The Point of Spinifex: Aboriginal uses of spinifex grasses in Australia

摘要: For thousands of years spinifex grasses were utilized by Indigenous Australians, most commonly for the production resin that was then used as a hafting adhesive. While varying levels knowledge about this particular use are retained in communities, museum collections serve valuable repository little known information multitude other uses including ornamental, medicinal, structural and ceremonial functions. In paper we describe range spinifex, based on examinations objects photographs held various collections, coupled with reviews ethnographic ethnohistoric literature. This study (1) brings together disparate sources not well among scientific community (2) demonstrates value communities seeking to ‘reconnect’ aspects so-called ‘lost traditional culture’.