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Dreaming the Stars: The Astronomy of the Australian Aborigines
Citation
Haynes, RD, Dreaming the Stars: The Astronomy of the Australian Aborigines, Interdisciplinary Science Reviews, 20, (3) pp. 187-197. ISSN 0308-0188 (1995) [Refereed Article]
Copyright Statement
Copyright 2017 Informa UK Limited
DOI: doi:10.1179/ISR.1995.20.3.187
Abstract
Although the celestial observations made by the Aborigines were precise, the significance attached to them was conceptual rather than perceptual. It could not be derived from observation but only from knowledge gained by initiation into tribal values. The legends which embodied the astronomical knowledge had a threefold pragmatic role in tribal culture: they functioned as a predictive calendar for terrestrial events; they were associated with stories which reinforced the moral values pertaining to tribal identity; and they contributed to the belief system which provided a philosophical rationale for a tribe’s understanding of the universe. Selected myths relating to the sun, moon, the Milky Way, the Magellanic Clouds, Venus, and various constellations are outlined and illustrated by traditional bark painting designs to provide examples of these general statements. Parallels are drawn with the theories of some contemporary philosophers of science.
Item Details
Item Type: | Refereed Article |
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Keywords: | history, Australia, Aboriginal, celestial observations |
Research Division: | History, Heritage and Archaeology |
Research Group: | Historical studies |
Research Field: | Australian history |
Objective Division: | Expanding Knowledge |
Objective Group: | Expanding knowledge |
Objective Field: | Expanding knowledge in language, communication and culture |
UTAS Author: | Haynes, RD (Dr Roslynn Haynes) |
ID Code: | 121717 |
Year Published: | 1995 |
Web of Science® Times Cited: | 2 |
Deposited By: | Office of the School of Humanities |
Deposited On: | 2017-10-12 |
Last Modified: | 2017-11-27 |
Downloads: | 0 |
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