Definition of Kuninjku terms written by Murray Garde; pronunciations spoken by John Mawurndjul, Zebedee Bonson and Ananais Jawulba.
Balanda
The name used to refer to people of European descent, but it can also refer to any non-Aboriginal person. It is a loan word from the Makassarese language Hollander and was used by the visiting Macassan trepang fishermen to refer to the Dutch. Evidence of Macassan visits to Arnhem Land go back to the 17th century.
Non-Aboriginal person
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The name used to refer to people of European descent, but it can also refer to any non-Aboriginal person. It is a loan word from the Makassarese language Hollander and was used by the visiting Macassan trepang fishermen to refer to the Dutch. Evidence of Macassan visits to Arnhem Land go back to the 17th century.
Barrangkarl
A type of riparian grass that grows by the margins of billabongs and watercourses.
A type of riparian grass
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A type of riparian grass that grows by the margins of billabongs and watercourses.
Barrihdjowkkeng
A yirridjdja moiety site north-east of Mumeka belonging to the Darnkolo clan and the primary residence of the artist Owen Yalandja.
(Location)
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A yirridjdja moiety site north-east of Mumeka belonging to the Darnkolo clan and the primary residence of the artist Owen Yalandja.
Birlmu
Barramundi fish, Lates calcarifer.
Barramundi
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Barramundi fish, Lates calcarifer.
Buluwana
A female ancestral figure of the Wamuddjan (or Ngalkodjok) subsection who died during a period of drought at the site Ngandarrayo east of the Mann River on the escarpment outlier country. Today her body protrudes out of the ground in the form of a rock.
A female ancestral figure
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A female ancestral figure of the Wamuddjan (or Ngalkodjok) subsection who died during a period of drought at the site Ngandarrayo east of the Mann River on the escarpment outlier country. Today her body protrudes out of the ground in the form of a rock.
Burrk dorrengh
A phrase used by John Mawurndjul to describe a design he painted on bark from the Mardayin ceremony. It literally means “with a body” (burrk: “body”, dorrengh: “with”) or, more figuratively, “with a certain shape”.
With a certain shape
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A phrase used by John Mawurndjul to describe a design he painted on bark from the Mardayin ceremony. It literally means “with a body” (burrk: “body”, dorrengh: “with”) or, more figuratively, “with a certain shape”.
Ceremony
Religious rituals of a sacred nature which are performed either every year or when needed (for example, mortuary ceremonies) and are an important element of spiritual life for the Kuninjku people. Large, regionally important cult ceremonies can be referred to as “business” in Aboriginal English. These are private and often secret rites and can only be attended by those entitled to do so. Young men are initiated into these ceremonies in their teenage years.
Religious rituals of a sacred nature which are performed either every year or when needed (for example, mortuary ceremonies) and are an important element of spiritual life for the Kuninjku people. Large, regionally important cult ceremonies can be referred to as “business” in Aboriginal English. These are private and often secret rites and can only be attended by those entitled to do so. Young men are initiated into these ceremonies in their teenage years.
Dabborrabbolk
The Kuninjku term for ancestors is dabborrabbolk, meaning ”the old people”, or nayuhyungki, ”the first people”. Ancestral creator beings are usually referred to by the latter. In Kuninjku stories, certain nayuhyungki transform from humans into the very first animal species.
Ancestors
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The Kuninjku term for ancestors is dabborrabbolk, meaning ”the old people”, or nayuhyungki, ”the first people”. Ancestral creator beings are usually referred to by the latter. In Kuninjku stories, certain nayuhyungki transform from humans into the very first animal species.
Dangarrk
Bluish lights that glow in the water in billabongs associated with Mardayin ceremony locations. For non-Aboriginal people, these lights are a mystery and their source is unknown. For Bininj they are sacred evidence of Mardayin power. The lights are down in the water among the stems and roots of waterlilies and can be disturbed by crocodiles swimming through.
Sacred lights, in water
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Bluish lights that glow in the water in billabongs associated with Mardayin ceremony locations. For non-Aboriginal people, these lights are a mystery and their source is unknown. For Bininj they are sacred evidence of Mardayin power. The lights are down in the water among the stems and roots of waterlilies and can be disturbed by crocodiles swimming through.
Dilebang
A site in the Kurulk clan estate on rocky outlier country east of the Mann River and the location of a Rainbow Serpent that has palm trees growing out of her back.
(Location)
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A site in the Kurulk clan estate on rocky outlier country east of the Mann River and the location of a Rainbow Serpent that has palm trees growing out of her back.
Dirdbim
A place in the shared Kulmarru and Kurulk clan estate. There is a round hole in a rock that represents the full moon and the story of the origins of human mortality. The skeletal remains of the dead are placed in caves at Dirdbim.
(Location)
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A place in the shared Kulmarru and Kurulk clan estate. There is a round hole in a rock that represents the full moon and the story of the origins of human mortality. The skeletal remains of the dead are placed in caves at Dirdbim.
Djaddi
A generic term for all frogs but, more specifically, the green tree frog.
Frogs
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A generic term for all frogs but, more specifically, the green tree frog.
Djang
Once translated by the misleading term “Dreaming”, Djang has no single-term equivalent in English. It covers a range of concepts such as “sacred site” and “totemic emblem”. Most Australian languages have a similar term, such as the word Tjukurrpa in Pitjantjatjara. Djang can be physical places that are the focus of ancestral creator beings. It can be represented by natural species, weather phenomena, human emotions and physical states – such as jealousy or sickness – as well as by other types of non-human persons such as spirit beings.
no English translation
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Once translated by the misleading term “Dreaming”, Djang has no single-term equivalent in English. It covers a range of concepts such as “sacred site” and “totemic emblem”. Most Australian languages have a similar term, such as the word Tjukurrpa in Pitjantjatjara. Djang can be physical places that are the focus of ancestral creator beings. It can be represented by natural species, weather phenomena, human emotions and physical states – such as jealousy or sickness – as well as by other types of non-human persons such as spirit beings.
Djankerrk
Thylacines or Tasmanian tigers were once distributed across the Australian mainland. It is thought they disappeared around 3000 years ago. They are depicted in rock art and Kuninjku people still have a name for them: djankerrk. They are considered to be the pet of the Rainbow Serpent and are associated with waterfalls.
Thylacine
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Thylacines or Tasmanian tigers were once distributed across the Australian mainland. It is thought they disappeared around 3000 years ago. They are depicted in rock art and Kuninjku people still have a name for them: djankerrk. They are considered to be the pet of the Rainbow Serpent and are associated with waterfalls.
Djungkay
This refers to a person who is a manager of a clan estate and its Djang and associated emblems by virtue of the fact that the country and Djang belong to their mother. There is a complementarity between landowners (father’s country) and land managers (mother’s country). A djungkay must be consulted by a land- or Djang owner before the owner can undertake any significant activity on their country. An artist will gain permission from their djungkay before being allowed to paint their clan Djang and emblems.
Cultural manager
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This refers to a person who is a manager of a clan estate and its Djang and associated emblems by virtue of the fact that the country and Djang belong to their mother. There is a complementarity between landowners (father’s country) and land managers (mother’s country). A djungkay must be consulted by a land- or Djang owner before the owner can undertake any significant activity on their country. An artist will gain permission from their djungkay before being allowed to paint their clan Djang and emblems.
Duwa
One of the two patrilineal moiety names, the other being yirridjdja.
A moiety
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One of the two patrilineal moiety names, the other being yirridjdja.
Kabadyorrkbun
A site on the western side of the Mann River rich in rock art and said to be the home of mimih spirits. It is shared by the Kulmarru, Kurulk and Bordoh clans.
(Location)
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A site on the western side of the Mann River rich in rock art and said to be the home of mimih spirits. It is shared by the Kulmarru, Kurulk and Bordoh clans.
Kakodbebuldi
An outstation on a large billabong adjacent to the Mann River. It belongs to the Darnkolo clan and was established and occupied in the 1980s and 1990s by the family of Ngarridj Oscar Kuronjwanga. The large billabong there is a Mardayin ceremony sacred place. It is John Mawurndjul’s mother’s country and he is the senior djungkay for this place.
(Location)
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An outstation on a large billabong adjacent to the Mann River. It belongs to the Darnkolo clan and was established and occupied in the 1980s and 1990s by the family of Ngarridj Oscar Kuronjwanga. The large billabong there is a Mardayin ceremony sacred place. It is John Mawurndjul’s mother’s country and he is the senior djungkay for this place.
Kawidji
A place in the Kurulk clan estate. The site is an open expanse of flat rock and a vehicular creek crossing west of Mankorlod outstation.
(Location)
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A place in the Kurulk clan estate. The site is an open expanse of flat rock and a vehicular creek crossing west of Mankorlod outstation.
Komrdawh
Northern snake-necked turtle, Chelodina rugosa. The spelling looks difficult for English speakers, but the “rd” is a retroflex “d” sound (as in North American English “hard”) and the final ‘h” is a glottal stop (Kom-rdawh).
Northern snake-necked turtle
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Northern snake-necked turtle, Chelodina rugosa. The spelling looks difficult for English speakers, but the “rd” is a retroflex “d” sound (as in North American English “hard”) and the final ‘h” is a glottal stop (Kom-rdawh).
Kubumi
A waterhole and section of the Mann River in the outlier stone country. The site is owned jointly by the Kurulk, Kulmarru and Bordoh clans. There are yawkyawk female water spirit Djang at Kubumi. Holes in the rocks there are said to have been made by Ngalyod, the Rainbow Serpent.
(Location)
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A waterhole and section of the Mann River in the outlier stone country. The site is owned jointly by the Kurulk, Kulmarru and Bordoh clans. There are yawkyawk female water spirit Djang at Kubumi. Holes in the rocks there are said to have been made by Ngalyod, the Rainbow Serpent.
Kudjarnngal
A site on an intermittent creek east of the Mann River and the Manmoyi outstation. High-quality white clay or huntite used in bark and body painting is mined here. The clay is said to be the faeces of the Rainbow Serpent. The word Kudjarnngal literally means “in the fork of the tree”.
(Location)
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A site on an intermittent creek east of the Mann River and the Manmoyi outstation. High-quality white clay or huntite used in bark and body painting is mined here. The clay is said to be the faeces of the Rainbow Serpent. The word Kudjarnngal literally means “in the fork of the tree”.
Kudjidmi
The name of a billabong and wetland area belonging to the Darnkolo clan. It is a Djang for the ornate burrowing frog and considered a sacred place. It is John Mawurndjul’s mother’s country and therefore he is a djungkay for this site and can depict aspects of it in his artwork.
(Location)
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The name of a billabong and wetland area belonging to the Darnkolo clan. It is a Djang for the ornate burrowing frog and considered a sacred place. It is John Mawurndjul’s mother’s country and therefore he is a djungkay for this site and can depict aspects of it in his artwork.
Kunbolk
Place, country or location.
Place
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Place, country or location.
Kuninjku
The language spoken by John Mawurndjul. Kuninjku is an eastern dialect of Kunwinjku, which is the largest variety and spoken by people at Gunbalanya. Further to the south-east of Kuninjku territory is the related dialect Kune, spoken by people who also speak Rembarrnga and Dalabon languages. Collectively, these mutually intelligible varieties are known by linguists as Bininj Kunwok.
Bininj Kunwok language
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The language spoken by John Mawurndjul. Kuninjku is an eastern dialect of Kunwinjku, which is the largest variety and spoken by people at Gunbalanya. Further to the south-east of Kuninjku territory is the related dialect Kune, spoken by people who also speak Rembarrnga and Dalabon languages. Collectively, these mutually intelligible varieties are known by linguists as Bininj Kunwok.
Kunj
Generic term for all kangaroos (or macropods). These include wallabies, antilopine kangaroos, euros, wallaroos and rock wallabies. The final “nj” is a palatal nasal sound a bit like the ‘ny’ sound in the middle of the English word ‘onion’.
Kangaroo
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Generic term for all kangaroos (or macropods). These include wallabies, antilopine kangaroos, euros, wallaroos and rock wallabies. The final “nj” is a palatal nasal sound a bit like the ‘ny’ sound in the middle of the English word ‘onion’.
Kunmadj
A name for any kind of woven container or basket. The term also includes other possessions such as blankets, mattresses and clothing.
Woven container
A name for any kind of woven container or basket. The term also includes other possessions such as blankets, mattresses and clothing.
Kunred
A home or a place where you can camp and live or where people who traditionally come to camp.
Home
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A home or a place where you can camp and live or where people who traditionally come to camp.
Kurlwirri
A giant fan palm, Corypha elata (up to 20 metres). The edible fruit are known as muludji.
Giant fan palm
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A giant fan palm, Corypha elata (up to 20 metres). The edible fruit are known as muludji.
Kurrurldul
A site which is today an outstation that was set up by John Mawurndjul’s elder brother Jimmy Njiminjuma in the early 1990s. It is an important location for a crow sacred site called Djimarr (which is also the name of another brother of Mawurndjul’s – the songman and clever man Kevin Djimarr).
(Location)
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A site which is today an outstation that was set up by John Mawurndjul’s elder brother Jimmy Njiminjuma in the early 1990s. It is an important location for a crow sacred site called Djimarr (which is also the name of another brother of Mawurndjul’s – the songman and clever man Kevin Djimarr).
Larrbba
A site on the Mann River near a large billabong at Kakodbebuldi. The site is visited to obtain the Trophis scandens vines used to make conical fish traps.
(Location)
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A site on the Mann River near a large billabong at Kakodbebuldi. The site is visited to obtain the Trophis scandens vines used to make conical fish traps.
Lorrkkon
The name for the hollow log coffins or ossuaries used in the Lorrkkon mortuary ritual (lorrk in Kuninjku means “empty”).
Hollow log coffin
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The name for the hollow log coffins or ossuaries used in the Lorrkkon mortuary ritual (lorrk in Kuninjku means “empty”).
Man-burre
Ipomoea dunlopii, a slightly woody vine climbing high in trees; closely related to Ipomea abrupta. The tubers or yams are roasted on coals before being eaten.
Woody vine species
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Ipomoea dunlopii, a slightly woody vine climbing high in trees; closely related to Ipomea abrupta. The tubers or yams are roasted on coals before being eaten.
Mandjabu
Conical fish traps made from woven Trophis scandens. These traps are placed into narrow creeks and watercourses and the sides then blocked to force fish into the narrow mouth of the trap.
Conical fish trap
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Conical fish traps made from woven Trophis scandens. These traps are placed into narrow creeks and watercourses and the sides then blocked to force fish into the narrow mouth of the trap.
Mankorlod
An outstation on a tributary of the Cadell River belonging to the yirridjdja moiety Kardbam clan. The modern outstation was founded by John Dalnga-dalnga. Previously Dangbon language people had lived there such as the family of Wally Mandarrk.The senior traditional owner today is Ivan Namirrkki. The outstation consists of several houses and an airstrip (no longer maintained).
(Location)
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An outstation on a tributary of the Cadell River belonging to the yirridjdja moiety Kardbam clan. The modern outstation was founded by John Dalnga-dalnga. Previously Dangbon language people had lived there such as the family of Wally Mandarrk.The senior traditional owner today is Ivan Namirrkki. The outstation consists of several houses and an airstrip (no longer maintained).
Manlabbarl
An expanse of water, lake or waterhole either independent of any watercourse or as part of an intermittent stream. The Kuninjku term for billabong is manlabbarl or labbarlno. Kulabbarl means “at a billabong”.
Billabong
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An expanse of water, lake or waterhole either independent of any watercourse or as part of an intermittent stream. The Kuninjku term for billabong is manlabbarl or labbarlno. Kulabbarl means “at a billabong”.
Manyilk
Manyilk (scientific name Cyperus Javanicus) is name of the paint brush sedge, flatsedge, which is often found growing near water. The stems are used to make the fine single strand paint brushes used for painting cross-hatching or rarrk. The leaves are used to make string for a dilly bag called kolbborn.
Paint brush sedge
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Manyilk (scientific name Cyperus Javanicus) is name of the paint brush sedge, flatsedge, which is often found growing near water. The stems are used to make the fine single strand paint brushes used for painting cross-hatching or rarrk. The leaves are used to make string for a dilly bag called kolbborn.
Mardayin
The name of a ceremony which is credited as the original context for the use of cross-hatching or rarrk used widely as infill in contemporary bark painting. The word also means “sacred” or “taboo”.
no English translation
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The name of a ceremony which is credited as the original context for the use of cross-hatching or rarrk used widely as infill in contemporary bark painting. The word also means “sacred” or “taboo”.
Milmilngkan
A site south of Kurrurldul and east of the Mann River and the primary outstation residence of John Mawurndjul in the dry season where he obtains inspiration for much of his art.
(Location)
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A site south of Kurrurldul and east of the Mann River and the primary outstation residence of John Mawurndjul in the dry season where he obtains inspiration for much of his art.
Mimih
Ethereal human-like spirit beings that live in the crevices and caves of the rock country. They are tall and thin and fearful of wind, which can snap their tender bodies. Mimih spirits are credited with passing on the songs and cultural stories that are part of the cultural canon of Kuninjku people today. (The final “h” in the word mimih is a glottal stop in the Kuninjku orthography – an abrupt voicing stop.)
A spirit being
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Ethereal human-like spirit beings that live in the crevices and caves of the rock country. They are tall and thin and fearful of wind, which can snap their tender bodies. Mimih spirits are credited with passing on the songs and cultural stories that are part of the cultural canon of Kuninjku people today. (The final “h” in the word mimih is a glottal stop in the Kuninjku orthography – an abrupt voicing stop.)
Moiety
In Kuninjku cosmology, the world is divided into halves or moieties. There are both patrilineal moieties (inherited through one’s father) and matrilineal moieties (inherited through one’s mother). The patrilineal moieties are known as duwa and yirridjdja. All people, land, clans and Djang emblems are classified into either moiety. The matrilineal moieties, although now less often used in Western Arnhem Land, are known as mardku and ngarradjku.
In Kuninjku cosmology, the world is divided into halves or moieties. There are both patrilineal moieties (inherited through one’s father) and matrilineal moieties (inherited through one’s mother). The patrilineal moieties are known as duwa and yirridjdja. All people, land, clans and Djang emblems are classified into either moiety. The matrilineal moieties, although now less often used in Western Arnhem Land, are known as mardku and ngarradjku.
Mukkamukka
A site upstream from Kakodbebuldi and a popular fishing place, although there are a large number of crocodiles living there. Mukkamukka belongs to the Darnkolo clan and the senior traditional owner is Owen Yalandja. John Mawurndjul is the senior djungkay. Mukkamukka is also associated with Mardayin sacred phenomena.
(Location)
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A site upstream from Kakodbebuldi and a popular fishing place, although there are a large number of crocodiles living there. Mukkamukka belongs to the Darnkolo clan and the senior traditional owner is Owen Yalandja. John Mawurndjul is the senior djungkay. Mukkamukka is also associated with Mardayin sacred phenomena.
Mumeka
A place on the Mann River. An outstation community, founded by Anchor Kulunba, was established at Mumeka in the 1970s. It is on Kurulk clan land and was the principal residence of John Mawurndjul until the mid-1990s when he then moved with his family to set up another outstation residence at Milmilngkan.
(Location)
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A place on the Mann River. An outstation community, founded by Anchor Kulunba, was established at Mumeka in the 1970s. It is on Kurulk clan land and was the principal residence of John Mawurndjul until the mid-1990s when he then moved with his family to set up another outstation residence at Milmilngkan.
Namanjwarre
The saltwater crocodile, also known as kinga.
Saltwater crocodile
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The saltwater crocodile, also known as kinga.
Namarden
Another name for Namarrkon, the lightning spirit being.
Lightning spirit being
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Another name for Namarrkon, the lightning spirit being.
Namarrkon, Ngalmarrkon
Lightning spirit beings. The male is called Namarrkon and the female Ngalmarrkon. The prefix “na–” is a male noun class prefix in Kuninjku and “ngal–” the female equivalent. Lightning spirit beings have the power to make lightning. They do this by throwing axes. For the male, the power emanates from his testicles, which is why lines of power are shown in some depictions of Namarrkon by Western Arnhem Land artists.
Lightning spirit being
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Lightning spirit beings. The male is called Namarrkon and the female Ngalmarrkon. The prefix “na–” is a male noun class prefix in Kuninjku and “ngal–” the female equivalent. Lightning spirit beings have the power to make lightning. They do this by throwing axes. For the male, the power emanates from his testicles, which is why lines of power are shown in some depictions of Namarrkon by Western Arnhem Land artists.
Namorrorddo
A malevolent spirit being associated with the yirridjdja moiety. They have light streaming in a trail behind their heads. Namorrorddo are not shooting stars, but some Bininj say that “it’s like a shooting star”. There is a different name for shooting stars but Namorrorddo are monstrous creatures with long fingernails or claws which they use to dismember their victims. They typically sit up on a rock and make a cooing sound at night.
A malevolent spirit being
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A malevolent spirit being associated with the yirridjdja moiety. They have light streaming in a trail behind their heads. Namorrorddo are not shooting stars, but some Bininj say that “it’s like a shooting star”. There is a different name for shooting stars but Namorrorddo are monstrous creatures with long fingernails or claws which they use to dismember their victims. They typically sit up on a rock and make a cooing sound at night.
Nawarramulmul
A malevolent being (or wayarra) with eyes that shine like lights.
A malevolent spirit being
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A malevolent being (or wayarra) with eyes that shine like lights.
Ngadjdjelek
Salmon catfish, also known as the fork-tailed catfish, Neoarius leptaspis.
Salmon catfish
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Salmon catfish, also known as the fork-tailed catfish, Neoarius leptaspis.
Ngaldadmurrng
The saratoga fish, Scleropages jardini, also known as the northern spotted barramundi.
Saratoga fish
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The saratoga fish, Scleropages jardini, also known as the northern spotted barramundi.
Ngalyod
The Rainbow Serpent. A female generative being associated with the storms and the tempestuous weather of the wet season.
The Rainbow Serpent
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The Rainbow Serpent. A female generative being associated with the storms and the tempestuous weather of the wet season.
Ngandarrayo
A sacred place for Kurulk and Bordoh clans on the edge of the rocky escarpment east of the Mann River. It is the focal place for the ancestral being Buluwana and the bones of those who died in a drought. Those who died at this place are now referred to as djulng, meaning “dust” or “bones”.
(Location)
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A sacred place for Kurulk and Bordoh clans on the edge of the rocky escarpment east of the Mann River. It is the focal place for the ancestral being Buluwana and the bones of those who died in a drought. Those who died at this place are now referred to as djulng, meaning “dust” or “bones”.
Ngarrbek
The echidna, also known as bambirl (Tachyglossus aculeatus).
Echidna
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The echidna, also known as bambirl (Tachyglossus aculeatus).
Ngurrurdu
The Kuninjku name for the emu.
Emu
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The Kuninjku name for the emu.
Rarrk
A painting technique particular to Arnhem Land, featuring intricate designs through the use of fine lines and cross-hatching.
Cross-hatching
A painting technique particular to Arnhem Land, featuring intricate designs through the use of fine lines and cross-hatching.
Subsection
Subsections are effectively marriage classes. There are 8 subsections and 16 names once male and female names are counted. A person’s subsection is determined by their mother’s subsection. There are 4 subsections in the yirridjdja moiety and 4 in the duwa moiety. A person must marry the subsection in the opposite moiety. The term “subsection” is more of a technical English term used by anthropologists. It is known in English as “skin name”. It is also used to refer to and address someone.
Subsections are effectively marriage classes. There are 8 subsections and 16 names once male and female names are counted. A person’s subsection is determined by their mother’s subsection. There are 4 subsections in the yirridjdja moiety and 4 in the duwa moiety. A person must marry the subsection in the opposite moiety. The term “subsection” is more of a technical English term used by anthropologists. It is known in English as “skin name”. It is also used to refer to and address someone.
Wakwak
The crow Corvus orru, also known as wak.
Crow
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The crow Corvus orru, also known as wak.
Wamba
Generic term for all sharks which are in the rivers of Kuninjku territory, particularly the two river sharks – the speartooth shark (Glyphis glyphis) and the northern river shark (Glyphis garricki) – but also the bull shark (Carcharhinus leucas).
Shark
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Generic term for all sharks which are in the rivers of Kuninjku territory, particularly the two river sharks – the speartooth shark (Glyphis glyphis) and the northern river shark (Glyphis garricki) – but also the bull shark (Carcharhinus leucas).
Wayarra
A spirit being associated with the recently dead. As John Mawurndjul describes them: “Wayarra are spirit beings. When someone dies we can see that spirit appear. Mostly we see them at night. They wander around in the night. The spirits of the dead appear at night. They will cry at night, the baby wayarra and the mother will search for them. They are just like humans.”
A spirit being
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A spirit being associated with the recently dead. As John Mawurndjul describes them: “Wayarra are spirit beings. When someone dies we can see that spirit appear. Mostly we see them at night. They wander around in the night. The spirits of the dead appear at night. They will cry at night, the baby wayarra and the mother will search for them. They are just like humans.”
Wayuk
Waterlilies, Nymphaea violacea, once an important staple food. The stems, seeds, seed heads and tubers are all eaten.
Waterlilies
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Waterlilies, Nymphaea violacea, once an important staple food. The stems, seeds, seed heads and tubers are all eaten.
Wongkorr
A type of tightly woven dilly bag that has tassels decorated with orange parrot feathers and designs painted or woven into the main body of the bag. They are worn around the necks of men in the Mardayin ceremony and hung from shade houses and other shelters afterwards. They are considered sacred objects.
Sacred dilly bag
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A type of tightly woven dilly bag that has tassels decorated with orange parrot feathers and designs painted or woven into the main body of the bag. They are worn around the necks of men in the Mardayin ceremony and hung from shade houses and other shelters afterwards. They are considered sacred objects.
Yawkyawk
Female spirit beings, sometimes described as being exactly like humans and sometimes more like mermaids, with tails like fish and long hair of bright green waterweed. They come out of the water in the evening, calling out as they walk around. There are both yirridjdja and duwa clans who associate yawkyawk with their totemic emblems.
Female water spirit beings
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Female spirit beings, sometimes described as being exactly like humans and sometimes more like mermaids, with tails like fish and long hair of bright green waterweed. They come out of the water in the evening, calling out as they walk around. There are both yirridjdja and duwa clans who associate yawkyawk with their totemic emblems.
Yibba
The name of the ornate burrowing frog, Limnodynastes ornatus.
The ornate burrowing frog
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The name of the ornate burrowing frog, Limnodynastes ornatus.
Yikarrakkal
An outstation on the Mann River south of Kakodbebuldi and north of Manmoyi. This was the principal residence of the artist Mick Kubarkku and his family.
(Location)
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An outstation on the Mann River south of Kakodbebuldi and north of Manmoyi. This was the principal residence of the artist Mick Kubarkku and his family.
Yimayhyirud
A place on the lower Liverpool River about 5 kilometres north of Kolngkadi in the extinct Kadjarngu clan estate but now owned by the Kurulk clan. Visited for fishing and for hunting pigs and magpie geese.
(Location)
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A place on the lower Liverpool River about 5 kilometres north of Kolngkadi in the extinct Kadjarngu clan estate but now owned by the Kurulk clan. Visited for fishing and for hunting pigs and magpie geese.
Yingarna
Another name for the Rainbow Serpent, often said to be the mother of all Rainbow Serpents.
Mother of all Rainbow Serpents
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Another name for the Rainbow Serpent, often said to be the mother of all Rainbow Serpents.
Yirridjdja
One of the two patrilineal moiety names, the other being duwa. Note the syllable structure is yirridj-dja (the “djdj” sequence, also called a “long stop”, straddles a syllable boundary and sounds like English “ch”).
A moiety
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One of the two patrilineal moiety names, the other being duwa. Note the syllable structure is yirridj-dja (the “djdj” sequence, also called a “long stop”, straddles a syllable boundary and sounds like English “ch”).