Permanence, Transience and Transformation in Traditional Aboriginal Dwellings in Southeastern Australia

Abstract

This paper discusses the historical and archaeological evidence of permanent First Nations dwellings and shelters and settlements in South East Australia, as well as the evidence for the use of temporary and transient shelters. It makes the case that western notions of permanence need to be reconsidered in the context of the Indigenous building tradition. It argues that permanent settlements and habitations were mostly found in specific areas and may not have been used by all First Nations people in the study area. Where permanent dwellings did exist in pre-colonial times, they were largely abandoned in favour of more temporary shelters as colonists and pastoralists appropriated the most favorable locations and drove First Nation people from Country.