Inma board facts for kids

The inma board is a special and sacred object for some Aboriginal peoples in Australia's deserts. It's like a spiritual link that connects people to their ancestors and their ancient stories, known as the Dreaming. These boards are also believed to have magical powers.

What is an Inma Board?

An inma board is a sacred item, often made from wood. It is very important to several Aboriginal groups living in the desert regions of Australia. People believe these boards help them feel connected to their family members who lived long ago. They also connect them to the songs and stories passed down through generations.

Connecting to Ancestors and the Dreaming

For Aboriginal peoples, the inma board is a way to stay linked to their ancestors. These ancestors are spirits who created the world and everything in it. The stories and beliefs about these creations are called the Dreaming. The inma board helps people remember and honor these ancient traditions. It also helps them understand their place in the world.

Inma Boards and the Stars

Some Aboriginal communities in the Western Desert have special stories about the inma board. They believe that their ancestors, known as the Wati-kutjara, created a sacred inma board. This board is said to be represented by the dark patches of the Milky Way galaxy. They call these dark patches pulina-pulina. You can see them between the constellations of Centaurus and Cygnus in the night sky.

The Song of Creation

According to these stories, the inma board was made and then thrown into the heavens. This amazing event is remembered in special songs. One song verse tells this story:

Pulina-pulina kaduana wanala rawu janani warai.

This song helps people remember how the inma board became part of the night sky. It shows the deep connection between the land, the people, and the stars in Aboriginal culture.