Permaculture and Indigenous Knowledge by Peter Cow and Dr Alex Aisher
Reprint from International Permaculture Magazine No. 93
"Peter Cow and Dr Alex Aisher explore how a new wave of "people permaculture" is drawing on the deep historical link between permaculture and indigenous knowledge to understand group dynamics and personal development'
Few people realize quite how deeply permaculture is rooted in indigenous knowledge. Bill Mollison, its primary intellectual ancestor, who is generally viewed as interested in social dynamics, drew many of insights from contact with indigenous people and their "cultural" understanding of nature.
It is even built into the iconography of permaculture. Take the beginning image on the front cover of his book , Permaculture Two.
Mollison looks to indigenous storyingtelling and myth to express the spirit of permaculture, with its focus on pattern observation, being in-place, deep belonging.
He describe the cover story:
"Within, the circle is rolling permaculture system of linked sun trap/wind break plantings, each containing an elements which takes advantage of the extra heat and light .
Outside the circle are the elements of life, air, fire, water, earth, and time. Between those lie the landscape shapes the aboriginal mythology.
We have a legend that explains the formatting of the hill, the rivers, and all the shapes of the land...To this day the Aboriginals are careful not to disturb the Rainbow Serpent,as they see him, going across thee sky from one waterhole to another”