Page:Native Tribes of South-East Australia.djvu/754

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NATIVE TRIBES OF SOUTH-EAST AUSTRALIA
CH.

Right hand is brought from the left shoulder across the body in front (Kuriwalu).[1]

Behind.—Place the left hand, fingers slightly closed, and palm outwards, behind the hip (Wurunjerri). Point with the hand backwards (Dieri)[2] Point with the hand extended behind the body (Aldolinga).[3] Waft the hand with the fingers open downwards and to the rear (Kuriwalu).[1]

Be quiet.—Close the hand loosely, the fingers being towards yourself, then make several motions with it downwards in front of the body (Dieri).[2] Make several short movements with the right hand in front towards the ground (Wurunjerri). Make several short movements with the right hand in front towards the ground (Yantruwunta). Make a motion with the closed fist from the mouth downwards (Aldolinga).[3]

Be quick.—Hold out the hand and arm stiffly, and rather high. Shake the hand several times as if flirting something off (Dieri).[2] Make a number of circular movements from right to left in front of the body, with the open hand, palm downwards (Aldolinga).[3] Wave the hand several times towards the body (Kuriwalu).[1] Arms brought to the front horizontally, and then extended right back (Mundainbura).[4]

Big.—Extend both arms semicircularly from the shoulders outwards, the fingers slightly crooked and separated, and at the same height as the shoulders (Wurunjerri). The hand held horizontally to the ground the approximate size intended (Dieri).[2] Strike with the clenched fist towards the ground; if for "very big" make a long stroke (Dieri).[5] Shut both hands, excepting the forefingers, with which indicate size by holding them apart (Kuriwalu).[1] Spread out the arms as if describing something large (Eucla).[6]

Bring here.—Extend the hand palm upwards, fingers a little closed, as if to receive something. Then draw the hand towards yourself (Dieri).[2]

Bring together; Collect; Heap up.—Extend the arms with the palms of the hands towards each other, then draw them towards the body several times round (Wurunjerri).

  1. 1.0 1.1 1.2 1.3 J. H. Kirkman.
  2. 2.0 2.1 2.2 2.3 2.4 Vogelsang.
  3. 3.0 3.1 3.2 Rev. H. Kempe.
  4. W. Logan.
  5. S. Gason.
  6. H. Williams.