DFJ2015

Title: Message Sticks Nanhthi Mak video

Description: Uploaded to YouTube on 5 March 2025.

Description from Wadeye People and Culture: "Message sticks were sent to neighbouring clans to inform them of an upcoming ceremony and to bring some boys for initiation and dancers. The messengers were allowed to travel around freely without danger of attack. When people wanted to visit another clan they lit fires on the way to tell them people were coming for a visit rather than an enemy attack."

Text within video:

00:01: Message Sticks Nanhthi Mak (Mark)

00:08: Language Murrin Patha Bring Young Men and People for Dancing at a Ceremony

6:56: CREDITS Cultural Knowledge Holders

Dudhawa Frank Jinjair (Dimgek)

Mayi Nguyngitjinnang Clan

(Wakal Thinang)

Language Djaminjung

Melvuyen Claver Dumoo Wuynbu

Ma Thangarral Lambu Tjendi

Malimandi Rak Yenmungiririni

(Perrederr)

Language Marri Tjevin

Creator of Object: Dudhawa Frank Jinjair

Date Created: 2015

Notes on date created: 1st Nov 2015 is the date of recording. Uploaded to YouTube in 2025

Place Created: Wadeye

Item type: footage of a message stick

State/Territory: NT

Linguistic area 1: Chirila: Jaminjung Austlang: N18 - Jaminjung Glottolog: jami1236

Linguistic area 2: Chirila: no code Austlang: N161 - Marri Tjevin Glottolog: mari1421

Linguistic area 3: Chirila: no code Austlang: N158 - Murrinh-kura Glottolog: murr1261

Coordinates: 14°14'29.799600"S,129°31'14.901600"E  (-14.241611, 129.520806)

Notes on coordinates: Absolute coordinates for Wadeye

Notes: 22.05.2025 PK: Note that Frank Jinjair is the man left in the headband, and Malviyin Claver Dumoo is on the right, as confirmed by John Mansfield. Jeff Hardwick contacted PK on 20.05.2025: "Hi Piers, a friend sent me your ABC Radio talk on message sticks. Have always been fascinated by them. Attached a link for a video of these two old men in their 80s at Wadeye. Frank Jinjair who is Murin Kura language from the Fitzmaurice River learnt Djaminjung where he was born on Legune Station. He made these message sticks from Cypress pine. Wonderful. Went to Armidale Teachers College in the 70s. Regards Jeff Hardwick Batchelor NT Watch "Message Sticks Nanhthi Mak" on YouTube" PK replied on 21.05.2025: "Hi Jeff, This is absolutely terrific! Are you able to tell me what date you made this video, or at least what year? And could I include it in the Australian Message Stick Database? As it happens I live practically next door to the Armidale Teachers College, which is now the New England Conservatorium of Music but everyone still calls it the Teachers College. All the best, Piers" Jeff Hardwick replied on 21.05.2025: "Thanks glad to hear someone who digs message sticks. Video was recorded on 1st Nov 2015 in Murrin Patha. Also have versions in Djaminjung and Marri Tjevin. Yes put it on the database. Will send some photos on my other email. Please send a link. Have always been interested in totemic designs that have huge cosmic meanings. How indigenous people compressed this into something that looks simple but is not simple but complex. Like to promote Wadeye as too much focus on Arnhem Land. Cheers Jeff" PK replied on 21.05.2025: "Hi Jeff, If these two men are still alive I would love to meet them in Wadeye. If you're able to send those additional versions in Djaminjug and Marri Tjevin, please do, or add them to YouTube. Please also send the images. I'm very happy to promote Wadeye and I can send a link when the database is reissued in its updated version. This can take up to 6 months because it's a bit of a technical headache. All the best, Piers" Jeff Hardwick replied on 21.05.2025: "Yes they are still alive but frail. Frank got smashed in the face years ago with a kangaroo jack and damaged nerves. He is a respected lawman. Real old school. Claver is frail but still with it like Frank. He was more a hunter, didge player but very clever craftsman. Most old people gone now. If you want to go to Wadeye sometime won't be a problem. Have a lot of friends there. We are going to Barunga Festival on 6th June. Driving out to Wadeye in the bush holiday 26th June from Batchelor. Will send other videos later. Photo is my friend Mayili Gregory Munar who is a lawman, frontman for lirrga dance group and TO for his country. Marri Ngarr language. Top culture man. Also ALO police. Cheers Jeff" Jeff Harwick replied on 21.05.2025: "The message sticks [attached photographs] are to ask people to come for a boys initiation ceremony. Bring boys for initiation and men and women for dancing. Was thrilled when Frank pulled them out of his bag and gave them to me. Put on database. Cheers Jeff"

Media Files:

Data Entry: Piers Kelly