Man, Land and Myth in North Australia. The Gunwinggu People

Based on field work at Oenpelli, South Goulburn Is. & Croker Is., 1947-1968; p.1-14; Location of traditional territory on western & southwestern side of Arnhem Land Res., population statistics, history of alien contact, territorial relationship to Maung, Wuningag, Gunbalang, Nagara, Gunavidji, Gadjalibi, Djinba, Yiwadja,; p.15-29; Relationship between myths & spirit beliefs, Rainbow Snake myth & local sites; p.30-52; Seasonal variations & food resources, cooking techniques, list of sweet & bitter edible roots, tools & utensils, canoes, brief notes on weapons, quotes myths showing natural resources, food taboos; p.53-75; Patrilineal descent, territorial ties, marriage rules, exogamy, matrilineal descent (moieties & semi-moieties), table of semimoieties & associated symbols, subsections; p.76-111; Kinship terms, rules of kin behaviour, sweetheart relationships, gives list of mortuary arrangements showing roles of kin, marriage preferences, residence patterns, seasonal movements –; p.112-148; Religion, sacred myths associated with Ngaljod, Ubar, Maraiin & Kunapipi rites, detailed description of 1) Ubar, 2) Mangindjeg, 3) Lorgun, 4) Maraiin, 5) Kunapipi rituals, magic & sorcery, trading ceremonies; p.149-187; Leadership & control, mythological parallels for good & bad behaviour, life-cycle, personal names, breaches of behaviour, betrothal & elopements, unnatural death, revenge killings, conflicts & quarrels; p.188- 209; Relations with outside world as seen in language & vocabulary, rock & cave paintings (X-ray & mimi styles), bark paintings (western Arnhem Land style), Gunwinggu & Maung speech contrasts, changes resulting from assimilation policies,; missionary work; p.210-236; Social identification, relationships between man & land, man & man, man & myth; Appendix I – List of Gunmugugur territorial units with native names & approximate locations; Appendix II – Terms of reference Appendix III Tribal or language names in Gunwinggu perspective; glossary of main Gunwinggu terms in text (c.140 terms); plates include portraits of Gunwinggu people, landscape near Oenpelli, Ubar, Maraiin & Kunapipi rituals, bark paintings of mythological subjects with details of associated myths, dates & names of artists, maps include Aboriginal maps of sacred sites in Gurudjmug, Gumadir & Margulidjban areas, tribal territories in western Arnhem Land. pp. xviii, 262 illusts Very Good plus in worn dustjacket (see image); light age tanning to page edges.