Item X 37529 galgal | Burial container. Milingimbi, Eastern Arnhem Land, Northern Territory, Australia. 1930

Summary

This bark container is an example of the type made to hold the bones or ngarritjpal of a recently deceased person, however this one does not appear to have been made for this purpose. It is folded and stitched along the length of the bark and then has been sealed with beeswax. These were then painted with the madayin minytji or sacred clan pattern of the deceased. This same design would have also been painted on the chest of the deceased in association with the first rites conducted in relation to the person when they first passed away.

Local Name

galgal

Physical Description

A bark cylinder made from a single sheet of eucalyptus bark (Stringybark, Eucalytpus tetrodonta) folded over and stitched along the length and open at both ends. It is painted on the outside with natural pigments. The container has no contents.