Barindji facts for kids
The Barindji (also called Parrintyi) are an Aboriginal Australian people from New South Wales. They are different from the Paaruntyi people, even though they spoke a similar language. The Barindji called the Paaruntyi the "spitting people."
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What Does "Parrintyi" Mean?
The name "Parrintyi" might mean "forest dwellers" in their language. Another idea is that it comes from the name of a creek called the Paroo. This could show old connections between the tribes.
Some Aboriginal groups along the Darling River used to call the Parrintyi "mamba," which means "devils." This was because they were scared of them.
Where Did the Barindji Live?
The Barindji people lived on a large area of land, about 23,000 square kilometers (9,000 square miles). Their land was mostly made up of mallee trees, mulga trees, swamps, and sandy areas. This land ran next to the Darling River on its eastern side.
Their southern border was near Moira, and their eastern border was close to Ivanhoe. To the west, their land included places like Manara Range, Albermarle, Carowra, Kilfera, Manfred, and the Willandra Lakes.
The Barindji shared borders with several other groups. To the north were the Naualko people. To the east were the Ngiyambaa. The Yitayita lived to their southeast. And the southern Paakantyi lived to their west.
How Were They Organized?
The Parrintyi people were organized into groups called clans or hordes. Eight of these groups are known:
- Lagerung
- Murro
- Milparo
- Boanjilla
- Pularli
- Nielyi-gulli
- Kurlkgulli
- Karndukul
Barindji Way of Life
The Barindji often found water from the roots of certain trees, like water mallee (a type of Eucalyptus) and Hakea. Because of this, their camping spots were spread out and often changed.
Living in a dry area, the Barindji had special ways to get water. During times of drought (when there was very little rain), many Barindji would move to areas near rivers that belonged to other tribes. This sometimes caused fear and arguments with the river-dwelling groups.
Their burial customs are similar to very old burials found at nearby Mungo Lake. This suggests the Barindji have lived in this area for a very long time. Early explorers like Thomas Mitchell and Charles Sturt wrote about the Parrintyi during their journeys. Later, local landowners also described them.
Other Names for Barindji
The Barindji people have been known by several other names:
- Barrengee
- Beriait, Berri-ait
- Paru, Paroo
- Bpaaroo (a creek name)
- Bpaa'roon-jee
- Bpaaroo (another Darling River creek name)
- Bpaa'roon-jee (a name used by the Maraura people for the Barindji)
