How were early New Guineans different from Australia's first people?

Answer 1

There were notable differences between the early New Guineans and Australia's first people, including:

1. Physical characteristics: New Guineans tend to have darker skin and curly hair, while Australia's first people had lighter skin and straight hair.

2. Linguistic diversity: Papua New Guinea, which makes up the eastern portion of the island of New Guinea, is one of the most linguistically diverse countries in the world, with over 800 languages spoken. In contrast, before colonization, Australia's indigenous peoples spoke about 250 distinct languages.

3. Social organization: New Guinean societies tend to be more hierarchical and stratified, with a greater emphasis on formalized social roles and status, while Australia's first people had relatively egalitarian social structures.

4. Subsistence strategies: New Guineans have traditionally relied on agriculture and livestock-raising for subsistence, while Australia's first people relied more on hunting and gathering.

5. Artistic traditions: Both groups have rich artistic traditions, but these differ in their styles and motifs. New Guinean art often features bold, colorful designs and intricate carvings, while Australian indigenous art is characterized by more subtle dot paintings and boomerang-shaped forms.