Mulluk-Mulluk facts for kids

The Mulluk-Mulluk people, also known as the Malak-Malak, are an Aboriginal group from the Northern Territory, Australia. They are one of the many First Nations groups who have lived on this land for thousands of years.

Their Language

The Mulluk-Mulluk people speak the Mulluk-Mulluk language. This language is quite unique and stands alone from other languages in the Daly River region. Sadly, by 2002, very few people still spoke Mulluk-Mulluk, with estimates of less than 10 speakers remaining.

Where They Lived

Traditionally, the Mulluk-Mulluk people lived on the northern side of the Daly River. This river was a very important part of their lives and culture.

Important Traditions and Exchange Systems

Researchers like W. E. H. Stanner learned about the special ways the Mulluk-Mulluk people traded and shared. Two important systems were called merbok and kue. The kue was a ceremonial gift exchange. It played a role in their laws and religious practices, especially around marriage.

The Merbok Exchange

The merbok system was a clever way of trading. It was more than just simple swapping. It was similar to a famous trading system called the Kula system, found in places like Papua New Guinea.

The word merbok meant both the act of trading and the item being traded. This system needed three people. A special item, called a ninymer, was given to one person. This person would keep the item for a while. Then, they would pass it on to a third person. These items were never food. The merbok items traveled along a specific trading path. This path went from north to south and involved many different Aboriginal groups. Some of these groups included the Warrai, Kungarakan, Djerait, Wogait, Ponga Ponga, Mulluk Mulluk, Madngella, Yunggor, Maranunggo, Marithiel, Marimanindji, Nangiomeri, Wagaman, and others.

Their History and Changes Over Time

The Mulluk-Mulluk people faced many challenges when European settlers arrived. Over about 50 years, they lost touch with some of their old traditions. This happened as more traders, miners, and settlers moved into their lands.

In 1884, after some conflict, the Mulluk-Mulluk people and other groups were greatly affected. Many people were displaced from their homes. Some groups gathered near new settlements or missions to get help. In 1886, a Jesuit mission was set up on the Daly River, in the heart of Mulluk-Mulluk country. The mission saw many people coming from different areas. Three years later, the mission moved inland to Hermit Hill.