Jukambal facts for kids
The Jukambal were an Indigenous Australian group of people. They lived in northern New South Wales, Australia.
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What's in a Name?
The name Jukambal comes from their own language. It is based on the word juka, which means 'no'.
Where Did They Live?
The Jukambal people lived on a large area of land. It was about 3,367 square kilometers (1,300 square miles). Their land was in northern New South Wales. It stretched from Glen Innes towards the north and east. This area included New England, Drake, Tenterfield, and Wallangarra. They lived east of the line between Tenterfield and Glen Innes.
Who Were the Jukambal People?
For a long time, people thought the Jukambal were part of another group. This group was called the Ngarabal. However, experts now believe the Jukambal were their own unique society.
Traditional Medicine and Healing
People in this area believed that serious sickness was rare before Europeans arrived. They even said that problems like rheumatism did not happen until then.
Young men learned about special plants during important ceremonies. These plants were thought to have strong healing powers. Some men became Noonwaebah, or traditional healers. They were believed to have special abilities to help people.
If someone got sick, they often asked several healers to check on them. This was to make sure they received the best care.
Healing Plants and Practices
The Jukambal used plants for different purposes. For example, they used the corkwood plant. This plant has strong natural compounds.
During dry times, the Jukambal would get water from Angophora apple trees. This was safer than drinking from unclean water sources.
For broken bones, they would bind the limb with bark. This bark came from a Bugaibil tree. Its sap was thought to help the bones heal.
Snake bites were also treated. Even bites from very venomous snakes rarely caused death. The Jukambal would quickly treat the bite. They would also tie a bandage made from opossum (koobi) skin around the wound.
A Glimpse into History
As late as 1855, people who spoke the Jukambal language were still living near the Macintyre River.
Other Names for Jukambal
The Jukambal people were also known by several other names, including:
- Jukambil
- Ukumbil, Ucumble
- Yacambal
- Yookumbul, Yookumbil, Yookumbill, Yoocumbill, Yookumble, Yoocomble
- Yukambal, Yukumbul, Yukumbil
- Yukumba
