Home > Europe > United Kingdom > England > London > Art > Dance
Aboriginal initiation ceremony
Wall Art and Photo Gifts from Mary Evans Picture Library
Aboriginal initiation ceremony
Aboriginal initiation ceremony involving tooth-avulsion called Yoo-lahng erah-ba-diahng in New South Wales. From: An account of the English colony in New South Wales Date: 1798
Mary Evans Picture Library makes available wonderful images created for people to enjoy over the centuries
Media ID 14143646
© Kings College London / Mary Evans
1798 Aboriginal Account Australians Called Camps Ceremony Colonies Colonization Colony Initiation Involving Norfolk Penal Peoples Prisoners Zealand
FEATURES IN THESE COLLECTIONS
> Europe
> United Kingdom
> England
> London
> Art
> Dance
> Europe
> United Kingdom
> England
> Norfolk
> Related Images
> Europe
> United Kingdom
> Wales
> Dance
> Oceania
> Australia
> Related Images
> Popular Themes
> Dance
EDITORS COMMENTS
This evocative image captures the essence of an Aboriginal initiation ceremony, specifically a tooth-avulsion rite called Yoo-lahng erah-ba-diahng, as documented in 1798 in New South Wales, Australia. The ceremony, which marked the transition of Aboriginal men, women, and children into adulthood, was a significant event in the social and cultural life of Indigenous peoples. The scene unfolds under the cover of night, with a group of men, women, and children gathered around a campfire. The central figure, a man with a serious expression, undergoes the tooth-avulsion ritual, a painful and symbolic process that involved the removal of a canine tooth. The tooth was often replaced with a bone or shell ornament, signifying the individual's new status and connection to the land and ancestors. The ceremony took place in the context of colonial Australia, with the English colony established in New South Wales just a few decades prior. The arrival of Europeans brought significant changes to Indigenous societies, including the introduction of diseases, displacement, and the forced labor of Indigenous peoples through transportation. Despite these challenges, Indigenous peoples continued to practice their customs and traditions, including initiation ceremonies, as a means of preserving their cultural identity. This image offers a glimpse into the rich and complex social life of Indigenous peoples in colonial Australia and sheds light on the resilience and adaptability of their communities in the face of colonization. The photograph is an invaluable historical record of this important aspect of Indigenous Australian history and culture, providing insight into the customs and traditions of Indigenous peoples in colonial Australia and their enduring connection to the land and their ancestors.
MADE IN THE USA
Safe Shipping with 30 Day Money Back Guarantee
FREE PERSONALISATION*
We are proud to offer a range of customisation features including Personalised Captions, Color Filters and Picture Zoom Tools
SECURE PAYMENTS
We happily accept a wide range of payment options so you can pay for the things you need in the way that is most convenient for you
* Options may vary by product and licensing agreement. Zoomed Pictures can be adjusted in the Cart.
