Natives of Australia

Including 32 illustrations and maps, this volume details the rich history of native Australians and includes chapters on their language, literature, art, food, celebrations and customs. The indigenous Australians migrated from Africa to Asia and settled in Australia around 50,000 years ago. Often referred to as "Aboriginals," the natives living on the mainland of Australia or the island of Tasmania created a great diversity among their various tribes and communities, each with their own unique cultures, customs and languages. While nearly 300 native languages existed with over 600 dialects at the start of European settlement in Australia, only about 200 of these are still used today. While much of the Aboriginal culture is in danger of being lost forever, the Australian government and the Australian people work to celebrate the customs and culture of the Aboriginals through architecture, clothing and the adoption of phrases from native languages into Australian slang.