Accession No

Z 27605 A-B


Description

Bullroarer - Two wooden bullroarers, which are carved on both sides. Churinga are inscribed with sacred designs, which represent a totemic ancestor. Aboriginal women and uninitiated boys are forbidden to see them. Their meaning is only fully divulged to men who are initiated into that totem and who are of elder status. Those with a hole bored in one end (stone ones excepted), for the attachment of a cord, are called bullroarers. When whirled round, they produce a characteristic sound believed to be "spirit talk"


Place

Oceania; Australasia; Australia


Period


Source

Peacock, Albert (Dr)


Department

Anth


Reference Numbers

Z 27605 A-B; MAA: Z 27605; Z 27605 A; Z 27605 B


Cultural Affliation


Material

Wood


Local Term


Measurements


Events

Context (CMS Context)
Found: Central Australia
Event Date 28/4/1993
Author: maa


Description (CMS Description)
Two wooden bullroarers, which are carved on both sides. Churinga are inscribed with sacred designs, which represent a totemic ancestor. Aboriginal women and uninitiated boys are forbidden to see them. Their meaning is only fully divulged to men who are initiated into that totem and who are of elder status. Those with a hole bored in one end (stone ones excepted), for the attachment of a cord, are called bullroarers. When whirled round, they produce a characteristic sound believed to be " spirit talk"
Event Date 28/4/1993
Author: maa


FM:87815

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