Fuegians - Possible Australian/Melanesian Origin

Possible Australian/Melanesian Origin

The Fuegians have been thought to be physically, culturally and linguistically distinct from other Native Americans. Some proponents of this theory suggest they may be the descendants of Australian Aborigines who colonized the area prior to the arrival of mongoloid Amerindians. Further credibility is lent to this idea by research suggesting the existence of an ethnically distinct population elsewhere in South America. Both Tehuelches and Selk'nams practiced body painting and rock art similar to that of Australian Aborigines. In contrast to most Amerindian peoples, Fuegians appeared to be taller than most Europeans (this does not include the Yaghans, who were quite short with skinny limbs and fat bodies - a physical adaptation to the cold, or the Kawesqar. Current genetic studies, however, suggest continuity between Fuegians and other Native populations.