Aboriginal initiation ceremonies in the Pilbara. Part 1

Law time in the Pilbara begins with the 'grabbing' of the young men to be initiated. The capture is made by the tying of a human-hair belt around the waist of the candidate. This usually takes place in a pre-arranged place in the presence of family members, even in a suburban street as on this occasion. The initiant will then be known as a 'marlulu' and be taken on a journey around the region for several weeks to gather 'a mob' from neighbouring tribes to accompany the marlulu back to the place of initiation. During this time the marlulu will remain painted with red ochre and in isolation from society under the strict disciple of his instructors. This video by Dr Bill Day made in Tom Price, Pilbara, Western Australia in 2003 for the Banyjima, Innawonga and Nyiyaparli people.

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• Initiation
• ceremonies
• Pilbara
• Western
• Australia
• Tom
• Price
• Banyjima
• Innawonga
• Nyiyaparli
• Tribes
• Bill
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