article

Qualifications of Adulthood: Tiwi invoke the power of a yam

Natural HistoryLXXII (4) • Published In 1963 • Pages: 10-17

By: Goodale, Jane C. (Jane Carter).

Abstract
This article discusses the three-day Kulama ceremony of the Tiwi - a formal initiation into adulthood centering around the ritual preparation of a toxic yam. There is no set age for initiation. The instruction lasts six years and the initiates must participate in six Kulama rituals. An important feature of the ritual is the composition of songs and several examples are given.
Subjects
Ceremonial during infancy and childhood
Puberty and initiation
Majority
Food preparation
Music
Dance
Ethnobotany
Fire
culture
Tiwi
HRAF PubDate
2009
Region
Oceania
Sub Region
Australia
Document Type
article
Evaluation
Creator Type
Ethnologist
Document Rating
5: Excellent Primary Data
Analyst
Joan Steffens ; 1963
Field Date
1954, 1962
Coverage Date
1900-1962
Coverage Place
Tiwi Islands, Northern Territory, Australia
Notes
Jane C. Goodale
LCCN
20020046
LCSH
Tiwi (Australian people)