Requiem for the Departed

The maritime culture of the Macassans permeates life in the land of the Aborigines. Ancient paintings of padekawang abound in caves in Arnhem Land.

October 5, 2004

The sail at the masthead dips from side to side.
As the boat comes up from the south…
The sail unfurled at the masthead flaps in the wind.
It stands upright and flaps, as the boat goes on.
The wind tosses the sail, up on the mast,
And the masthead moves, dipping from side to side
The sail on the mast flaps, dancing, and ‘talks’ in
the wind..

(Gurmatjh Clan, Yirkala)

Fresh flowers of all colors are planted at the head o

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