A wooden object which makes a loud noise when whirled around, used in Aboriginal rituals and considered to be sacred.
two men come towards them, stamping, biting their beards, and swinging the witarna
Example sentencesExamples
When the cutting is over, two men take the witarnas, and swing them rapidly round their heads, advancing all the time towards the young men.
The women and children were not allowed to see the witarna; when the instrument sounded no women were to approach.
As they reach the lads, each man puts the string of the witarna over the neck of every lad in succession.
All these ceremonies are carefully kept from the sight of the women and the children; who, when they hear the sound of the witarna, hide their heads and exhibit every outward sign of terror.
The witarna is kept by the old men of the tribe, and is invested with sundry and somewhat contradictory attributes.
Origin
Mid 19th century: from Banggala (an Aboriginal language) widarna.