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Morning Star
‘The Morning Star is the planet Venus that rises in the east just before
dawn….(and) is also a complex set of narratives owned by many clans of
the Dhuwa moiety across Arnhem land. It links clans together and makes connections
between the clans and between the living and the dead.
The Banumbirr (Morning Star) Project Catalogue
National Maritime Museum – Sydney, 2002
Elcho Island is perhaps best known for its Banumbirr or Morning Star poles. These
unique and distinctive forms are linked to traditional Creation belief and play
an important role in ceremonies, especially burials.
There are many variations
in Morning Stars and in the stories that link them. However, while they function
on many levels of meaning and significance, they
share a core narrative, essentially linking with the creation stories of the
Djang’kau Sisters, ‘mothers’ of the Dhuwa moiety. They are
important in making a connection between clans and importantly between the
living and dead. Ultimately, the Morning Star is the resting place for Dhuwa
souls.
In July, 2002, ‘The Elcho
Island and Bandigan Morning Star Collection, a stunning exhibition
of 56 separate items was shown at the National Maritime Museum
in Sydney.
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Morning Star poles by Henry Nupurra
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