Sociology of Culture Commons^™

Wanji-Wanji: The Past And Future Of An Aboriginal Travelling Song, Myfany Turpin, Calista Yeoh, Clint Bracknell

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Classical Aboriginal culture in Australia consists of many different kinds of ceremonies, including travelling ceremonies that are often shared across linguistic and geographical boundaries. Each of these ceremonies is made up of dozens of different verses. Perhaps the most widely known travelling ceremony is one referred to in some areas as ‘Wanji-wanji’. This was known over half the country and dates back at least 170 years, as evidenced in eleven legacy recordings and fieldwork interviewing more than 100 people across the western half of Australia. Like any oral tradition, the names of such ceremonies vary from place to place and …