Journal of the Calvert Scientific Exploring Expedition 1896-97 written up by team leader
Lawrence Wells
(Excerpt)
“
Joanna Spring. Friday April 16……Yesterday on arrival, the camels drank a great quantity of
water, which is perfectly fresh, though hard for washing, without reducing the level. There is any quantity of
water here.
On a sand ridge to the Eastward of the
water, I discovered under two(2) bushes two(2) bundles of native implements (bull roarers) each bundle lying on some dry leaves, evidently recently placed there, with a view of keeping them from the ravages of white ants. They were each about eighteen(18) inches long, flat and rounded off at the ends, with a hole at one end. These are used in connection with some of the mystic ceremonies of the natives, and I have been informed by the natives that women must not see them. They were curiously marked, and most, if not all, were of different patterns. They ranged in appearance from about new to very old ones. The two separate bundles suggest that they belong to members of two different families. I ascertained that, as in other parts, they are divided into four(4) families, by which division their marriage laws are guided. I took possession of the best made implements. Sandy says they are used in connection with the initiation of
young men, and that one of these is used for each
young man during the ceremony. He says the older “bull roarers” belong to old men. Apparently these are kept sacred as a record, and for use during these ceremonies. I hope the loss of those which I have taken will not mean anything serious to
the desert natives………”
So taking things for ones own keepsake is an ongoing practice from ancient times. These days it seems to be historic markers and road signs……..
The journal is quite a good read. The expedition was sponsored by Albert Calvert of London to fill in all the blank spaces of Australia. The expedition commenced in May 1896 at Nannine Station( south west of
Meekatharra) and concluded in June 1897 at
Derby. Their journeys took them north east and criss-crossed what was to become the
Canning Stock Route some 10 years later. It was a hard slog by all accounts and two members died of thirst when they went off on a side expedition.
It certainly puts ideas into ones head about going out there to do some more exploring.
The journal s available from the ExplorOz
Shop