ABORIGINAL AUSTRALIA ART & CULTURE
CENTRE - ALICE SPRINGS
100% Aboriginal owned & operated
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TRADITIONAL
ABORIGINAL MUSIC
THE SONGMAN
A songman was highly regarded. He was a special performer who composed
songs to describe day-to-day events. His extensive repertoire could
be enriched by songs handed down from ancestors.
Like the skilled didgeridoo player, the songman was often asked to
perform for other groups, and was rewarded for his services. He could
be noted for his voice of varying pitch, leading others in a chorus.
There were specialist leaders in dancing as well. |
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| This was a central part of ceremonies and often involved miming, especially
of the actions of animals. The length of these songs could last several
days, weeks and even months. |
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