TLF ID M006637
The emu and kangaroo dance (play) games among the Bibbuluk kening (Bibbulum people’s dances) were performed in Western Australia in the Vasse, Augusta, Bunbury, Murray and Swan districts and probably further north and east. The game was called yongar ngardongin by the Vasse district people. Almost all large animal and bird dances deal with the chasing and killing of the animal represented, as well as with their habits and actions. In the kangaroo dance game the performers stood in a semi-circle while two of the performers, representing the kangaroo and the hunter, began the game. Moonlit nights were chosen for this type of pastime, but the central fire also cast its light on the players. There may or may not be musicians and singers for these displays and the music was merely played for the rhythm and measure of the movements. The game is an acting dance contest whereby players undertake the roles of a hunter and a kangaroo. The Yulunga: Traditional Indigenous Games resource was developed to provide all Australians with a greater understanding and appreciation of Indigenous culture by celebrating the games that Indigenous Australians have been playing across the country for hundreds of years.