Wongkadjera facts for kids
The Wongkadjera were an Indigenous Australian people who lived in the state of Queensland. They were one of many different Aboriginal groups in Australia.
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Where Did the Wongkadjera Live?
The Wongkadjera people lived in a large area of land in Queensland. Their traditional country covered about 2,300 square miles (6,000 km²). This land was around places like Glenormiston and Herbert Downs. Their northern lands were near Roxborough. This area was their homeland for many generations.
How They Organized Their Society
The Wongkadjera people lived in different groups or clans. One of these groups might have been called the Nambila-nambila. These groups helped organize their community and daily life.
How the Wongkadjera Lived and Traded
The Wongkadjera people had a clever way of life. They used resources from their land and traded with other groups.
Trading Stone Axes
Evidence from old sites shows that the Wongkadjera were part of a big trade network. They used stone axes that came from the Kalkatungu mines. These mines were located in the Mt. Isa area. The Wongkadjera traded these strong stone axes with other local groups. These groups included the Rungarungawa and Julaolinja peoples.
Accessing Important Rivers
Trading the stone axes helped the Wongkadjera get what they needed. It also helped them gain access to the Channel Country. This area was important because it had rivers like the Georgina and Diamantina Rivers. Access to these rivers was vital for water, food, and travel.
Other Names for the Wongkadjera
Sometimes, the Wongkadjera people were known by slightly different names. These names include:
- Wonkajara
- Wonkatyeri
- Wonkoyara