Primitive Tasmanians: Faded History Behind Distinct Cultures
Beginning:
Tasmania; A beautiful scenic island-state that wakes up to the gentle morning sunrise accompanied by the raging waves of the sea and the lapping waves crashing on the shore. The location of this island is breathtaking, surrounded by blue waters, just off the southern coast of Australia. Crushed by the bulldozers of British rule and exploitation, the tragic history of an ancient black race is mixed in every dust of this island; Thousands of unknown horror-anxiety stories floating in the salt water of the sea! Let's get to know those stories today.
Background
Sometime between 25 and 40 thousand years ago, small groups of black people began to migrate to this small island in wooden boats from Vanuatu, Tuvalu and other nearby deserted islands. They come here in search of livelihood and build their own habitats; Tribes are formed.
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Location of Tasmania on the map; Image Source: omniatlas.com |
These people who floated to the new land with the fist of fate are black in complexion, known to the white world as black people. They looked completely different from others due to their large jaws, large teeth, crooked lips, large heads, unusual facial features or curvy physiques. According to historians, they are the first people to settle in the southernmost part of the world!
Beliefs and customs
Primitive nomadic people had no religion of their own. However, certain tribal beliefs and customs prevailed. For example, when a member of the tribe died, he was kept standing at the mouth of the cave before his last rites were performed. Waiting for the afternoon sun to sink into the evening sky. Because, in their opinion, these people will be reborn in the world of the dead after death. And to pass this time we need not light but darkness. Like the Egyptian pharaohs, they also provided essential supplies, food and self-defense equipment to the graves of the deceased.
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Dancing and spending the night by the fire; Image Source: Getty Images |
These people felt comfortable in being naked as there was no practice of clothing and covering. However, they used to wrap a piece of skin or tree bark around their necks during special festivals and illnesses. For fear of evil spirits, they slept together on beds wrapped in vines. A fire was burning next to it. Sometimes before going to sleep or waking up from sleep, they would eat the meat of the prey burned in the fire. In conflicts with the tribe they adopted exceptional measures to fool the enemy; Mastered novel techniques. These nomadic people ate wild fruits, seeds and bird eggs. Kangaroo meat was an absolute delicacy to them. And so this food with burnt bones was served in the wedding ceremony.
Art and culture
Unbelievable but it is true that the people of Barbar town had art and culture practices. It was a wonderful representation of aesthetic imagery. How many beautiful paintings of animals, people and nature were created on the surface of the cave by the coating of burnt earth and the scratches of coal.
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Various cave paintings; Image Source: Getty Images |
Musical instruments were made from the skins of hunted animals. Animal bones were used as ornaments and decorated flowers and bird feathers were worn on the head. On festival days they used to organize adventure competitions. Then, take turns to sing and dance. These people were skilled in archery and spear throwing with precision. They were also well versed in the tantras of magic. Bones of dead people, exotic plants and rare roots were used in that magic.
Finding the Island
In December 1642, the Dutch East Indies Governor General Anthony van Diemen's exploration ship was sailing through rough seas. The famous Dutch sailor Abel Tasman was staying on this ship. Passing along the southern coast of Australia, the Tasman focuses on the waters of this beautiful island.
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Dutch sailor Abel Tasman; Image Source: Wikimedia Commons |
They anchored for the first time on the south-east coast of the island to collect fruit and fresh water or for some other special purpose. Impressed by the enchanting beauty of the island, the Governor General named it - 'Van Diemen's Land'. However, it later evolved to become known around the world as Tasmania after Abel Tasman, in honor of the island's discoverer.
Colonization
Exactly 130 years later, in 1772, France became the first foreigner to establish a base on Australian soil. Then, in 1788, Britain established a colony in New South Wales without the French. However, after a few days, the whims of the hostile nature interfered with obstacles. It is more impossible to adapt to the hostile environment here than in Britain. On top of that, there is a lack of food and sufficient fresh water. And so, the decision was made from the Upper Mahal to migrate to the southern part of the country. The search operation started in the new form.
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British ships anchored off the coast of Tasmania; Image Source: P.G. A.I |
After some time on the expedition, in early 1798 the picturesque Tasmania caught their eye. At first they ruled only a small part of Australia but gradually expanded their range. On the contrary, the dominance of the French began to decline. They also took control of Tasmania in 1803. Ships anchored in Port Phillip Harbor were moved to the protected coastline of Tasmania. The mild climate, pleasant environment and fertile land here witnessed the demonic beginnings of the brutal British rule.
The Black War
In 1804, British rule began in the fresh land of peaceful Tasmanians. An unequal war called the Black War was imposed on them. Large sources of crops, fruits and game were taken away. Unspeakable torture was carried out in the forests and uninhabited deserted caves. Then they were killed. In the face of the British modern weapons capable of wielding arrows, bows and spears, Tasmanians became silent, indifferent and helpless. This war and genocide continued for more than two centuries till 1830.
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British-Tasman Black War; Image Source: Getty Images |
Then, after the horrific massacre in 1831-35, the 200 or so Tasmanians who survived were transferred to nearby Flinders Island as punishment. In this way, the diverse society and cultural heritage of the Aboriginal Tasmanians was lost in the abyss of time. A mysterious way of life turns to dust. Exiled on that island, one by one they fell into the lap of death due to disease, grief, starvation. The death of the last Tasmanian woman, Truganini, in 1876 marked the disappearance of these primitive and intrepid Aborigines from the pages of history.
After the end of the Ice Age about 10,000 years ago, the island began to separate from the Australian mainland as sea level rose, and about 8,000 years ago it separated completely. And so, until the arrival of Abel Tasman, the inhabitants of the island were completely isolated from the rest of the world - a thrilling event to the modern world today.