DKH01-002_aiwa - aiwa ‘White cockatoo’

This string figure represents white cockatoos (Sulphur-crested Cockatoo; Cacatua galerita). This string figure represents white cockatoos (Sulphur-crested Cockatoo; Cacatua galerita). White cockatoos are not eaten, and are one of very few bird species that the Awiakay sometimes keep as pets. White cockatoo frequently occurs as a character in Awiakay myths. Its feathers are used as head decoration. During the all-night song/dance cycle called Kaunjambi the singers/dancers who put white cockatoo’s feathers into their hair are believed to become spirits of the ancestors (for more on that song cycle see Hoenigman 2015a: 197-253). When this string figure is finished and the design representing white cockatoos emerges, another move is made and the white cockatoos are said to fly away. Images: 01: Darja Munbaŋgoapik showing the final design ‘white cockatoos’ 02: Darja Munbaŋgoapik showing white cockatoos who’ve flown away rita). White cockatoos are not eaten, and are one of very few bird species that the Awiakay sometimes keep as pets. . Language as given: Awiakay