Central Australian women’s traditional songs: keeping yawulyu/awelye strong

Abstract

Yawulyu (in Warlpiri and Warumungu) and awelye (in Arandic XE “Arandic” languages) are cognate names for Australian Aboriginal women’s country-based ceremonies in central Australia. Ceremonial performances constitute a collective expression of knowledge surrounding the particular country, lifestyles, and Dreaming stories to which the ceremonies relate. This knowledge is presented in different modalities including song text, rhythm, melody, movement (gesture, dance), ritual designs, ritual objects, and spatial organization and orientation. This chapter discusses various issues and ideas concerning the sustainability of the tradition. It draws on extensive published literature, the authors’ fieldwork in the area over many years, and a series of interviews conducted as part of the Sustainable Futures project.