Page:Native Tribes of South-East Australia.djvu/760

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734
NATIVE TRIBES OF SOUTH-EAST AUSTRALIA
CH.

ground, and make two or three quick movements with the open hand towards the ground (Yantruwunta).

Sleep.—Incline the head on the open hand towards the shoulder (Wurunjerri). Incline the head upon the palm of the hand near the shoulder (Dieri)[1] Place left hand over the eyes, and incline the head on the left hand (Kuriwalu).[2] Drop the head to one side, or recline and close the eyes (Eucla).[3] Recline the head on one hand (Wolgal). Lay the head on the right hand and close the eyes (Mundainbura).[4]

Supernatural Being (Bunjil).—Make exaggerated sign for old man, then make exaggerated sign for "big," then point to the sky (Wurunjerri). Similar gestures are made by the Murring.

Thirsty.—Make the sign for "to drink," then hold out the open hand (Dieri).[1] Point to the stomach and then snap the fingers (Aldolinga).[5] Scratch the throat (Kuriwalu).[2]

To run.—Hold the arms bent at the elbows, with the hands clenched in front; then describe circles outwards, indicating the movements of legs running (Wurunjerri).

To see.—Touch the eye with the forefinger, and then point in the direction indicated (Wurunjerri). Describe a number of small circles with the finger from the eye in the direction indicated (Aldolinga).[5] Touch the eyes (Eucla).[3]Touch the eye (Wolgal).

Where? What? What is it? etc.—Place right hand at left breast palm outwards, then move it up at an angle of 45° with the horizon, hold up for a moment, and let drop; when moving the hand, jerk up the chin (Wurunjerri). Hold the right hand opposite to and higher than the shoulder, gradually turning the hand so that at last the palm is upwards; or do this so that the movement of the hand upwards and forwards only brings it level with the face (Yantruwunta). Throw up the hand higher than the head, then let it fall palm upwards (Dieri).[1]

Where are you going? Who are you?—Hold the right hand about twelve or fifteen inches in front of the shoulder, palm to front and fingers expanded, wave it quickly

  1. 1.0 1.1 1.2 Vogelsang.
  2. 2.0 2.1 J. H. Kirkham.
  3. 3.0 3.1 H. Williams.
  4. W. Logan.
  5. 5.0 5.1 Rev. H. Kempe