02/24/2007: "Banjima Man"

out there in the bush
I am emperor;
the bush is me

I have done my research, Parishioners,

and discovered that I Am Banjima Man!



Bandjima
Paanjima
Pandjima
Pand'ima
Panjima
Panjtjima
Panyjima
Panytyima


and I would tell you that in that language
if I could find anyone alive to teach me.

I would also tell you in the Secret Sign Language
that we use during "special periods" such as mourning.

In fact, I would much rather learn the Secret Sign Language
than the other one
so that we could "talk"

in secret...



BUT

Im thankan,

the white fella, he don't know,

and the neighbouring blackfellas can't understand,

and since we are the Only Lving People with either skills in- or knowledge of this language,

it's probably OK just to say it out loud.



I Am Banjima Man!

I would cry

and take a great triumphant gulp of my beer!


Yes, Banjima Man!
I would think to myself
(probably in english)
as the cool beer ran down my throat
and drew away
some of the pain from my broken heart...


I am the *last* Banjima Man...

I would silently admit

and watch the cool soothing foam
run to the bottom of my glass...


Yet I would hold my head high -
as high as even Senator Neville Bonner!

for I know the struggles My Mob have seen.


The Struggle

is never over


I shall continue.




more Banjima Man below

If all else fails,

I'z gwan eatcha!

Though the prima facie evidence of the practice of cannibalism is very meager, and any information concerning particulars is but charily given by the aboriginals, there is no doubt that this custom, though gradually becoming more and more obsolete, certainly does take place.

This is My Country

Most of my mob live over with this other Mob


Here is a
clickable map

Here is a more helpful clickable map with placenames



There are more than 200 Australian Indigenous languages. Less than 20 languages are strong, and even these are endangered. Dench (1986 p.c.) says there are about 50 speakers of Banjima.


An annotated bibliography and guide to the indigenous languages of part of Western Australia

Today many, if not most, non-Aboriginal Australians are still ignorant about Aboriginal English. In many subtle ways Aboriginal English is a powerful vehicle for the expression of Aboriginal identity.


Most of the language work done in this geographical area has been conducted in the past thirty years


Resources on The Luvverly Interwebs - but no Banjima...


Banjima Tower


Banjima Cemetary


These paintings depict totemic inhabitants of the Australian landscape in the 'dreamtime'.


Some very, very old online books available here

Here's an interesting book about my Pilbara brothers & sisters


Marriage Laws

As we have seen before, the marriage laws are very strict, and are by tribe as follows:-

1. BANAKA marries BOORONG.
Their children are PALJARRI.

2. PALJARRI marries KYMERA.
Their children are BANAKA.

3. BOORONG marries BANAKA.
Their children are KYMERA.

4. KYMERA marries PALJARRI.
Their children are BOORONG.


It has been said elsewhere that the physical features of Western Australia resemble, in many respects, those of the Holy Land.

BUT

It is scarcely necessary that I should disclaim any intention of identifying my aboriginal friends with the Lost Tribes!



I have often heard it averred that the natives are utterly wanting in a sense of humour
but here's a joke!


The Panytyima Language is nearly extinct

Wangka Maya Pilbara Aboriginal Language Centre
Wangka Maya means "Language Place" in Western Desert Languages.

Deadly Sounds from my brothers & sisters





This has particularly touched me:


During my convalescence I have been listening to a reading of Someone Else's Country on RN's The Book Show.


The audio may be found here - but be quick - I think it disappears...

'Wurrung (crow)! You my Wurrung-boy!'

On a remote cattle station a small boy begins a profound journey into an Australia few whitefellas know. The Country inside our Country. And outside and all around at the same time. Aboriginal Australia.

With Someone Else's Country Peter Docker tells a remarkable, gripping story - devastating real, painful and deeply moving, yet also joyful, intensely compassionate and absolutely hilarious. And ultimately, this is a journey into another place - a genuine meeting ground for Black and White Australia, a place built on deep personal engagement and understanding.

Someone Else's Country is a journey we feel privileged to share.

Blessings Iidren


lerevdr on Sat 24-Feb-2007 @ 16:59 e.s.t [permalink]
[2 Comments]