Walmadjari facts for kids
| Tjiwaling, Wanaseka | |
|---|---|
| Languages | |
| English (Australian English, Aboriginal Australian English); Walmajarri | |
| Religion | |
| Australian Aboriginal religion | |
| Related ethnic groups | |
| Gurindji, Ngarinman |
The Walmadjari (also spelled Walmajarri) are an Aboriginal Australian people. They live in the Kimberley region of Western Australia. They are also known by the names Tjiwaling and Wanaseka.
What's in a Name?
The Walmadjari people use different names for themselves. This depends on which part of their group they belong to. People in the western areas often use Tjiwaling. This name is also used by their neighbors to the west.
People in the eastern areas prefer the name Walmadjari. This is their own name for themselves, also called an autonym. They might also call themselves Wanaseka to show they are different from the Tjiwaling side.
Their Language
The Walmadjari people speak the Walmadjari language. It is part of the Ngumpin–Yapa branch of the Pama-Nyungan language family. This is a large group of Aboriginal languages.
Their Traditional Lands
A researcher named Norman Tindale estimated the Walmadjari's traditional lands. These lands cover about 15,000 square miles (39,000 km2) (about 38,850 square kilometers). This area is a desert plateau. It lies south of the Fitzroy and Christmas Creek valleys.
Their land stretches from Kunkadea (Noonkanbah) east to the Cummins Range. To the south, their territory reached the Canning Stock Route at a place called Kardalapuru. At one point, a group of Walmadjari, called Ngainan, also lived in some Gooniyandi territory. This was north of Christmas Creek.
Notable Walmadjari People
- Ningali Lawford (1967–2019) was a famous actress.
- Jimmy Pike (c.1940–2002) was a well-known artist.
