File(s) under permanent embargo
Busting Myths and Misconceptions: The Tasmanian Aborigines
One of the best known myths about the Tasmanian Aboriginal people was that they became extinct in 1876. That they survived with a vibrant culture has, with some stubborn exceptions, been steadily recognised since the late 1970s. But another myth has persisted: that the Tasmanian Aborigines were one of the most primitive peoples on earth, unable even to kindle an original fire. In this article historian AUTHOR 1 and Tasmanian First Nation elder and writer AUTHOR 2 explore how and why these myths evolved and were maintained for so long. Their exploration takes them into the histories of Tasmania and of scientific ideas about the Tasmanian Aboriginal people from mid-nineteenth century evolutionary anthropology to early 21st century biogenetics.
History
Publication title
Myths and Misconceptions Public Lecture SeriesDepartment/School
College Office - College of Arts, Law and EducationPlace of publication
The University of Melbourne, MelbourneEvent title
Myths and Misconceptions Public Lecture SeriesEvent Venue
The University of Melbourne, MelbourneDate of Event (Start Date)
2009-01-01Date of Event (End Date)
2009-01-01Repository Status
- Restricted