Kunwinjku people facts for kids
The Kunwinjku people are an Australian Aboriginal group. They are part of the larger Bininj people. They live in West Arnhem Land, which is east of Darwin, Northern Territory. The Kunwinjku often call themselves "Bininj," which means "people" or "Aboriginal people." This is similar to how the Yolŋu people refer to themselves as "Yolŋu."
Kunwinjku Language
The Kunwinjku people traditionally speak the Kunwinjku language. It is an important part of their culture and history.
Traditional Lands
The original home of the Kunwinjku people was in the hilly areas south of Goulburn Island. Their land also stretched towards Sandy Creek in the north. To the southeast, it reached the start of Cooper's Creek and parts of the King River.
A researcher named Norman Tindale estimated their traditional land to be about 7,250 square kilometers (2,800 square miles). This area included places like Jungle Creek and the headwaters of the East Alligator River. The Gumader swamps near Junction Bay and creeks east of Gunbalanya were also part of their country.
Other Names for Kunwinjku
Over time, the Kunwinjku people have been known by several different names. Some of these names were used by other groups or by early researchers.
- Gunwinggu
- Gunwingu
- Gunwingo
- Wengi, Wengei, Wengej
- Gundeidjeme
- Gundjeipmi
- Kulunglutji, Kulunglutchi
- Gundjeibmi, Gundjajeimi, Gundeijeme, Gundeidjeme
- Margulitban
- Unigangk, Urnigangg
- Koorungo
- Neinggu/Neiŋgu (a name used by the Maung)
- Mangaridji
- Mangeri
Customs and Traditions
One important tradition of the Kunwinjku people was called Dzamalag. This was a special type of ceremonial exchange or barter. It involved trading goods and gifts in a ritual way. This practice helped to build strong relationships between different groups.
