L4. Historical and archaeological insights into Australian Aboriginal mortuary practices and repatriation

Question 1

L.O.

Answer 1

• To gain an understanding from historical and archaeological accounts into Australian Aboriginal practices of dealing with death.
• To appreciate the ethical principles underpinning the collection, research and repatriation of Australian Aboriginal skeletal remains.
• To communicate the above content effectively in both written and oral forms

Question 2

Historical accounts of death and burials

Answer 2

David Collins:
- Observed 2 main ways of disposing of dead: Burial, Cremation followed by burial
- Suggested the type of funeral indicated the deceased’s age or status. Those beyond middle aged were cremated
- Most common locations were around estuaries, harbours or along the coastline, often in shell middens
- Carved trees were often associated with burials

Question 3

Mid 20th century accounts

Answer 3

Social anthropologists Ronald and Catherine Berndt
- Aboriginal death always associated with ritual designed to help the spirit adapt to their changed circumstances.

Some Rituals:
- Camp in which the person died may be
abandoned
- Body may be wrapped in possum coat
- Mourners may scars arms and shoulder
- Taboos: may not speak the name of the dead

Question 4

Inquest

Answer 4

• Is any enquiring into the cause of death
• Often held to find the responsible people/ person, not always followed by revenge.
• May take form of examination of the ground near the corpse or grave or removal and examination of the viscera

Question 5

Archaeology and Aboriginal attitudes to death in the past

Answer 5

• Research into burials can tell us about mortuary practices and rituals in the past
• Presence of grave goods is particularly powerful tool
• Examination of skeletal remains can inform us about health anddisease

Question 6

Types of Mortuary practices

Answer 6

• Burial
• Exposure (on a platform or tree on on the ground)
• Desiccation or mummification
• Cremation (followed by burial)
• Placing in a hollow tree
• Placed in a coffin or canoe (wrapped in bark)
• Secondary ‘burial’ (bones and hair may be carried around as relics or burried elsewhere)
• Grave goods (bone points, tooth necklaces, spear, possum rug, dingo bones etc.)

Question 7

Barangaroo and Bennelong

Answer 7

Barangaroo
- An Aboriginal woman from the area around Manly and a highly skilled fisherwoman.
- Survived the smallpox epidemic of 1789
- one of the few women in Sydney who had the knowledge of laws, teaching and women’s rituals

Bennelong
- Aboriginal man from the Parramatta River area
- Was a mediator and interpreter with the British and sailed to England with Governor Phillip
- Buried in James Squire’s orchard . A traditional ritual revenge combat was fought

Question 8

Burial markers

Answer 8

• Mounds
• Bark and wood poles
• Stones – also prevent interference by animals
• Bora rings
• Carved trees
• Grave posts

Question 9

Position of the body

Answer 9

• Many bodies were buried in flexed positions rather than extended on their backs as with European burials
• Commonly found with heacy tooth wear, no dental decay, all wisdom teeth intact

Question 10

Repatriation of Aboriginal skeletal remains

Answer 10

• the taking of people back to their country
• Reports are produced for community in plain english and no photos. Scientific reports are also produced with photos and discussions with measurements.