whereand how did aboriginies come from

[MangoPete]

Bill Brysons book throws out some this question and doesn't seem to be able to answer. Websites seem inept so come on you oracles
Whats the answer?

[Clanad]

You've undoubtedly found that there are numerous theories as to the origins of not only the Australian Aborigines, but other races throughout the world. All of which remain largely theory. Prevailing thought is the Aborigines arrived in Australia in two or more migrations from the Indonesian Islands as early as 30,000 to possibly 50,000 years ago. But the fact is no one knows for sure...

[MangoPete]

thanks Clanad, they have found bones approx 60k and their culture outdates the indonesian. they are also not polynesian, like the people from Paua NG or other sotuh sea islands. Hmmm.

[jno]

Polynesians, it is thought, came from somewhere round modern Malaysia. Before that, their ancestors - like those of the aborigines - would have made their way, over millennia, out of Africa, which is still, all the evidence to date suggests, where the first humans developed. But as Clanad says, nobody knows for sure. The Australian evidence, in particular, is skimpy.

[MangoPete]

Yes Jno BUT the nearest land , even island from OZ is 60 miles away. The Bantu of the East African shore traded with China 2000 BC but we are talking way way back beyond that. I thought Octavius or someone would know a bit more.
I work with different cultures from Africa and this one has got everyone beat . The AUstalian whites generally don't seem to care. Looks like I will have to make contact with some Aborigines who are prepared to share, which is a problem as many don't trust the Caucasians, wonder why?

[jno]

I doubt that they know the answer, MangoPete. But people have had boats for a long time and the land hasn't always been where it is now. For instance, the first Brits walked here (when Britain was linked to mainland Europe) and the first Americans also seem to have walked across from what is now Russia to what is now Alaska.

[burnham]

The latest DNA evidence on this shows that the aborigines originated in Africa. They migrated in successive waves to Australia before the landbridge with Indonesia was broken. Early European explorersnoted that the tribes varied considerably in features, the Tasmanians being quite different to any of the others - they may have been the first inhabitants, driven south by newer waves. Northern tribes show some evidence of an admixture of Indonesian blood - not unnatural considering that Malays fished along the north coast.

[MangoPete]

Thanks Burnham
Yes, the Current people from Cairns look like a mix of african and Papua NG, but theory would indicate land travel all the way from Africa through Arabia and Asia to Oz or sailing skills and ships far back beyond any time that man has been able to build and navigate the size of ocean going vessels of the size big enough to take the amount of people needed 50-60, plus food to set up a new colony . I know the Bhantu were giving giraffes and big cats to the Chinese 2000 bc, but this would be much further back... are you assuiming ocean going vessels, if so what sort of date and where do you get your info from?
Peter

[onslow1]

In human times there has never been a land bridge between Australia and the Indonesian archepelego, and no one knows for sure how the aborigines arrived across over 60 miles of open sea, in sufficient numbers to form permanent settlements, at a time so remote in human history. One theory is they were able to island hop, never being out of sight of land, but this is pure speculation.

The aborigines themselves have forgotten, and so wrap their origins in mystical 'dreamtime' stories. Unless someone finds the 50, 00 year old remaind of an aboriginal ocean going vessel I doubt we will ever know.

[MangoPete]

Exactly what I thought . Frustrating yet compelling though