How enduring are stories, passed down through generations? Can they transcend centuries, or even millennia? Recent research, featured in the Journal of Archaeological Science, presents compelling evidence that traditional tales from Tasmania have persisted for more than 12,000 years, supported by much investigation.
The backdrop to these ancient stories is Tasmania's violent colonial history. In the early 19th century, British officials engaged in acts of genocide against the Aboriginal Tasmanian (Palawa) people. The ensuing "Black War" aimed to capture or eliminate the Palawa, forever altering their lives and landscape. George Augustus Robinson, appointed to "conciliate" with the Palawa, documented their languages and traditions in a daily journal. Through collaborative efforts with Palawa knowledge-holders, narratives have been uncovered explaining the origins of the Palawa in Tasmania and recounting celestial figures like the Sun-man, Moon-woman, and a bright southern star.
Over the past 65,000 years, Australia's First Peoples experienced transformative natural events, from volcanic eruptions to rising seas. Tasmania and Papua New Guinea were once connected to mainland Australia by the Bassian Land Bridge, gradually narrowing as sea levels rose. The Palawa traditions detail the changing coastlines as the ice sheets melted, reshaping ancestral lands. Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures developed intricate knowledge systems about the stars, evident in oral traditions. A Palawa Elder's account from the 1830s revealed a star named Moinee near the south celestial pole. Intriguingly, this marks the only known oral tradition worldwide describing a star's position over 10,000 years ago.
Investigation into colonial records not only enriches our understanding of deep human history but also highlights the immense value of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander traditions in the present. As we explore the collaborative future of cross-cultural exploration, the richness of ancient narratives continues to unfold, providing deep insights into the enduring spirit of human storytelling.