Just out of Hawker are the Yourumbulla Caves I wrote about last week. They are part of this group of rocks which have enormous significance for the local Aboriginal people.
These two peaks represent the two moiety groups in Adnyamathanha society - the Matheri and Arura. Every one belongs to one of the groups and traditionally a person could only marry someone from the other group. This tradition is still maintained by the older people.
This waterhole is very close to a tiny settlement called Nepabunna which is run by a local council. If you are interested in finding out more about these people you can go back to my blog (August 2009) where I wrote in detail about Nepabunna
The next two photos were taken in Mulkai Gorge which is an Aboriginal sacred site and only accessible through the Nepabunna Council. The Gorge formed part of the old Aboriginal travelling route from the Northern Flinders to the Southern Flinders ranges. It is a beautiful gorge and has a huge presence about it - similar to being in a huge cathedral.
These cave paintings in the gorge are many thousands of years old. They were painted by travellers through the gorge who wanted to leave messages for and to communicate with other travellers.A little like a modern community noticeboard.
These next two shots are part of a rocky complex called eagle rock. It was here that the local history of the eagle, magpie and crow took place. This story teaches about respecting your elders and has been passed on among the Adnyamathanha for many generations. The story tells how the magpie and the crow who were originally white were very disrespectful to the old eagle and he paid them back by inviting them to a party in the cave, then building a huge fire in front of the cave so that the magpie and crow were trapped and had to fly out through the fire. Consequently the magpie who left first was partly burnt, but the crow was singed so badly that he was black all over except for his eyes which are still white. The rocks at the cave site are very black from this fire many years ago.
Thank you for visiting. I would love you to leave a comment or question.
Liz Needle
beautiful water hole and very cool ancient paintings. the lore of the magpie and crow is interesting, too.
ReplyDeleteLovely to discover your blog! Thank you for sharing the photos + history of the Flinders Ranges - South Australian countryside. The Mulkai Gorge and cave paintings are beautiful and fascinating...
ReplyDeletewhat gorgeous formations and colors, looks like some great places to hike
ReplyDeleteI loved reading the story of the magpie and crow. I's not wise to anger an eagle!
ReplyDeleteI enjoyed the photos very much too.