Murrinh-Patha facts for kids

The Murrinh-Patha people, also known as Murinbata, are an Aboriginal Australian group. They live in the Northern Territory of Australia.

Murrinh-Patha Language

Murrinh-Patha is a language spoken by about 2,500 people. It is very important because it acts as a common language for several other groups. Some of these groups, like the Mati Ke or Maridjabin, have languages that are no longer spoken or are in danger of disappearing. The Murrinh-Patha language is unique and not clearly related to other languages.

Traditional Lands

The Murrinh-Patha's traditional lands stretch inland from Wadeye, which used to be called Port Keats. Their land goes east towards the Macadam Range. To the south, their territory reached Keyling Inlet and the mouth of the Fitzmaurice River. Over time, they expanded south and welcomed the Muringura people into their community.

Community Groups

The Murrinh-Patha people are made up of eight main groups. One of these groups is called the Nagor.

Important Ceremonies

The Murrinh-Patha people have a special ceremony that uses a bullroarer. This ceremony is secretly known as Karwadi, but publicly it is called the Punj.

This ceremony helps young men learn important lessons. It teaches them about the Dreamtime, which is a time when amazing events happened that shaped the world and how people should live. The ceremony helps the community remember these important stories and traditions.

The Karwadi ceremony can last for one to two months. People from different family groups in nearby clans take part. This final stage of initiation helps young men become mature members of the community. Karwadi is a secret name for "The Mother of All" or "The Old Woman." A key part of the ceremony is showing the young men her special symbol, the ŋawuru (bullroarer).

During the ceremony, young men are taken to a special ceremonial ground. Older, initiated men sing and chant. They call out the secret name of the Mother of All. The young men are then asked to eat alone and are cared for by adult men.

At sunrise, the young men return to the ceremonial ground. From this point, only the adult men guiding the ceremony can speak to or see them. Everyone continues to sing, and sometimes the men playfully jostle each other.

Other Names for the Murrinh-Patha

The Murrinh-Patha people are also known by several other names:

• Murinbada
• Karama (which might mean 'water folk')
• Garama, Karaman
• Murinkura (This name might mean 'water language.' Some believe the Murrinh-Patha absorbed this group.)
• Nagor
• Nangu
• Mariwada
• Mariwuda