oruntja

An unfriendly spirit of whom it was believed that it traveled about in an oaranjeringa — a whirlwind. It was on the look-out to kill people.

Among the Arrernte, mischievous spirits who are supposed to wander about more especially at night-time. There are certain places, among which a hill near Alice Springs, that people avoided after dark, lest the oruntja which dwelt there should carry him off underground.

In ceremonies, the pointing sticks on the head of the performer representing the oruntja are called inwunina.

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References

Sources

  • Spencer, Baldwin; Gillen, F. J. (1968). The Native Tribes of Central Australia. New York: Dover, p. 650.
  • Spencer, Sir Baldwin. (1904). Northern Tribes of Central Australia. London: Macmillan, pp. 496, 632.