Durrurrnga family history project, Arnhem Land

This is Dick Yambal Durrurrnga, elder and leader of the Birritjama people from Guruwana country. He explicitly asked me to film this as a record for not only his family, but for some other Dhuwa clans in eastern Arnhem Land. The issue at heart is a sacred object named Badurru which can variously represent the Milky Way or a Hollow Log Coffin.

This video was made for an audience in mind, and though heavy editing has taken out the factor of Yolngu politics so as to render it almost meaningless without understanding the context of the making of this video, it is intended to be a public document nonetheless. If you understand Yolngu Matha, you'll get the gist of it all. Or look into the eyes of the young men or observe their body language to comprehend the seriousness of this business.

Yambal explains to his sons and grandsons gathered around him the intimate details of Badurru, as told to him by his father and grandfather. He wants this information to be kept alive for the Durrurrnga family, but also as a historical document which can be used in the future should any disputes arise around Badurru or land belonging to the Durrurrnga people.

The next day, Yambal teaches the children a little about manikay and how Birritjama clan songs are sung, the clapstick patterning, the dance moves, the yidaki rhythms...

Category:

Music

Tags:

• dick
• yambal
• durrurrnga
• birritjama
• liyagalawumirr
• galpu
• lilipiyana
• guruwana
• yolngu
• arnhemland
• arnhem
• land
• ramingining
• northern
• terrritory
• oral
• history
• aboriginal
• song
• dance
• manikay
• bunggul
• badurru
• ceremony

[erippke]

Very interesting and comforting to know that some traditions are still being passed down. My family lost all traditional knowledge and stories after fleeing Europe.

Is that large Yidaki that Durrurrnga is holding the Badurru? That is a fantastic looking instrument.

[WhiteTiger333]

Wow - is that massive and exquisitely decorated instrument played? And I saw at least one young man sitting quite comfortably in full lotus posture. :) The elder was sitting quite straight and supple-ly himself. Arrghhh...chairs are the ruin of the human body, eh?!

[acidfriend47]

if only he played that big didgeridoo

[BalandaSpain]

@WhiteTiger333 the big one is not Yidaki, it s hollow log coffin (larrakitj ?)

[QualityMediaHK]

good thing to do