The Country of the Kabi and Wakka Tribes. Gives description of the borders of the Kabi and Wakka people. Describes briefly the relationships between to two tribes, the geography, flora and fauna, and word-of-mouth history of the origins.
John Mathew
John Mathew was a Presbyterian minister and anthropologist that published two books and many papers and articles between 1879 and 1928. In 1889 he won the prize and medal of the Royal Society of New South Wales for an essay 'The Australian Aborigines' which was the basis for his well known publication, 'Eaglehawk and Crow.' He moved to Queensland in 1864 to live with his uncle John Mortimer on his Manumbar station situated on the Burnett River. Stockrman and storekeeper for six years, he learnt thoroughly the language and culture of the Kabi and Wakka peoples.
Then in 1876 he left for Victoria to pursue a career as a minister, returning in 1906 to visit the Kabi and Wakka people living on Barambah Government Aboriginal Station and in 1910 he published 'Two Representative Tribes of Queensland' which is presented below for the reader.
The book covers the cultures, customs, social relations, religion, and bush methods used by the Wakka and Kabi people, which are analysed and discussed in great detail. Mr. Mathew's skills as an anthropologist brings to light things that earlier 'untrained' historians had not realised. His depth and knowledge makes him a credible source to a culture that is now extinct.
Sources
Two Representative Tribes of Queensland with an Inquiry concerning the origin of the Australian Race (9) pp. 66-197.
Content Warning
SEQ History advises that some of the content in these articles contain graphic descriptions of violence. SEQ History recommends that the content is not suitable for those under the age of 15 years old, and should not be read without the approval of a parent or legal guardian.
Chapter 3
Physical and Mental Characters of the Kabi and Wakka people including descriptions of the women and children, as well as the men. This includes Muscle, Bones, Limbs, and Skin Colour. Attempts to Christianise by Rev. D. MacNabb and Rev. E. Fuller.
Chapter 4
Daily life, shelter, food, clothing of Kabi and Wakka tribes. Bark shelters, opossum rugs, native bees and honey consumption, hunting methods, tree climbing, eggs, fish, yams, nuts, bunya nuts, dillie manufacturing.
Chapter 5
Man Making and Other Ceremonies. Kippa Ring. Separating Kippas. Fasting. Name Giving. Marriage. Adornments.
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