This is a 'Mamurrung' ceremony from Goulburn Island that I recorded in 1996. It went on for several days, punctuated by other ceremonies that were happening at the same time.
Mamurrung uses the mago (as opposed to yirdaki) and is a popular style of dance in Western Arnhem Land. It is used in recreational contexts as well as ceremonies where strengthening of ties between distantly-related groups is sought.
At 6.51 PM on the 28th of November, keep an eye on Micky Yalbarr with the white shorts dancing in the middle of the group. He's hilarious! 'Gaburlay' as Yolngu would say. Yalbarr, a Mawng (alternate spelling Maung) clansman, is himself an outstanding mago player who has recently been recorded by Dr Linda Barwick as part of the Western Arnhem Land Song Project funded by Hans Rausing Endangered Languages Project (HRELP).
I watched this video 20 times now, and i'll probably watch it another 20 times. Its hypnotising!! The song at the end, or a harmonised drone i dont know but it sounds awesome to me. Also love the dance that the men do at the start. Where can i find more stuff like this??
TeddyRuckspin111 4 years ago 2
There are similar but not identical dances elsewhere on the ididjaustralia channel. This particular Mamurrung ceremony I have several hours of recording but put only a bit here as a taster.
ididjaustralia 4 years ago