Spencer & Gillen

A journey through Aboriginal Australia

Quabara Echunpa of Ariala, Alice Springs

Physical Description

Possibly ceremony of two Echunpa Ceremony, Aranda, probably Alice Springs. Bundle of leafy branches on ceremonial ground. Two dancers with headresses emerge from rocks in background, and disappear. Two dogs then two dancers with splendid headresses, with 3 ft tall decorated poles sticking up, at least 3 on each headress. Two undecorated men join dancers as they dance around leafy branches. Decorated dancers squat down at leaves - other men come in and release them. (e) the two dancers dance holding leaves. Two decorated dancers again amongst rocks in background. Group of other men in foreground. Two decorated dancers approach leaves - squat down at leaves and are released by two other men.

Primary Comments

Spencer writes 'Quab Echunpa of Arialla (Temple bar). Two men who sat down at Temple bar & carried Churinga on heads. Eat Echunpa & other lizards & also Anadana (cinemat).' (XM5856: 48)

Rights: Museum Victoria

Moving Image Details

Restriction
Ceremonial
Date Made
10/05/1901
Creator
State
Northern Territory

Subjects

Language Groups
Totems
Places

Institution

Institution
Museum Victoria
Registration
sgfilm010

Classification

Ceremony Type
Totemic