Ancient tribe Aboriginal Australians - Ancestry and origin
Order DNA origin analysisWhat does the name Aborigines mean?
The indigenous inhabitants of Australia reached the fifth continent approximately 40,000 - 50,000 years ago. The name “Aborigine” is derived from Latin and means essentially “from the beginning on.” It was coined by European researchers who came to Australia in 1770. The individual Aborigine groups themselves use other names for their people: Uuri, Koori, Murri, Nanga, Yura, Nyungar or Pyam.
The early Aborigines were gatherers and hunters. With spears, boomerangs, fishing hooks and a spear thrower called a Woomerang, they hunted giant kangaroos, wallabies, warane and fish. Before the arrival of James Cook in 1770 and the subsequent colonization by the Europeans, there were around 500 Aboriginal tribes with 300 different languages. Today there are only around 100 languages spoken by independent groups such as the Warlpiri.
What is the culture of the Aborigines like?
Common to all Aborigines is the creation myth of the “Dream Time.” With ‘Dream Time’ they mean the time in the far distant past, in which the world was dreamed into existence by spiritual beings who, during the Dream Time, formed the world and shaped it as we find it today. When the Dream Time was over, these Dream Time begins assumed physical form, transforming themselves animals, plants, rocks and important landscape formations. The Aborigines transmit their knowledge by means of dances, rituals, stories and pictographic representations. Their rock paintings, which are older than comparable finds in Europe demonstrate, how the great spirits created the land and taught human beings how to find nourishment, to hold ceremonies and heed laws.
What is the recent history of Aboriginal people?
With the advance of the Europeans, began the typical colonization in Australia: incitement against the Aborigines, the confiscation of their land, the destruction of their culture and their languages. Those who refused to accept European customs were not treated like human beings.
The white colonists declared the continent to have been “uncolonized before 1778”. The characterized it as Terra Nullius, No Man’s Land. Therewith they declared that the Aborigines had no claim of any kind on the land, with which they were fully intertwined. Only in the 20th Century were some communal lands of the Aborigines returned to them, in which case however the lands were for the most part remote and unproductive strips of land. In spite of state-sponsored assistance programs, many Aborigines in today’s Australia live in decayed suburbs of the major cities. There are serious deficiencies in education, housing, medical care and general social acceptance. Their life expectancy lies far under the national average. The Australian Aborigines feel yet today that they have been deceived. Some groups, such as the Warlpiri, have in the meantime resorted to using their own websites and documentary films to draw attention to their fate.
Genetic indigenous peoples by iGENEA
Decoding My Legacy: A Lambert's Voyage into Ancestry with iGENEA DNA Analysis
Venturing into my familial past with iGENEA's DNA analysis opened up a world of delightful surprises, enriched my understanding of my surname Lambert, and strengthened my connection to my ancestors. The Lambert name, having deep-rooted origins and extensive geographical reach, continues to weave an extraordinary global family history.
» Field report from A. Lambert
Unravelling the Cultural and Historical Origins of My Surname, Schüller, Through DNA Testing
In an attempt to delve into the origins of my surname, Schüller, the iGENEA DNA test unveiled a world of fascinating cultural and historical revelations. Tracing back the roots to Germanic and Celtic tribes, the test connected me to ancient civilizations and a past rich in culture, history, and migration patterns.
» Field report from O. Schüller
An Exploration Beyond Johansen: How DNA Test Shaped My Perception of Identity and Lineage
My personal journey through the discoverable heritage revealed by the iGENEA DNA test has shed new light on my family name, Johansen, and our multi-cultural ancestry, challenging my conventional understanding of identity and familial roots. The test results have given me a broader perspective, linking my family history to diverse regions and cultures, and enriching my sense of self. It's not just a background check; it’s a discovery of the intricate paths our ancestors took, shaping our present identity.
» Field report from H. Johansen
This is how the DNA origin analysis works
A Mucus Sample suffices to get a sample of your DNA. Taking the sample is simple and painless and can be done at home. Send the samples with the envelop included in the sampling kit.
at home, simple and painless
with the enclosed envelope
online after approx. 6-8 weeks