Page:Native Tribes of South-East Australia.djvu/756

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NATIVE TRIBES OF SOUTH-EAST AUSTRALIA
CH.

Dead; Death.—Make a mark along the ground by drawing the finger along (Dieri).[1] Bring the hands together, then make a movement with them as if concealing something (Dieri).[2] Stoop a little, and then pat the ground with the back of the hand (Yantruwunta).

Doctor; Medicine-man.—Draw the head in between the shoulders, then draw the forefinger down the nose; cross the arms over the breast, and stroke down each arm with the other, finally passing each arm over the stomach (Dieri).[1]

Distance; Far off.—If near, point a little way off; if far off, point to the horizon (Wurunjerri). Incline head backwards and stick out upper lip (Eucla).[3]Close at hand, in the camp, point to ground. Near, point to horizon. Far off, point to direction at a high altitude (Wolgal).

Drink; Drinking.—Imitate lifting water to the mouth with the hand (Wurunjerri). Place the thumb and forefinger of the right hand together like a scoop, and carry the hand up to the mouth (Dieri).[1] Throw the head back, and carry the hand up to the mouth (Kuriwalu).[4]

Eat.—Lift the hand to the mouth, as if conveying food (Dieri).[1]

Enemy (wild blackfellow). — First make the sign for man, then make that for distance (Wurunjerri). Right hand open, and palm downwards. Move it two or three times vertically in front of the body, then repeat the same at the right side (Kuriwalu).[4] Place the hand, palm outwards, in front of the face, then turn it several times from inwards to outwards (Aldolinga).[5]

Emu.—Hold the hand out with the forefinger and little finger extended, the thumb and the other fingers closed (Dieri).[1]

Enough. — Hold out the hands as in the sign for "big," then point to yourself and make the sign for "none" (Wurunjerri). Tap the stomach several times with the flat hand, then wave the hand with the finger spread outwards (Dieri).[1] Tap the mouth with the open hand, then wave the hand (Kuriwalu).[4]

  1. 1.0 1.1 1.2 1.3 1.4 1.5 Vogelsang.
  2. S. Gason.
  3. H. Williams.
  4. 4.0 4.1 4.2 J. H. Kirkham.
  5. Rev. H. Kempe.