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Busting Myths and Misconceptions: The Tasmanian Aborigines

conference contribution
posted on 2023-05-24, 23:34 authored by Rebe TaylorRebe Taylor
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 Series

Department/School

College Office - College of Arts, Law and Education

Place of publication

The University of Melbourne, Melbourne

Event title

Myths and Misconceptions Public Lecture Series

Event Venue

The University of Melbourne, Melbourne

Date of Event (Start Date)

2009-01-01

Date of Event (End Date)

2009-01-01

Repository Status

  • Restricted

Socio-economic Objectives

Understanding Australia’s past

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    University Of Tasmania

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