Aboriginal initiation ceremonies in the Pilbara. Part 4.

After the travellers return with the initiation candidates, or marlulu, they are welcomed by the workers, known as jinyjanungu, who escort the marlulu, painted in red ochre, wearing a pearl shell and carrying a club, along the lines of the seated relatives, or karnku. The roles depend on which of four social groups each person belongs, which will determine their relationship to the marlulu. As a gesture of farewell before his initiation to manhood, the downcast and silent marlulu sits briefly on the lap of each of the grieving karnku before hugging each of the front line of sisters and brothers. Video made by Dr Bill Day at the Wirrilimarra meeting camp on Mulga Downs for the Banyjima, Innawonga and Nyiyaparli people.

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• initiation
• ceremonies
• Pilbara
• Mulga
• Downs
• Banyjima
• Innawonga
• Nyiyaparli
• Bill
• Day

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