The Stone Axe of Burkamukk

The Stone Axe of Burkamukk (1922) is a collection of Aboriginal legends by Mary Grant Bruce, intended to educate Australian settlers about the traditions of the Aboriginal peoples of Gippsland, Victoria. The book is a record of Aboriginal tales and the writer's status in settler-colonial society. Burkamukk, the chief of a prosperous people, is respected and feared by the inhabitants of the Australian bush. His stone axe is a symbol of his power and a useful tool for hunting.

Format: Hardback
Length: 158 pages
Publication date: 15 February 2022
Publisher: West Margin Press

The Stone Axe of Burkamukk, a captivating collection of Aboriginal legends penned by Mary Grant Bruce in 1922, serves as a profound testament to the rich tapestry of indigenous culture. Through extensive research on the Aboriginal peoples of Gippsland, Victoria, and the surrounding regions, Bruce aimed to enlighten Australian settlers about the traditions and customs of the people they had displaced. While her work drew criticism for perpetuating racist stereotypes, her underlying intention was to foster a sense of understanding and admiration between settlers and the Aboriginal communities they encountered.

Recognizing the prejudices of her time, one can appreciate The Stone Axe of Burkamukk as a valuable record of Aboriginal tales and the writer's position within the settler-colonial society. The narrative unfolds in a serene and picturesque setting, as the camp nestled amidst a lush green glade, adorned with towering blackwood and boobyalla trees, providing ample shade and a soft, thick carpet of grass that delighted the black babies. Not far away, a wide creek meandered, its crystal-clear waters feeding a nearby swamp.

Burkamukk, the esteemed chief of a prosperous people, holds a revered and feared status among the inhabitants of the Australian bush. His stone axe, meticulously crafted by the finest artisan of the tribe, symbolizes his power and serves as a versatile tool for hunting. A generous leader, Burkamukk often lends his axe to his tribe members in exchange for a modest tribute, fostering a sense of unity and cooperation.

However, a tragic incident occurs when a hunting party returns from a fierce encounter with a legendary kangaroo, resulting in the loss of one of Burkamukk's tribesmen. Driven by a fierce determination to avenge his fallen comrade, Burkamukk swears an oath to seek retribution. With a beautifully designed cover and meticulously typeset manuscript, this edition of Mary Grant Bruce's The Stone Axe of Burkamukk stands as a classic of Australian literature, capturing the essence of the Australian outback and the indomitable spirit of its people.

Dimension: 203 x 127 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781513134635