- The main populations consist of Indigenous Australians and mining
centers. The aboriginal people of the desert fall into two main groups:
The Martu in the west and The Pintupi in the east. Many of these Indigenous people were forcibly removed from their lands during the 20th century and relocated. Some have left to work and now the communities are small.
Aboriginal Heritage is identified as Western Desert
Culture. Martu language groups include Jiwaliny, Kartujarra,Kiyajarra,
Kurajarra, Mangala, Manyilyjarra, Nangajarra, Ngulipartu, Nyiyaparli,
Pitjikala, Putijarra, and Warnman. Their neighbors to the east are the Pintupi.
One common trait amongst Western Desert people is blond hair and honey colored
skin, seen most clearly among children before their hair darkens to a sandy
colour.
Culture. Martu language groups include Jiwaliny, Kartujarra,Kiyajarra,
Kurajarra, Mangala, Manyilyjarra, Nangajarra, Ngulipartu, Nyiyaparli,
Pitjikala, Putijarra, and Warnman. Their neighbors to the east are the Pintupi.
One common trait amongst Western Desert people is blond hair and honey colored
skin, seen most clearly among children before their hair darkens to a sandy
colour.