Perceptions of keepers of stingless bees (Tetragonula, Austroplebeia) regarding Aboriginal beliefs and practices in Australia

Abstract

Unlike the situation in other countries such as Brazil or Mexico, beekeeping with stingless bees has only recently become a prominent practice in Australia. The first divisible brood-chamber hive designed for native bees was developed in the late 1980s, which stimulated the social interest and popularity for keeping stingless bees on the east coast of Australia. The cultural significance and history of stingless bees date back to the oldest known evidence of human settlement as far back as 65,000 years ago. Insects and especially stingless bees have often held significant traditional values, beliefs and practices among Aboriginal people. The situation in Australia is unique because there is a mismatch between cultural constructs and spatial-temporal scales; with a new practice, stingless beekeeping, which is mainly present in urban areas, and a (intangible) cultural heritage based on traditional hunting and honey-gathering practices. This study sought to better understand the diversity of keepers of stingless bees and indigenous social representations based in Brisbane and the adjoining regions, the center of stingless beekeeping in Australia; and to analyze the database in relation to highlighted cultural and spatial-temporal considerations.