The Ngadjonji Tribe

The Ngadjonji originally occupied an area of upland rainforest country at the headwaters of the Russell and North Johnstone Rivers in north east Queensland, Australia. Their original language is Dyirbal or Jirrbal.

The Ngadjonji told stories that would describe volcanic activity, changes in sea-level, and changes in vegetation. One of these stories explains that two newly-initiated men broke a taboo and angered the rainbow serpent, major spirit of the area. As a result 'the camping-place began to change, the earth under the camp roaring like thunder. The wind started to blow down, as if a cyclone were coming. The camping-place began to twist and crack. While this was happening there was in the sky a red cloud, of a hue never seen before. The people tried to run from side to side but were swallowed by a crack which opened in the ground. This explained volcanic eruption.

Large tribes tend to hold around 200-250 people while the smaller family tribes tend to have around 20-25. Marriages were usually arranged and were between two of the same tribe. Women are to carry all of the baggage and to do all of the hard work. She has to gather, cook, and build, besides bearing and caring for the children.

While gathering food, the Ngadjonji would take poisonous plants and, using complicated methods, would make them edible. The main meal of the day was when the hunting and gathering parties returned. While small food items were cooked quickly at the edge of the campfire, large game or fish were cooked in an earth oven.

When someone died, the body was placed on a platform about 2m above the ground with a small, very smoky fire lit under it and kept burning so that as the body juices ran out so that it was smoke-dried and preserved. While the body was being smoked, certain near relatives had the privilege of smearing themselves with ashes and standing under the dear departed and allowing the drips to fall on them. When the process was complete certain near relatives were supposed to carry certain specified parts with them in a dilly bag at all times for a set period.

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