Pyrolysis and Colour Chemistry of Indigenous Smoke Telegraphy

Smoke signalling and long-distance smoke telegraphy as practised by experts of Indigenous nations of Australia until well into the 20th century involved fine control of pyrolysis and combustion thermochemistry by design and in real time. In this expository article I elucidate some of the chemistry involved in signal-smoke production and work-up that was known empirically to Indigenous smoke signallers, in particular for the purpose of generating smoke streams of specific colours. This study elevates Indigenous knowledge in its own right, while upholding an epistemological principle that canonical scientific knowledge was developed by all human societies. Indigenous smoke science may provide an exemplary, evidence-based unit of learning for the chemical sciences in higher education institutes that are keen to incorporate Indigenous content in their courses. The importance of Indigenous smoke science to research frontiers of today is discussed.