ABSTRACT
In this section of the Djanggawul epic, most of the songs refer symbolically to the removal of people from the Sisters’ wombs, and to long feathered strings which are spread out, leading to various places associated with the Djanggawul. The significance of these strings, made from the breast down of the parakeet, or from goose feathers, has already been discussed in some detail. Here, however, the strings symbolize also umbilical cords—the directions in which they radiate indicate the places at which people will later be left. This hidden theme is pursued through most of the section, until towards the end (that is, in Songs 115 and 116) definite reference is made to the removal of the people. Although this removal of the first people has already received specific mention, at least symbolically, the emphasis has been on their rangga at the expense of their human quality. Here, however, the stress is on the latter. A few Aborigines go so far as to say that prior to Songs 115 and 116 only rangga were removed; but this is a literal, and not a comprehensive interpretation. These songs rely heavily on reiteration, and in this lies their peculiar charm and beauty. It is, moreover, quite impossible to reproduce here the play on words found in the original songs. We have tried to indicate this in the notes to the texts, but it really requires separate and detailed analysis. For example, special words are chosen because of their association with certain others and with the relevant theme; and a great number of words have alternate meanings, which vary subtly according to context.
