TRADITIONAL ABORIGINAL MUSIC CEREMONY/CORROBOREES Aboriginal ceremonies (known to most people as corroborees) are dramatic representations, in mime and song, of the mythical history of the tribe. These ceremonies have many functions and take many forms. Click on image to enlarge There are the non-secret rituals performed in the camp at night, before an enthusiastic audience of men, women and children. A group of adult men, seated around a small fire, will chant one or another of the ancient songs, while others, their bodies decorated with strange symbols, portray , in a series of spectacular dances, the incidents in the myth. Click on image to enlarge The ceremonies of the youths, at which no fully adult male or any women are present, are the most important to the participants. In these, the young actors, their bodies decorated with the creature they represent, mime the episodes of their creation during mythical times. These rituals, many of them of considerable beauty, are the youth's first step toward their integration into the life and responsibilities of the men. Nothing is neglected in these ceremonies to teach the youths the rules and philosophy of the tribe and the obligations that accompany them; trials of fortitude and the air of secrecy that surrounds every phase of the rituals are designed so to impress the youths that neither the rituals, nor their associated meanings, will ever be forgotten. They will guide his behaviour as long as he lives. Back to Index THE SONGMAN A songman was highly regarded. He was a special performer who composed songs to describe day-to-day events. His extensive repertoire could be enriched by songs handed down from ancestors. Click on image to enlarge Various instruments click here to see distribution of sound instruments throughout Australia. Click on image to enlarge Like the skilled didgeridoo player, the songman was often asked to perform for other groups, and was rewarded for his services. He could be noted for his voice of varying pitch, leading others in a chorus. There were specialist leaders in dancing as well. This was a central part of ceremonies and often involved miming, especially of the actions of animals. The length of these songs could last several days, weeks and even months. Back to Index DANCE Dancing styles varied throughout the hundreds of tribal groups. Dancing was done with set arm, body and foot movements with a lot of foot stamping. Today this is called "shake a leg ".The best dancers and singers enjoyed wide reputations and high respect. Dances often imitated animals or birds. Serious ritual or sacred dancing was quite distinct from light hearted camp dancing that men, women and children could share. Back to Index CULTURE | DIDGERIDOO | GALLERY | EMAIL US | HOME PAGE | © Aboriginal Australia Pty Ltd