Dangu people facts for kids
The Dangu (also called Dhaŋu or Dhangu) are an Aboriginal Australian people. They live in Arnhem Land, a region in the Northern Territory of Australia. The Dangu are one of many groups known as the Yolŋu people. It's important to know that the Dangu are different from another group called the Djaŋu, even though their names sound similar.
Two important groups within the Dangu people are the Rirratjingu and Galpu clans.
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Dangu Traditional Lands
The Dangu people's traditional lands are located around Yirrkala Mission, Cape Arnhem, Melville Bay, and Port Bradshaw. These areas are all found in Arnhem Land.
How Dangu Society Works
Like all Yolŋu societies, the Dangu people are organized into groups called clans. These clans speak similar dialects, which are like different versions of the same language. The Dangu identify as one group because they all use the same word for the demonstrative pronoun "this."
Their society is divided into two main parts, called moieties. These are the Dhuwa and Yirritja (or Jiritja) moieties. Each Dangu person belongs to either the Dhuwa or Yirritja moiety.
Dangu Clans by Moiety
The Dangu people are divided into several clans, with some belonging to the Dhuwa moiety and others to the Yirritja moiety.
Dhuwa Moiety Clans
- Galpu (also known as Gälpu, Galbu, or Kalpu)
- Golumala
- Ngajimil (also known as Ngayimil, Ngeimil, or Makkanaimulmi)
- Rirratjingu (also known as Rirraljinga, Riraidjango, Wurrulul, Woralul, or Urorlurl)
Yirritja Moiety Clans
- Lamami (also known as Lamumiri)
- Wanguri (also known as Wangurri, Wonguri, or Wan:guri)
Dangu Stories and Legends
The Gälpu clan has many important stories, including one about Wititj. Wititj is a huge ancestral rainbow serpent. In their legends, Wititj creates thunder and lightning as it moves across the land. This powerful serpent is also connected to calm freshwater places, like rivers and billabongs. These are special places where spirits are believed to live, often among water lilies and palm trees.
Other Names for Dangu
Sometimes, the Dangu people are also referred to as Yirgala. This name comes from a place, Yirrkala, which is an important area for them.
Well-Known Dangu People
Many Dangu individuals are well-known for their contributions to Aboriginal culture and art.
- Djalu Gurruwiwi: He was a highly respected elder and a master maker and player of the yiḏaki. He belonged to the Galpu clan. Many other members of the Gurruwiwi family are also important cultural figures.
- Marika family: Many members of the Marika family are famous artists, leaders, and cultural figures. They belong to the Rirratjingu clan.
