The Milpirri ceremony is a large-scale community performance held biennially in Lajamanu, including dance, song and fire lighting. This book is a compilation of five songs performed at this festival, with accompanying illustrations by Lajamanu youth. The songs are based on stories told by Lajamanu elders, and include themes of cultural identity, growth and rejuvenation.
The Warlpiri people are a remote community based in the Tanami Desert, and this book is a celebration of their culture. The stories have individual messages, but work together to illuminate an overall message of spiritual connection with the land, and hope for reconciliation. The Pilapakarnu (Waterbirds) story shows a coming together of animals and people to celebrate water returning to the land, when everything is 'green and fresh' and birds play in the water. There is a sense of joyfulness and rejuvenation in this story and the accompanying illustrations. The Wampana (Wallaby) story demonstrates the importance of finding strength in caring for, and helping, each other to achieve common goals.
The illustrations will engage young readers, with their portrayal of familiar Australian animals, and the use of different mediums - some are presented in coloured pencil, others with bright coloured paint. There is both a childlike innocence and a strong sense of wisdom and spiritual awareness in the illustrations. A pencil-drawn wedge-tail eagle soars through the sky in ‘Warlawurru,’ emanating strength and freedom. A bright rainbow-coloured painted heart accompanies the ‘Jarda-Warnpa’ (fire ceremony) story, portraying the power of love and forgiveness. Images of Milpirri Banners representing the Lajamanu family groups are included on the beginning page of each new story.
This book would be a valuable addition to a school or classroom library, to initiate discussion about remote Aboriginal communities and culture, the significance of ceremonies within these communities, ways of telling story, Aboriginal art techniques, and preservation of Aboriginal languages.
Overall, this book is a celebration of Warlpiri ceremony, culture, music and dance. It is a creative expression of the artistic talent and love of storytelling of this remote community. Youth workers engaged over 60 Elders, young adults and children in the development of the book at all levels, including concept, design, drawings, words and Warlpiri translation.
Aboriginal and or Torres Strait Islander Resource
