Discover Aboriginal Yowie and Bunyip Legends with Robert Hamilton Matthews

In today's edition of Squatchable, I'm thrilled to share with you an intriguing video I stumbled upon, featuring Jamie from the YouTube channel "Where's My Yowie." The video delves into the fascinating world of Aboriginal yowie and bunyip legends, as documented in a 1905 newspaper article by Robert Hamilton Matthews, an Australian surveyor, and self-taught Anthropologist. Matthews, who was a member of the Royal Society of New South Wales and a corresponding member of the Anthropological Institute of London, spent the latter part of his life studying Aboriginal cultures, particularly in Victoria, New South Wales, and Southern Queensland. Despite having no academic qualifications, Matthews published an impressive 171 works of anthropology, totaling approximately 2,200 pages. The video discussion showcases Matthews' deep appreciation for Aboriginal folklore, which he believed offered valuable insights into the human mind's early development. He was particularly interested in how Aboriginal stories accounted for peculiarities in animal structure, habits, and natural phenomena. One of the captivating creatures Matthews discusses in his work is the Gindering, a mythical, malevolent creature with a red glow like burning coals, who resides in rocky places on the sides and tops of mountains. The Gindering was believed to be responsible for causing nausea and vomiting in those who encountered him. Another intriguing creature is the Bunyip, known as Guru Nagati in the farewell and Garden Dungara tribes. This aquatic monster resides in deep water holes and is known to drown and eat strangers but spares its own people. Interestingly, the Bunyip is said to climb a tree near the water to keep a lookout for approaching strangers and can slide down and dive into the water without making a splash or leaving any ripples on the surface. The video also touches upon the Yantanger, a small man with a long beard and a stone tomahawk naturally formed on his right elbow. The Yantanger is known to kill Aborigines and peculiar's game and carries everything in his left hand after skinning his victims and making a bag out of their pelts for carrying water. Jamie from the YouTube channel "Where's My Yowie" does an excellent job of presenting these fascinating creatures and their histories, making for a truly engaging and educational experience. If you're a fan of Aboriginal folklore and legends, I highly recommend checking out this video and exploring the wealth of knowledge it has to offer. I find it truly remarkable how various cultures around the world have their own unique ways of explaining and understanding the unexplained. The Aboriginal legends presented in this video serve as a reminder of the importance of preserving and sharing these stories for future generations to enjoy and learn from. Intrigued? Watch the video for yourself and delve deeper into the captivating world of Aboriginal yowie and bunyip legends. And while you're at it, why not explore some of the other fascinating content on the "Where's My Yowie" YouTube channel? You never know what other hidden gems you might discover. Until next time, happy squatching!