|
A member of
the University of Adelaide took a recording of Adnyamathanha men
in 1966. This is the description of the song:
"The singers were in their sixties apart from one old man who was over
100 years old. With all the songs there is a lengthy regular rhythm with
accompanying beat, sometimes including chest tapping, for most of the
verse. The voice is low and rich with sometimes a croaking or almost a
hoarse quality." (Education Department of S. A. 1992: 92)
|
Initiation
ceremonies were big affairs and often involved the extended family. It was
a good time for large groups to meet and exchange information, discuss such
things as marriage arrangements and settle disputes. Ceremonies were often
used to control the land, for example, rain making. Unfortunately these
ceremonies ceased when the Europeans came and placed the Aborigines in missions
or imposed Western religious beliefs upon them. |
