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As one of the world’s most primitive races, the Aboriginal Australian Culture is composite and diverse in nature. This culture has a long historical background that goes to some 150,000 years back when more than 500 different clan groups or 'nations' existed in the continent.
The Latin word ‘Aborigine’ means ‘original inhabitants’. Aborigines consist of the native Australians, who migrated from places in Asia at least 30,000 years back. . Till date, there are about 400,000 aborigines living on the Australian land.
The different clans which comprise Aboriginal Australian Culture shared diverse heritage and beliefs, customs, dialects, languages, rituals, art forms, painting styles, food and hunting habits. All these together contribute towards the gradual growth and development of a multifarious aboriginal culture down the ages.
Prior to the arrival of the Europeans in Australia, Aboriginal Australian Culture was highly distinct and exclusive, having several common features. Most of the tribes were partly nomadic hunters and gatherers, earning their living from the particular areas where they resided. People belonging to the Aboriginal Australian Culture established a peculiar affinity with the surrounding nature which was a part of their spiritual life. This is the secret behind their survival for millions of years.
The Aboriginal Australian Culture was basically a primitive one. The tools used by these tribes varied according to location and groups. Mainly, axe-heads, spears, knives and scrapers were some of the life-saving weapons used during this time.
The language spoke by the tribal people were diverse in nature. There were about 200 to 250 Aboriginal languages that were randomly used by these tribes. The total number of dialects used were as many as 700, making primitive Australia linguistically the most diverse society on earth.
The oral storytelling tradition of the aboriginals' speaks about the vibrant cultural life they led. The tribal songs demonstrate the Dreamtime and other tales of the land. The diagrams drawn in the sand along with their dances go together with the oral tales.
Australia’s Northern Territory bear evidences of aboriginal art in the forms of sculptures, rock paintings, barks, baskets and beadworks. Rock carvings and paintings found in places like Ubirr, Nourlangie and Arnhem Land also speak a lot about their culture. Selling the native artifacts was the means of livelihood for most of the aboriginals.
Aboriginal music had a distinct identity for its most famous instrument - Didgeridoo. It is a five-foot long wind instrument made of bamboo, producing low, vibrating hum. Didgeridoos were extensively used in formal ceremonies such as circumcisions, sunsets and funerals.
The relationship existing between the different clans influenced important social issues like marriage decisions and individual behaviors. The tribes believed that each person has a role to play and something to contribute in all major social decisions taken. Kinship took care of the mutual obligations and was a part of the aboriginal regulations.
Aboriginal Australian Culture is one of the best pre-historic and ancient cultures of the world, which was assorted and exceptional. It a tribal culture of art and storytelling, like other indigenous populations of the world. The culture established a close relationship between man and environment. May be that this culture declined with the European arrival in the continent.
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