The Astronomy of the Aboriginal Peoples of the Sydney Basin

We present results of a preliminary study of the astronomical knowledge and traditions of the seven major Aboriginal language groups in the Sydney Basin. We establish a basic dataset of oral traditions (stories), vocabulary, and examples of cultural heritage relating to astronomical traditions laying the foundation for further study. Using a combination of primarily ethno-historical documents and material culture, with preliminary ethnographic work with two consultants, we explore the relationship between Aboriginal astronomical knowledge and cultural traditions, cosmology, natural resources, calendar development, law, ceremony, and material traditions. We conduct a thematic analysis of the collected information and place this within a larger framework of comparative analysis with other Aboriginal communities in south-eastern Australia in general.