Murdudjurl

We met Sylvia, a member of the Murdudjurl community for our cultural tour. She showed us a digital slideshow of some of the ways of life of her clan. This included images of how to bake turtle, both long-necked and pig-nosed, and killing a snake by biting its head off. I asked if members of the community have ever not wanted to eat meat, but she said this was the case only for individuals adopted in white families. I guess if I'd been born in the unforgiving bush I'd be eating turtles rather than veggie burgers.

Sylvia spoke English pretty well, although it was her second language. She had a very gentle manner, and made us feel welcome. We wandered down to the river at the rear of the community and saw a croc basking in the sun. In the wet season they lost 6 of their dogs to crocs, as the water comes up so much closer and the dogs go too close to the edge.

Our final activity was to weave a bracelet. The clan collect fibres from I think the pandanus plant, then dye them with natural dyes. Using a central bunch of fibres, we then did a blanket stitch around them, pulling it as tight as possible for neatness. I managed to complete mine, but Leon got in a muddle and abandoned his. It was a nice way to round off the afternoon.