1. What weapons did they use 

2. What materials did they use

3. Why did they use that armour 

4. How did they get the materials 

5. How did they get the materials 

1. What materials did they use to build their house

2. How did they use heat in their 

3. How did they get the materials for their houses 

4. Why did they use that material 

5. Does their materials effect the land

1.  What diet do they follow

2. Where did they get there food

3. Did it affect the land  

4.  is it healthy 

5. Why did they follow that

Traditional Aboriginal shelters, often referred to as gunyahs, were made using natural, locally sourced materials:

Wooden branches for framing

Bark stripped from trees

Grass, leaves, and reeds for roofing and insulation

Clay or mud in some regions for added structure or thermal mass

The exact materials varied depending on the environment—coastal groups used palm fronds and reeds, while desert communities used spinifex grass and mulga wood.

• Boomerangs – Both returning and non-returning types; used for hunting, combat, and ceremonies.

• Spears – Varied in length and weight depending on use (hunting vs. warfare); often thrown using a woomera.

• Clubs (Nulla-nullas) – Heavy wooden clubs used in close combat.

• Shields – Used to deflect spears and boomerangs; not all communities used them.

• Woomera (Spear thrower) – Extended the range and force of spear throws; also used in ceremonies and as a tool.

🌿 What Materials Did They Use?

• Wood – Mulga, Black Wattle, and Bloodwood were commonly used for boomerangs, clubs, shields, and woomeras.

• Plant Vines – Tecoma vine was used for spears; straightened by heating over fire.

• Animal Sinew – Kangaroo or emu sinew used to bind spearheads and other components.

• Quartz and Stone – Inserted into handles for cutting or decoration.

• Resin – Spinifex resin used to secure sharp stones or parts.

🛡️ Why Did They Use That Armour?

• Functionality Over Full Protection – Armour like shields was used selectively; many relied on agility and evasion instead of heavy protection.

• Ceremonial and Symbolic Use – Shields and woomeras were often decorated to represent clan identity or spiritual significance.

• Adapted to Environment – Lightweight and versatile tools suited the Australian terrain and climate.

🪵 How Did They Get the Materials?

• Local Sourcing – Materials like wood, vines, and resin were gathered from the surrounding environment.

• Traditional Knowledge – Passed down through generations, including how to identify, shape, and treat materials (e.g., heating vines to straighten them).

• Animal Hunting – Sinew and bone came from animals hunted for food, ensuring nothing was wasted.

  
  

• Meat: Kangaroo, emu, possum, lizards, snakes, fish, and shellfish

• Plants: Yams, bush tomatoes, bush bananas, wild passionfruit, and native seeds like wattle and mulga

• Hunting and Fishing: Using spears, boomerangs, nets, and traps for animals and fish

• Yes, but in a sustainable and regenerative way:

  • Firestick Farming improved soil fertility and encouraged biodiversity

  • High in Protein: From lean meats and insects

  • Rich in Nutrients: Native fruits and seeds provided vitamins and minerals

  • Low in Processed Foods: No refined sugars or additives

  • Balanced and Seasonal: Naturally varied diet based on availability

  • Survival and Sustainability: It matched the environment and ensured long-term food security

  • Cultural Connection: Food was deeply tied to ceremony, identity, and community

  • Knowledge Systems: Passed down through generations, guiding ethical and ecological food practice