Eel Photo

Note: this site contains images of aboriginal people now deceased

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Traditional Aboriginal Knowledge

Eel Photo




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Charley Newberry and children with policeman's wife and a good sized eel from the Barron River.  c.1945

"George Watson of the Mamu-speaking people of the Dyirbal language group recalled how, early in this century, ten or more people could get a good meal from one big eel. As a food source for the rainforest aborigines, the eel was of special significance. Sometimes the eel bones were made into ornaments and charms."
Pedley (1992) p.58
Photo courtesy Cairns Historical Society. CHS No.p7091
Eels were an important source of protein for the Ngadjon rainforest people. They were caught on long narrow baited woven traps.