Tiagarra

Tasmania was sundered from the continent by rising seas about 12,000 years ago, when the isthmus that previously existed was about 65 km wide. Within the next 1500 years, the nascent Bass Straight widened to 60 km, with barely any islet refuge for hapless wanderers from either shore. Unpropitious sea conditions and widening gap between the two landmasses ensured that the genetic and cultural isolation of the Tasmanian Aborigines was profound (Mulvaney J & Kamminga J 1999, Prehistory of Australia, Allen & Unwin, Sydney).

The exact time when Aborigines occupied Tasmania is not widely agreed on but records suggest that it might have taken place some 36 000 years ago. In fact Jones' 1981 excavation of Kutikina and Deena Reena caves in SW Tasmania (among others) provided strong evidence of Aboriginal occupation of that area to at least 35 000 years ago, which makes those occupants the most southerly occupants of the globe in Pleistocene era (Lyndall R 1996, The Aboriginal Tasmanians, 2^nd edn, Allen & Unwin, Sydney).

Jones had also estimated that at the time of British colonisation there were 70-85 bands in Tasmania, each containing 30-80 people, thus bringing the total population to somewhere between 4000-6000. However Pardoe had observed from a study of crania that for a population of that size, there is little genetic variance between the Tasmanian and mainland Aborigines thus suggesting that either the population was larger, or that there were intermarriages between the island's territorial groups. Nevertheless, by 1828, marshal law was declared against the 1000 that survived by then, legalising the shooting of any Aborigines that appeared in town of farms. There was also a bounty on their heads – £5 for adults and £2 for any child captured alive. The 8 Tasmanian nations (Peerapper, Tommeginne, Pyemmairrener, Tyerrernotepanner, Lairmairrener, Paredarerme, Toogee and Nuenonne), were outlaws in their own contry! (First Australians 2008, DVD recording, SBS, Sydney)

It is widely believed that the Aboriginal population of Tasmania did not survive due to the European invasion and numerous diseases they brought with them. Albeit it is certainly true that Tasmanian Aboriginal population was nearly annihilated due to these factors, namely the 'Black War' of the 19^th century, the natives of Tasmania dispersed all over the surrounding islands and islets and managed to preserve their existence and selfhood. "Colonisers want certainty. They want to be sure that their victims are utterly and finally vanquished. And so they create myths: the last Mohican, the last of the Tasmanians," (Professor Marcia Langton, First Australians), however, "there will never ever be no Tasmanian Aboriginal people. Never ever" Darlene Mansell (First Australians).

Remains of this ancient population are still present today but little is known about their history. However museums such as Tiagarra in east Devonport serve the purpose of preserving these remains. Tiagarra is located on the Mersey Bluff, which is a traditional sacred site on the Mersey river, and houses numerous petroglyphs. A local teacher discovered these rock carvings in 1929, and Tiagarra cultural centre and museum was subsequently established on site in 1976 to protect them. There are only seven petroglyph sites in Tasmania, all located on the NW coast, with the most extensive one being Mount Cameron West. The designs are mostly non-figurative forms and were made by pecking a line of holes into the soft rock and then abrading the ridges between them to make deeply incised lines (Flood J 2004, Archaeology of the Dreamtime, 1999 edn, JB Publishing, Marleston).

For less than a price of bus ticket you can be admitted into Tiagarra – a museum housing a plethora of rare artefacts depicting early Tasmanian Aboriginal life. A free map detailing the footpath and locations of 10 significant rock carvings can be obtained from the information desk.

 

Artifacts found inside the museum. On the left is a make shift shelter of Tasmania Aboriginals and on the right is an Aboriginal Midden. The sign in the bottom of the right picture reads the following: 'A Midden represents a refuse heap found at Aboriginal campsites. Extensive shell heaps are common on the exposed coastline of Tasmania being several metres in depth and contain bones of animals including birds and seals, shells, charcoal, cooking stones and stone implements. None of this material is to be removed from Middens as they are irreplaceable Aboriginal relics.'

 

Abalone shell. The critics of these petroglyphs claim that they may have been created by tree roots or other natural means, however it is hard to dispute that this figure does not represent an Abalone shell which was a part of the Aboriginal diet, and was easily accessible and readily available. In my opinion, it is very likely that Tiagarra rock carvings were created by Aboriginal people in the time when these volcanic rocks were softer and thus easier to work with. In addition, rock engravings are found in other parts of Australia where there are suitable rock surfaces, thus strengthening the case for credibility of Tiagarra site.

 

This carving seems to represent the circle of life. The circle in Aboriginal culture represents interconnectedness, equality and continuity. Circles are found everywhere in nature and play a significant role in the Aboriginal culture.

 

Double circle.

 

This picture shows an outline of an emu. Usually emus are depicted in Aboriginal art by their distinctive tracks, however various symbols have been used in past. Emus are a staple food source and are used for medicinal purposes, body decoration and making of ornaments, tools and weapons.

 

The exact meaning of this particular petroglyph is unknown.

 

Another undeciphered rock engraving with a prominent feature in the middle, and a faint outline around it. As is the case with many of these petroglyphs, there is no documented evidence pertaining to their origins and meanings. Furthermore, the condition of artifacts is continually deteriorating due to the effects of natural phenomena and impact of humans and animals.

 

View of NW Devonport.

 

View of the Bass Straight (towards Melbourne).

 

Nearby Bluff beach.

Updated on Tuesday, 09-Feb-2010 20:26:43 EST