Subsistence

The Yolngu are described as hunters and gatherers. They also practice slash-and-burn as a form of land management. They hunt fish and bush animals, and gather seasonal bush foods. The Yolngu identify six different seasons in the year and they adapt by using different types of food and resources depending on the availability of the resource, the environment and the period. The Yolngu's way of life have remained intact to this day because of the people's will to fight to retain their culture and identity. Today, the Yolngu's preserved arts help them earn a living. Beautifully woven Pandanus leaf baskets and painted bark canvases are examples of the Yolngu's artistic products.

Image from www.filmaustraliaceremony.com.au/images/370_history.jpg

Pandanus Coil Baskets. Image from Flickr by Smallest Forest.

Source: http://intercontinentalcry.org/peoples/yolngu/