Aboriginal Frontiers And Boundaries In Australia

by Davis, S. L.; Prescott, J. R. V.

• ISBN13: 9780522844832
• ISBN10: 0522844839
• Format: Paperback
• Copyright: 1988-08-31
• Publisher: Melbourne University Press

Summary

Study exploring the nature and existence of Aboriginal frontiers and boundaries and explaining how traditional Aboriginal communities lived within territories defined by complex ritual cycles of song, dance, symbol and ceremony. The authors, both acknowledged experts in their field, also examine the contemporary implications of Aboriginal boundaries and use four detailed case studies to challenge many previously held assumptions. Contains a glossary, detailed references and an index.

Author Biography

Dr Stephen Davis was a consultant on Aboriginal affairs, and has made a special study of Aboriginal boundaries.

Professor Victor Prescott is an international authority on frontiers and the author of seven studies on national boundaries

Table of Contents

Preface
Acknowledgements
Territorial Limits of Aboriginal Peoples	p. 1
Limits of Aboriginal Territories in other Continents	p. 3
Cartographic Evidence for the Existence of Aboriginal Boundaries	p. 16
Study of Boundaries in Political Geography	p. 20
Research Methods	p. 25
Plan of the Book	p. 26
Tropical Coast	p. 28
Environment	p. 30
Seasonal Use of Resources	p. 33
The People	p. 35
Non Aboriginal Contact	p. 37
Clan Territories	p. 38
Evolution of Boundaries	p. 44
Boundary Definition of Territories	p. 45
Changes in Boundary Location	p. 50
Succession to Territory	p. 51
Rights of Access and Permission	p. 53
Conclusion	p. 58
Southwest Arnhem Land	p. 60
Environment	p. 61
Exploration and Non-Aboriginal Settlement	p. 64
Claims and Elaboration	p. 70
Boundaries in the Modern Period	p. 78
Conclusion	p. 79
Central Australia	p. 83
Environment	p. 84
Exploration and Pastoral Settlement	p. 86
Effects Upon Territoriality	p. 94
Movement North of the Amadeus Frontier	p. 95
Boundaries of the Watarrka Sub-Territory	p. 99
Traditional Proofs of Territorial Rights	p. 102
The Luritja Frontier	p. 109
Conclusion	p. 113
Torres Strait	p. 114
Environment	p. 114
European Contact and Exploration	p. 115
Maluigal Territory	p. 119
Clan Boundaries	p. 124
Territorial Rights	p. 127
Conclusion	p. 129
Conclusions	p. 131
Traditional Aboriginal Boundaries	p. 131
Administrative Aboriginal Boundaries	p. 135
Aboriginal Boundaries in the 1990s	p. 142
Glossary of Aboriginal Words	p. 148
References	p. 149
Index	p. 159
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