AY Honors/Aboriginal Lore/Answer Key

A humpy is a small temporary shelter made from bark and branches, traditionally used by Australian Aborigines. A tree is usually used as the main support. The word humpy comes from the Jagara language (a Murri people from Coorparoo, Brisbane). Each language group would have varying names for such a structure.

The word humpy was adopted by early white settlers, and now forms part of the Australian lexicon. Small impermanent dwellings, including of canvas, were often referred to as humpies.

It is sometimes called a lean-to, since it relies on the tree for support.

External links

• State Library of Victoria photo of Aboriginal people and humpy
• article on early white settlers making humpies