Spencer & Gillen

A journey through Aboriginal Australia

Ornament, head

Physical Description

Two cross sticks with tuft of cockatoo feathers at the ends of each and fur string in the form of a diamond between. (Register)

Primary Comments

Local name: Pariltja. Worn on the head by a man of a snake totem group in the Urabunna tribe, during the performance of a sacred ceremony the object of which was to secure an increase in the number of the snakes. While performing the ceremony the snake man pierced the skin of each arm with one of the bones which are called "Paidni". Neither the Pariltja nor the bones may be seen by women and children. (Register) Peake, Central Australia (Register).

Rights: Museum Victoria

Object Details

Restriction
Ceremonial
Date Made
Circa Aug 1903

Subjects

Language Groups
Places

Institution

Institution
Museum Victoria
Registration
X011902

Classification

Primary Subject
Ceremonial

Physical Properties

Materials
Wood, Fibre, Animal, Pigment