair McGregor

Australiana

Two chapters about Aborigines; discusses origins, archaeological sites at Koolan Island and Miriwun, availability of food according to season, huts, clan and moiety systems of social organisation, Kimberley spear points, water craft, contact with Makassans and changes following European pastoral settlements and missions at Kalumburu and Pago; describes Wandjina and Bradshaw rock art, religious significance of Wandjina; exploration of Kimberleys by Grey, surveys by Stokes on the Beagle of coastline and inland by Alexander Forrest; conflict with pastoral expansion and prospecting miners, sanctuary provided at missions; stockwork on cattle stations in semi-feudal conditions provided security until wages legislation forced workers off pastoral stations into towns.