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The world of the first Australians / by Ronald M. Berndt and Catherine H. Berndt.

Catalogue Information
Field name Details
Author Berndt, Ronald M. (Ronald Murray), 1916-1990
Title The world of the first Australians / by Ronald M. Berndt and Catherine H. Berndt.
Publisher and/or associated date/s Sydney : Ure Smith, 1964.
Description 509 p. : ill. ; 24 cm.
Note Includes indexes.
Bibliography Bibliography: p. [457]-481.
Contents 1. Perspective -- 2. Physical and cultural diversity -- 3. The tribes -- 4. Making a living -- 5. Trade -- 6. Growing up -- 7. The cycle of life -- 8. Men and women -- 9. The meaning of life -- 10. Symbolism in religion -- 11. Mythology -- 12. Ritual and ceremony -- 13. Songs -- 14. Artist and craftsman -- 15. Law and order -- 16. Behaving -- 17. Magic and sorcery -- 18. Death and what follows -- 19. Values -- 20. The changing world -- 21. The future.
Summary Origin, physical description, language diversity, religion, environmental differences; tribal boundaries linked with mythology, totemic centres, beliefs; Arnhem Land notes on descent, fishing spears, canoes, rafts, log canoes with Macassan-type sails; fish traps, nets; variety of weapons & artefacts; Brief notes on huts, Great Victoria Desert, Arnhem Land, R. Murray, Stirling R., Daly R. - preservation of food, fruit, fish, animal meat; Trade (Arnhem Land) - 6 main ceremonies; Djamalag, Rom, Midjan, Wurbu, Mamurung, Njalaidj; trade routes, list of goods traded; Childhood, education, initiation, marriage, agegrades, care of elderly; Spritual beliefs Djanggawul, Banaitja, Kunapipi & others, brief reference to Daramulan & Baiami (N.S.W.), Murunderi & Nepeli (S.A.); heroes of Lake Eyre, Great Victoria Desert and Kimberleys, Northern Territory tribes, relevant mythology; secular myths retold; Ritual and description of increase ceremonies, love magic rituals, dances, notes on sacred, secular, mourning and gossip songs; Artefacts, wooden carvings (W.A., N.T.), rock and cave paintings (Kimberleys); Law & order, taboos, punishment, peace making ceremony (Arnhem Land); organized meetings by Narrinyerri (mouth of R. Murray) unique, behaviour patterns, pre-marital & extra-marital sexual expression All types of magic, rainmakers, charms; Mortuary rites, types of burial (Great Victoria Desert, Arnhem Land), mourning; Foreign influence before European settlement, present day culture contact situation, land rights; Three songs from Arnhem Land in English, drawings show bark paintings, crayon drawings from Arnhem Land.
Subjects Aboriginal Australians
Other Authors &/or Associated Persons Berndt, Catherine H. (Catherine Helen), 1918-1994
Call number 305.89915 BER
EDWARDS 305.89915 BER 1964
AIA 305.89915 BER
Catalogue Information 100005736 Beginning of record . Catalogue Information 100005736 Top of page .
Item Information
Barcode Shelf Location Collection Volume Ref. Status Due Date
A00090162 305.89915 BER
General Collection   . Available to Museum Staff .  
A00090173 AIA 305.89915 BER
Australian Institute of Anatomy Collection   . Available to Museum Staff .  
A00589736 EDWARDS 305.89915 BER 1964
Edwards Collection   . Not for Loan .  
. Catalogue Record 100005736 ItemInfo Beginning of record . Catalogue Record 100005736 ItemInfo Top of page .