wirrie

A charm-stick of wood or bone, and similarly to the neilyeri. It is placed inside a dead human body, and allowed to remain there until corpse is decomposed. It is then removed and wrapped in emu feathers, and surrounded by kangaroo or wallaby skin. It is regarded as the most dangerous instrument of death and requires careful handling. It may be thrust into a victim's body while he is asleep.

References

Source

  • Smith, W. Ramsey. (1932). Myths and legends of the Australian Aboriginals. New York: Farrar & Rinehart Publishers, pp. 189-190.