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Use of Wood by Indigenous People When Europeans Arrived

Curriculum Links

ACHASSK106: The nature of sources of evidence about ancient Australia and what they reveal about Australia’s ancient past, such as the use of resources.

ACHASSK107: The nature of the sources for ancient Australia and what they reveal about Australia’s past in the ancient period, such as the use of resources.

ACHASSK108: The importance of conserving the remains of the ancient past, including the heritage of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples.

Aboriginal Cultural Standards Framework: Cultural Responsiveness Standard - Staff embed Aboriginal cultural knowledge, such as traditional resource use and trade practices, to demonstrate respect for community values and environmental stewardship.

Cross-Curriculum Priority: Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Histories and Cultures - Students explore pre-contact and contact histories to understand Indigenous innovation and adaptation in material use.

Reading: Use of Wood by Indigenous People When Europeans Arrived

When Europeans arrived in Australia in 1788, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples had already been living on the continent for over 65,000 years. They had developed sophisticated societies using natural materials like stone, wood, bone, and shell to create tools, weapons, and ceremonial objects. Wood, in particular, was a vital resource, essential for survival and cultural practices, especially in forested regions across the continent.

For centuries before European contact, Aboriginal people in areas like Arnhem Land skillfully selected different types of wood for specific purposes. Hardwoods like eucalyptus were used to craft boomerangs, spears, shields, and woomeras (spear-throwers). Bark from trees was carefully removed to make canoes, containers, and shelters, leaving distinctive scarred trees that can still be seen today. These scarred trees are evidence of sustainable practices, as the trees often survived and healed. Imagine the skill required to shape a dugout canoe from a single log, using fire and stone tools to hollow it out!

Indigenous artisans expertly adapted wood for musical instruments like didgeridoos, made from termite-hollowed eucalyptus branches, and incorporated it into cultural practices, blending practical uses with traditional knowledge. Stories and songs from this era reflect the importance of wood in daily life, highlighting themes of innovation and connection to Country.

With the arrival of Europeans, the availability and use of wood changed. Colonists brought new species of trees and used wood extensively for building, often leading to deforestation. Aboriginal people ingeniously adapted their wood use, incorporating new techniques while preserving traditions. For example, in the Kimberley region, wood continued to be used for boomerangs and woomeras, maintaining cultural significance.

However, this period was also challenging. Europeans often restricted access to traditional lands and woods, disrupting practices. Despite this, Indigenous resilience prevailed. They continued to innovate, creating hybrid wooden tools that combined traditional designs with new influences.

Today, artifacts from this time, such as scarred trees and wooden implements, are preserved in museums, telling stories of adaptation and survival. Understanding how Indigenous Australians used wood during early European contact reveals their ingenuity and the complex dynamics of cultural exchange. It also underscores the importance of respecting First Nations' histories in modern Australia.

Spelling Bank

Here are 20 words from the reading for spelling practice (click to hear the word and a longer sentence with context and meaning):

Example Sentences

  1. The word eucalyptus refers to a type of tree native to Australia. In the context of the lesson, eucalyptus wood was used for making didgeridoos and other tools, showcasing the resourcefulness of Indigenous Australians.
  2. The word sophisticated means highly developed and complex. In the lesson, sophisticated societies thrived using wood and other natural materials, highlighting the advanced cultural and social structures of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.
  3. The word Arnhem refers to Arnhem Land, a region in northern Australia. In the reading, Arnhem Land was a place where wood was used for dugout canoes, influenced by trade with visitors from Indonesia long before European arrival.
  4. The word Macassan refers to people from Makassar in Indonesia. In the context, Macassan fishermen shared knowledge about wooden vessels with Aboriginal people, enhancing wood crafting techniques in northern communities.
  5. The word scarred refers to trees with bark removed, leaving marks. In the lesson, scarred trees are evidence of sustainable wood use for canoes and shelters, facilitating cultural practices and environmental stewardship.
Fill in the Blanks (Using words from the reading)
1. Indigenous peoples lived in Australia for over __________ years.
✔✘ Attempts remaining: 2
2. They used wood in areas like __________ Land.
✔✘ Attempts remaining: 2
3. Bark was removed to make __________ or containers.
✔✘ Attempts remaining: 2
4. Wood was used for boomerangs, spears, and __________.
✔✘ Attempts remaining: 2
5. Indigenous __________ crafted didgeridoos from wood.
✔✘ Attempts remaining: 2
6. In the __________ region, wood was used for boomerangs.
✔✘ Attempts remaining: 2
7. Indigenous __________ prevailed despite challenges.
✔✘ Attempts remaining: 2
Multiple Choice Questions
1. When did Europeans arrive in Australia?
Attempts remaining: 2
2. What materials did Indigenous people use including wood?
Attempts remaining: 2
3. Where was wood use for canoes prominent?
Attempts remaining: 2
4. What was bark used for?
Attempts remaining: 2
5. What did colonists affect regarding wood?
Attempts remaining: 2
6. What were hybrid wooden tools?
Attempts remaining: 2
7. What do artifacts reveal?
Attempts remaining: 2
Correct: 0
Wrong: 0
Resit test to get 100%

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