6. What was Australia like before Europeans arrived? (Part I)

Full Episode description

Here’s the first of two special episodes on aboriginal Australia! At home in Hong Kong, we visit a cultural exhibition at James’ school, where we find out about an aboriginal-style painting James’ and his group made as a part of their investigation into aboriginal culture. And we hear James play the didgeridoo during his group’s Kangaroo Dance. Then we pop along to see some aboriginal art – in Brisbane, Australia! We meet an aboriginal family who keep traditional culture alive on Queensland’s Gold Coast. Dad and Me are joined by guest presenters, and we fire some fairly random history questions at our aboriginal guests!

Questions for after you’ve listened:

1. What does “Jingerri” mean?
2. What do the colours yellow, red and black symbolise (what do they mean?) in aboriginal art?
3. What did aboriginal people use to make the different coloured paints?
4. Back in history (before Europeans arrived in Australia), what would aboriginal boys and girls do for fun?
5. What could a boomerang be used for?
6. Apart from walking, what type of transport did aboriginal people sometimes use?
7. Does the local aboriginal language have words for all of the numbers 1-10?

Next week, an aboriginal dude gives James a spear and we go hunting for our lunch!

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Podcast cover art by Molly Austin

Music from the Yugambeh Language Group – performed by Luther Cora. Thank you to Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary for hosting us.

Additional music from Dylan, Rita, Connie and James from Clearwater Bay School