First Edition. General pictorial survey of Aboriginal life; explanation of Dreamtime concept, summary of evidence on prehistory & origin of Aborigines, brief description of hunter-gatherer existence, division of labour, clan system, medicine men, ritual combat; p.73-82; Art of the rock faces; photographs of paintings & method of painting (grinding pigments, brushes) from El Sherana, Yuendumu (Cave of the Rainbow Serpent), engravings in western New South Wales, paintings – Groote Eylandt, Chasm Is., Wessel Is.,; Kimberleys (Wandjina figure), Noarlangie (X-ray art), petroglyphs from Sydney region, rock shelter paintings (Cooktown); brief history of changes resulting from white contact (clashes over use of land, casual employment, discrimination), survey of official attitudes from Dampier to 1967 referendum, criticism of past policies also applied to present situation (lack of consultation, lack of adequate financial assistance, discrimination, institutionists), education seen as aid to future development; extensive illustrations (colour & black/white) of sub-racial physical types, rock engravings, ritual objects , stone implements, burials (Tiboobura), mens and womens implements, camp life, ceremonial body painting, Elcho & Melville Is. grave posts, stone arrangements, fringe dwellings employment, education, health services.
135 p. : ill. (part col.), ports. (part col.), map ; 29 cm. #1020 (Near Fine in edgeworn dustjacket.) First Australians (Bookplate on prelim)