Indigenous Australians (Aboriginal) Cultural Overview

Indigenous Australian (Aboriginal) Culture Australian Aboriginal culture varies throughout the continent and people from different regions have different Ancestral Beings, different tools, weapons, basketry and different art styles. Since the arrival of Macassan (Indonesian) on northern Australian shores after 1700 AD, and later European colonisation in 1788, Aboriginal culture has evolved and changed further.

Aboriginal Religion Aboriginal religion, like many other religions, is characterised by having a god or gods who created people and the surrounding environment during a particular creation period at the beginning of time. Aboriginal people are very religious and spiritual, but rather than praying to a single god they cannot see, each group generally believes in a number of different deities, whose image is often depicted in some tangible, recognisable form. This form may be that of a particular landscape feature, an image in a rock art shelter, or in a plant or animal form.

Aboriginal Definitions The Mind Map above gives an quick overview of the main characteristics of Aboriginal Cuture. The Flashcard deck below will help you understand the cultural differences more in-depth with some key definitions.

Aboriginal Culture Quiz Once you have studied the core characteristics of thee Aboriginal or Indigenous Australians, test your knowledge with the quiz below to see if you really understand the cultural nuances and differences. Click the correct answer then "Next" to begin: