Andrea Nungarrayi Martin

Jajirrdi manu Janganpa Jukurrpa (Western Quoll & Possum Dreaming) – Yakurdyi This Jajirrdi and Janganpa Jukurrpa (western quoll [Dasyurus geoffroii] and common brush-tail possum [Tricosurus vulpecula]) Dreaming is based at Yakurdiyi, a cave and rock hole south-east of Yuendumu. There, ‘janganpa’ ancestors performed a secret/sacred ceremony to do with ‘kurdiji’ (initiation ceremonies for young men) that is based upon a ‘witi’ pole (a ceremonial spear) with ‘jinjirla’ (a white tassel) fixed to the top. This pole is a centerpiece for the ceremony and at the completion of the ceremony it is set alight. The ‘jajirrdi’ spied upon the ‘janganpa’ ceremony and when the ‘janganpa’ discovered the ‘jajirrdi’ hiding and watching them a huge fight took place between them. Neither side won the battle, and there were many casualties. The men fought but the women were not close by as it was mens business. The Janganpa forced the Jajirdi to be part of the initiation ceremony after they had finished fighting. They had a big corroboree for young men. Also the women were dancing all the night until the day break. Eventually, the ‘jajirrdi’ went back to their homeland and the possums travelled on through their country. The custodians of this Jukurrpa are Japaljarri/Jungarrayi men and Napaljarri/Nungarrayi women.